Cybersecurity (Defense)

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to modern penetration testing, covering both technical and human attack vectors within the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. It defines core concepts, outlines the universal eight-step pen test methodology, and differentiates it from related security assessments. Learners will explore various reconnaissance, scanning, and enumeration techniques using industry tools, including port scanning, vulnerability scanning, and gathering intelligence from open-source information. The module emphasizes practical applications, demonstrating real-world examples from web and mobile application analysis, cloud security auditing, and exploiting common vulnerabilities like XSS and misconfigured databases. Additionally, it highlights social engineering, physical intrusion, and malicious hardware, concluding with essential vulnerability reporting and defensive strategies.