Ethical Hacking

Offered by: N&N Cyber Pathways Institute
Duration: 8–10 Weeks (Instructor-Led / Online or Hybrid)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisites:

• Basic understanding of networking, operating systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals.

Course Overview

The Ethical Hacking course trains learners to think like hackers—but ethically. Participants learn how to identify vulnerabilities, exploit weaknesses safely, and protect systems from malicious attacks. The course emphasizes hands-on practice with industry-standard tools, preparing learners for careers in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and cyber defense.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand ethical hacking principles and legal considerations.

• Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration tests.

• Use hacking tools to identify and exploit system weaknesses.

• Secure networks, web applications, and systems from real-world attacks.

• Prepare for professional certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker).

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking

• Definition and scope of ethical hacking

• Legal and ethical considerations

• Hacker types: Black Hat, White Hat, Grey Hat

• Overview of the hacking process and methodology

Module 2: Reconnaissance and Footprinting

• Gathering information about targets

• Open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques

• Scanning and enumeration basics

• Tools: Nmap, Whois, Maltego

Module 3: Scanning and Vulnerability Analysis

• Network scanning techniques

• Identifying vulnerabilities in systems and applications

• Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS, Nikto

• Analyzing results and prioritizing risks

Module 4: System Hacking and Exploitation

• Understanding system vulnerabilities

• Exploiting Windows and Linux systems

• Privilege escalation techniques

• Password attacks and cracking methods

Module 5: Malware Threats and Social Engineering

• Types of malware: viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware

• Phishing, pretexting, and human manipulation

• Preventive measures and awareness campaigns

Module 6: Network Hacking

• Attacking wired and wireless networks

• Packet sniffing, session hijacking, and Man-in-the-Middle attacks

• Securing networks against intrusions

• Tools: Wireshark, Aircrack-ng, Ettercap

Module 7: Web Application Hacking

• Common web vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10)

• SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and CSRF

• Exploitation and defense strategies

• Tools: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP

Module 8: Penetration Testing Methodology

• Planning and scoping a pen test

• Conducting tests safely and ethically

• Reporting vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies

• Real-world penetration testing scenarios

Module 9: Capstone Project

• Conduct a full penetration test on a simulated environment

• Identify vulnerabilities and propose fixes

• Submit a professional penetration test report

• Presentation and peer/instructor feedback

Course Features

• Hands-on labs and hacking simulations

• Guidance from certified ethical hacking professionals

• Real-world scenarios to develop practical skills

• Certificate of Completion from N&N Cyber Pathways Institute

• Preparation for CEH or other ethical hacking certifications

Assessment

• Quizzes after each module

• Practical lab exercises

• Final penetration testing capstone project