Cybersecurity Basics & Ethical Hacking

This instructor-led program delivers a practical introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals and ethical hacking techniques, equipping participants with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to understand, identify, and mitigate security threats. Designed for IT professionals, system administrators, analysts, and aspiring security specialists, the program emphasises real-world tools and scenarios to develop practical cybersecurity skills.

Participants will learn to think like attackers to better defend systems while understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that guide responsible security testing.

Overview

Duration & Delivery

• Format: Instructor-led training (Online or In-Person)

• Duration: 5 Days

• Includes: Lectures, live demos, hands-on labs, practical exercises, course materials

• Instructor: Certified cybersecurity professional with industry experience

Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand core principles of cybersecurity and risk management

• Identify common vulnerabilities and attack vectors

• Explain the phases of ethical hacking and penetration testing

• Apply security best practices to systems and networks

• Use industry-standard tools for reconnaissance, scanning, and exploitation

• Analyze and interpret security assessment results

• Recognize legal and ethical considerations in penetration testing

• Plan the next steps for further cybersecurity certifications or roles

Program Features

• Structured, instructor-led delivery with clear learning paths

• Hands-on labs using real-world tools and scenarios

• Live demonstrations of ethical hacking techniques

• Coverage of reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting

• Discussion of security frameworks, compliance, and risk management

• Emphasis on legal, ethical, and responsible hacking practices

• Delivered by a certified cybersecurity professional

Detailed Course Schedule

Day 01: Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals

• Overview of cybersecurity landscape and threats

• Key principles: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA Triad)

• Risk management concepts

• Security frameworks and compliance (ISO, NIST)

• Defensive security best practices

Outcome: Foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and risk management strategies.

Day 02: Ethical Hacking Concepts and Legal Considerations

• What is ethical hacking?

• Penetration testing lifecycle and methodology

• Reconnaissance and information-gathering techniques

• Rules of engagement, legal boundaries, and responsible disclosure

• Case studies of real-world breaches

Outcome: Clear understanding of ethical hacking processes and legal/ethical responsibilities.

Day 03: Reconnaissance and Vulnerability Scanning

• Active and passive reconnaissance techniques

• Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools and methods

• Vulnerability scanning fundamentals

• Hands-on labs using tools like Nmap and OpenVAS

• Interpreting scan results and prioritizing risks

Outcome: Ability to conduct reconnaissance and identify vulnerabilities using industry-standard tools.

Day 04: Exploitation Techniques and Defensive Countermeasures

• Common attack vectors: web, network, system, social engineering

• Exploitation fundamentals and controlled demonstrations

• Password attacks, privilege escalation, lateral movement

• Hands-on practice with safe, simulated exploits

• Defensive strategies and hardening systems

Outcome: Awareness of exploitation techniques and methods to defend against them.

Day 05: Reporting, Risk Mitigation, and Next Steps

• Documenting findings and writing security assessment reports

• Communicating risks to stakeholders

• Risk mitigation planning and remediation

• Career paths in cybersecurity and recommended certifications

• Review session, Q&A, and wrap-up discussion

Outcome: Skills to report security findings, communicate risks, and plan further learning.

Hands-On Learning Approach

• Live instructor demonstrations of hacking tools and techniques

• Guided labs with real-world scenarios in safe environments

• Interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises

• Tools explored may include: Nmap, OpenVAS, Metasploit, Burp Suite

• Emphasis on ethical and legal practices throughout

Equip yourself or your team with practical, ethical hacking skills to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of computer systems and networking

• No advanced security experience is required

• IT professionals and system/network administrators

• Security analysts and engineers

• Developers seeking secure coding awareness

• Technical managers overseeing IT security

• Students and career changers interested in cybersecurity

• Anyone wanting a strong, practical foundation in ethical hacking

Who Should Attend?

Certification Readiness

This program provides foundational preparation for industry-recognized certifications such as:

• CompTIA Security+

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) (introductory exposure only)

• CompTIA PenTest+