One-on-One Cybersecurity Practical Coaching Class

Cybersecurity Hands-On Learning Plan for Intermediate Beginner

Target Audience: Beginner/Intermediate

Duration: 10 Weeks

Objective: Provide practical training in setting up a cybersecurity lab and using essential tools and concepts, equipping the learner with foundational hands-on skills in cybersecurity.

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity Labs

Topics:

• Overview of cybersecurity labs: Importance and setup
• Tools for virtualization (VMware, VirtualBox)
• Installing and configuring a virtual environment (Windows/Linux)

Practical:

• Create a virtual lab with at least two virtual machines (one attacker and one victim).
• Install and configure Kali Linux as the attacker machine.

Week 2: Network Basics and Packet Capturing

Topics:

• Introduction to networking concepts (IP addresses, ports, protocols)
• Tools for packet capturing: Wireshark
• Understanding packets and protocols (TCP, UDP, HTTP, etc.)

Practical:

• Capture and analyze traffic using Wireshark.
• Filter packets by IP, protocol, or keywords.

Week 3: Vulnerability Scanning

Topics:

• Introduction to vulnerability scanning
• Tools: Nessus, OpenVAS, Nmap
• How to identify and classify vulnerabilities

Practical:

• Scan a virtual machine with Nmap and OpenVAS.
• Generate and interpret vulnerability reports.

Week 4: Password Cracking and Authentication Security

Topics:

• Password cracking techniques and tools (John the Ripper, Hydra)
• Understanding password policies and secure authentication
• Hashing algorithms and their weaknesses

Practical:

• Crack a password-protected zip file using John the Ripper.
• Perform a brute-force attack on a simulated login page with Hydra.

Week 5: Setting Up and Using a SIEM

Topics:

• What is SIEM and its importance?
• Tools: ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana), Splunk Free
• Basic log analysis and event monitoring

Practical:

• Set up and configure the ELK stack.
• Ingest logs from a virtual machine and create visualizations.

Week 6: Web Application Security Basics

Topics:

• Common web vulnerabilities (SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF)
• Tools: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP
• Setting up a vulnerable web app (DVWA, WebGoat)

Practical:

• Perform a simple SQL injection and XSS attack on DVWA.
• Use Burp Suite for web traffic analysis and interception.

Week 7: Malware Analysis Basics

Topics:

• Introduction to malware and its types
• Static vs. dynamic analysis
• Tools: Strings, PEiD, Process Monitor

Practical:

• Analyze a malware sample in a sandboxed environment.
• Use Process Monitor to detect malware activity.

Week 8: Basic Penetration Testing Workflow

Topics:

• Phases of penetration testing (Reconnaissance, Scanning, Exploitation)
• Tools: Metasploit Framework, Recon-ng
• Ethical considerations and report writing

Practical:

• Exploit a vulnerability in a virtual machine using Metasploit.
• Document findings in a simple penetration test report.

Week 9: Introduction to Firewall and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Topics:

• Understanding firewalls and IDS/IPS
• Tools: pfSense, Snort
• Configuring basic firewall rules and alerts

Practical:

• Set up pfSense as a firewall in the lab.
• Monitor and block traffic using Snort.

Week 10: Wrap-Up and Next Steps

Topics:

• Review of concepts and skills learned
• Career pathways and certifications (e.g., CEH, Security+)
• How to continue learning (free resources, platforms)

Practical:

• Build and present a final project: Combine multiple skills (e.g., scan, exploit, and secure a system).
• Discuss personalized growth plans and certification goals.

Bonus Classes

• Linux Fundamentals
• Python Fundamentals