The most Trusted cybersecurity training institute in india
CSPv5.0
Cybersecurity Program version 5.0 description
- Introduction to Hacking: Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking, involves the authorized practice of probing computer systems, networks, and applications for security vulnerabilities. The goal of ethical hacking is to enhance security measures by identifying and addressing potential threats before they can be exploited by malicious hackers. Ethical hacking plays a critical role in any organization's cybersecurity strategy. By understanding and applying ethical hacking principles, professionals can help protect infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
- Networking Fundamentals: Networking fundamentals cover the basic concepts and technologies that enable devices to communicate within and across networks. They include network types (LAN, WAN, WLAN), IP addressing (IPv4 and IPv6), and essential protocols like TCP/IP, HTTP, and DNS. The OSI modelorganizes communication into seven layers, from physical connections to application data. Key devices like routers, switches, modems, and firewalls facilitate data flow and security. Data is transmitted in packets across wired or wireless mediums. Understanding these elements ensures the efficient setup, maintenance, and security of networks, forming the foundation for internet connectivity and organizational communication systems.
- Linux OS knowledge: Linux is a popular choice among ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals because of its flexibility, security, and powerful toolset. Many Linux distributions are tailored specifically for ethical hacking, penetration testing, and security research. Linux is stable and less prone to malware compared to other operating systems, which makes it a secure environment for testing vulnerabilities. There’s a massive community of ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals who use Linux, making it easier to get support and share knowledge. By combining Linux with a focused study plan, you can build a solid foundation in ethical hacking.
- Network Security: Firewall, IPS, IDS, Standard ACL, Extended ACL, Firewall Types, Network layer or packet filter firewalls, Stateless firewalls, Stateful firewalls, Application Layer Firewalls, Proxy servers, Transparent Firewalls, Labs on fortigate firewall. By mastering these fundamentals, ethical hackers can analyze and exploit network vulnerabilities systematically while helping organizations strengthen their defenses.
- Understanding Security Operations center: A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized unit responsible for monitoring, detecting, investigating, and responding to cybersecurity threats in real-time. It combines technology, processes, and skilled personnel to safeguard an organization’s data and IT infrastructure. SOC teams use tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and threat intelligence to identify vulnerabilities and mitigate risks. They operate 24/7 to ensure rapid response to incidents, minimize damage, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. By continuously analyzing network activity, logs, and alerts, SOCs play a critical role in maintaining an organization’s cybersecurity resilience and protecting against evolving cyber threats. Tools used are Antivirus, SIEM, EDR, MDR, Anti APT, SOAR, CRMR.
- IT Risk management: IT risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization’s information technology systems and assets. It aims to minimize potential threats, such as cyberattacks, data breaches, system failures, and compliance violations, that could disrupt operations or compromise sensitive information. The process involves risk identification, evaluation of impact and likelihood, prioritization, and implementation of controls to reduce risks to acceptable levels. Effective IT risk management incorporates continuous monitoring, employee training, and adherence to regulatory standards. By aligning IT risks with business objectives, organizations can ensure resilience, safeguard data, and maintain operational and reputational integrity. ISO 27001 Principle of Information and Asset Protection, Types of controls as per ISO 27001, Risk Assessment process, Risk Score methodology, Risk treatment
- Information gathering techniques: Information gathering techniques are methods used to collect data about a target system, organization, or individual during cybersecurity assessments or penetration testing. These techniques are classified into passive and active approaches. Passive techniques involve collecting publicly available information without interacting with the target, such as using WHOIS lookups, DNS queries, social media analysis, or public repositories. Active techniques include direct engagement with the target, such as port scanning, ping sweeps, banner grabbing, and vulnerability scanning. Tools like Nmap, Shodan, and Maltego are commonly used. These methods help security professionals understand the target’s infrastructure, identify vulnerabilities, and prepare for subsequent testing phases.
- Target Enumeration and Port Scanning: Target enumeration and port scanning are essential steps in cybersecurity and penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities in a system or network. Target enumeration involves gathering detailed information about a target, such as IP addresses, hostnames, open ports, operating systems, and running services. This phase sets the groundwork for identifying entry points. Port scanningidentifies active ports on a target system and determines which services are listening. Tools like Nmap are commonly used to scan for open, closed, or filtered ports. These techniques help security professionals assess risks, while attackers may use them to map targets for exploitation.
- Vulnerability Assessment: Vulnerability Assessment is a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing security weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications. Its goal is to pinpoint vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit and provide actionable insights to mitigate risks.The process begins with asset identification to understand the systems and data requiring protection. Next, security tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys are employed to scan for known vulnerabilities, including outdated software, misconfigurations, and weak credentials. Regular assessments are essential to address new vulnerabilities and evolving threats. While they identify weaknesses, they stop short of exploitation, differentiating them from penetration testing.
- Network Sniffing: Network sniffing is the process of intercepting and analyzing network traffic to capture data packets as they travel across a network. It can be used for legitimate purposes, such as troubleshooting, monitoring, or network performance analysis, but can also be exploited by attackers to capture sensitive information like credentials or personal data. Sniffing can be active, where attackers inject packets to manipulate traffic, or passive, where they simply observe and capture data. Common tools include Wireshark, tcpdump, and Ettercap. Preventive measures, such as encryption (e.g., HTTPS, TLS), secure authentication, and network segmentation, can help protect against malicious sniffing activities.
- Post exploitation: Windows Privilege escalation: It focuses on gaining higher-level access on a compromised system to expand control and execute advanced attacks. Techniques include exploiting misconfigured permissions, vulnerable services, and weak user accounts. Attackers may use tools like Mimikatz to extract credentials or escalate privileges via stolen tokens. Other methods involve exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities (e.g., exploiting kernel flaws) or leveraging DLL hijacking and scheduled tasks. Persistence mechanisms, such as modifying registry keys or creating admin accounts, are also common. Security best practices like patching, enabling least privilege, and monitoring for unusual behavior can mitigate privilege escalation risks in Windows environments.
- Wireless hacking: Wireless hacking involves exploiting vulnerabilities in wireless networks to gain unauthorized access or disrupt communication. It targets technologies like Wi-Fi (802.11 standards), Bluetooth, or NFC. Common techniques include packet sniffing to intercept data, cracking encryption (e.g., breaking WEP or WPA/WPA2), and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks to eavesdrop or inject malicious data. Tools like Aircrack-ng, Kismet, and Wireshark are often used. Attackers may exploit weak passwords, outdated protocols, or misconfigured networks. Ethical hackers perform such activities to identify and mitigate risks. Strong encryption, robust passwords, and updated security protocols help protect wireless networks from unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Email Security- Email security is essential for safeguarding personal and organizational communications. A multi-layered approach combining advanced technologies, regular training, and strict security practices can significantly reduce risks. By staying vigilant and proactive, organizations and individuals can defend against evolving email-based threats. All DNS records, DMARC, DKIM, SPF, EMAIL flow, Email Spoofing.
- Advanced Web security- Web Application Penetration Testing (Web App Pentesting) is crucial because web applications are a primary target for cyberattacks, and vulnerabilities in these applications can lead to severe consequences for organizations. Web Application Penetration Testing is a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating security risks in web applications. It protects sensitive data, prevents financial and reputational damage, ensures compliance, and strengthens overall security. By regularly performing pentests, organizations can stay ahead of attackers, safeguard their assets, and maintain the trust of their stakeholders. Web Application Penetration Testing (Web App Pentesting) is crucial because web applications are a primary target for cyberattacks, and vulnerabilities in these applications can lead to severe consequences for organizations. All types of SQL Injections, XSS, CSRF, SSRF, Path traversal, Authentication attacks, Race conditions, OWASP top 10.
CYBERSECURITY JOB PROFILES
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitors and defends systems from security breaches and incidents. Required skills are Threat detection, vulnerability assessment, SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk). Required Certifications are CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP.
- Ethical Hacker (Penetration Tester): Identifies vulnerabilities in systems by simulating cyberattacks. Required Key Skills are Ethical hacking, penetration testing tools (e.g., Metasploit), coding. Required Certifications are CEH, OSCP.
- Security Engineer: Designs and implements secure systems to prevent attacks. Required Key Skills are Network security, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and scripting. Required Certifications are CISSP, CISM.
- Incident Responder: Responds to and mitigates the impact of cyberattacks or breaches. Required Key Skills are Forensics, malware analysis, and crisis management. Required Certifications are GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).
- Forensic Analyst: Investigates cybercrimes by analyzing digital evidence. Required Key Skills are Digital forensics tools (e.g., EnCase, FTK), chain of custody management. Required Certifications are CHFI, GCFA.
- Security Architect: Designs the overall security infrastructure of an organization. Required Key Skills are Risk assessment, cloud security, enterprise architecture. Required Certifications are TOGAF, CISSP, AWS Security.
- Risk and Compliance Analyst: Ensures the organization complies with security standards and regulations. Required Key Skills are Governance, risk management frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST). Required Certifications are CRISC, CISM.
- Cybersecurity Consultant: Advises organizations on improving their security posture. Required Key Skills are Risk assessment, technical audits, communication. Required Certifications are CISSP, CCSP.
- SOC Analyst (Security Operations Center Analyst): Monitors and analyzes security events in real time. Required Key Skills are SIEM tools, threat hunting, and intrusion detection. Required Certifications are CompTIA CySA+, SSCP.
- Malware Analyst: Studies and reverses malware to understand its behavior. Key Skills are Reverse engineering, assembly language, and malware analysis tools. Required certifications GREM.
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Leads and manages an organization’s overall cybersecurity strategy. Required Key Skills are Leadership, strategic planning, regulatory compliance. Required Certifications are CISA, CISSP, CISM, MBA (optional).
- Cloud Security Specialist: Secures cloud-based systems and applications. Required Key Skills Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), container security, identity management. Required Certifications are CCSP, AWS Certified Security – Specialty.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) Specialist: Manages and ensures secure access to resources. Required Key Skills are Identity management tools (Okta, LDAP), multifactor authentication. Required certifications are CISSP, CIAM.
- Application Security Engineer: Secures software applications against vulnerabilities. Required Key Skills are OWASP guidelines, secure coding, DevSecOps. Required Certifications are CSSLP, CEH.
- Threat Intelligence Analyst: Gathers and analyzes data about potential cyber threats. Required Key Skills are OSINT, data analysis, and reporting. Required Certifications are Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA).