Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/hands-on-penetration-testing-labs-30/
For aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals alike, practical experience is paramount. Theory only gets you so far; it’s the hands-on application of skills that truly solidifies understanding and prepares you for real-world challenges. This is precisely where Udemy’s ‘Hands-on Penetration Testing Labs 3.0’ shines.
This course, independent of its predecessors, plunges you directly into the trenches of penetration testing. The instructor’s philosophy is clear: minimal theory, maximum practical application. This approach is particularly valuable for those aiming for certifications like the OSCP, where demonstrable hands-on skills are crucial. The emphasis is on mastering the tools and techniques used daily by penetration testers.
**Prerequisites and Setup:**
To get started, you’ll need a stable internet connection and a computer capable of running at least two virtual machines. While 8GB of RAM is suggested, the instructor notes that more is always better, especially for building advanced lab environments. Ideally, 16GB or 32GB of RAM with a decent processor will provide a smoother experience. The course utilizes VirtualBox as the hypervisor, with Kali Linux – an industry-standard penetration testing OS – and several intentionally vulnerable virtual machines provided. All the necessary software is free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone.
**What You’ll Learn:**
The curriculum is packed with essential pentesting skills. You’ll delve into enumeration, vulnerability scanning, and both automated and manual exploitation techniques. Specific topics covered include port scanning, service enumeration, local file inclusion, web directory brute-forcing, buffer overflows, exploit development, SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), various types of reverse shells, and local privilege escalation methods, among others. The course aims to simulate adversarial activity through practical exercises.
**Relevance and Support:**
While the course content was current as of June 2019, the instructor acknowledges that technology evolves. They wisely advise students that minor software differences might occur, but these should be manageable with quick Google searches or by leveraging the course’s Q&A and messaging system. A key takeaway is the encouragement for students to troubleshoot independently, recognizing this as a critical skill for any IT professional.
**Recommendation:**
‘Hands-on Penetration Testing Labs 3.0’ is an excellent resource for anyone looking to build or refine their practical penetration testing skills. Its direct, lab-focused approach is highly effective for skill development and certification preparation. If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and learn by doing, this course is a solid investment in your cybersecurity journey.
I highly recommend this course to anyone serious about practical penetration testing.
Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/hands-on-penetration-testing-labs-30/