Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/packt-digital-forensics-for-pentesters-hands-on-learning-f4gfm
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, penetration testers often find themselves needing to go beyond simply finding vulnerabilities. Understanding what happens *after* a breach, or how to investigate suspicious activity, is a crucial skill. That’s where digital forensics comes in, and the Coursera course “Digital Forensics for Pentesters – Hands-On Learning” is an excellent resource for gaining these vital skills.
This course truly lives up to its name, offering a comprehensive and practical guide to digital forensics specifically tailored for penetration testers. It begins with the foundational step of setting up your own dedicated forensic lab environment using VirtualBox. You’ll be guided through the process of creating virtual machines for essential operating systems like CSI Linux, Kali Linux, and Windows 10, ensuring you have a safe and controlled space for your investigations.
The hands-on aspect is where this course truly shines. You’ll get to grips with powerful forensic tools, including Kali’s specialized Forensic Mode, the versatile Autopsy for analyzing disk images, and the invaluable Shodan for uncovering internet-connected devices. The syllabus covers a wide range of critical topics. You’ll learn how to acquire and meticulously analyze forensic disk images, manage digital forensics cases effectively using tools like the WebMap Nmap Dashboard, and conduct thorough Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations with tools like CSI Linux Investigator and Sherlock.
Furthermore, the course delves into computer forensics techniques, showing you how to examine external devices, extract sensitive information like Wi-Fi credentials from Windows registry copies, and even explore the fascinating world of reverse engineering and malware analysis using Ghidra, with a look at notorious cases like WannaCry. Steganography, the art of hiding information, is also covered, teaching you how to use tools like Steghide and EXIFtool. For network investigations, Wireshark is demystified, allowing you to capture and analyze network traffic to uncover hidden clues.
Perhaps the most satisfying part of the course is the “Practice What You Learned” module. This section provides practical Capture the Flag (CTF) exercises, allowing you to apply all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course in realistic scenarios. It’s a fantastic way to solidify your understanding and build confidence.
**Recommendation:**
If you’re a penetration tester looking to expand your skillset into the realm of digital forensics, or if you’re simply curious about how digital investigations are conducted, I highly recommend “Digital Forensics for Pentesters – Hands-On Learning.” The combination of clear video tutorials, practical labs, and a well-structured syllabus makes it an invaluable asset for anyone serious about cybersecurity.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/packt-digital-forensics-for-pentesters-hands-on-learning-f4gfm