CSC304:PENETRATION TESTING

The course CSC304: Penetration Testing provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles, methodologies, and practical techniques used in ethical hacking and security assessment. It covers the complete penetration testing lifecycle, starting from information gathering and reconnaissance, moving through vulnerability scanning and analysis, to exploitation and post-exploitation techniques. Students will learn how attackers think and operate, allowing them to identify weaknesses in networks, systems, and web applications.

The course emphasizes hands-on learning using industry-standard tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark to simulate real-world attack scenarios in a controlled environment. It also includes topics like web application security, network security, privilege escalation, and basic scripting for automation. In addition, students will understand how to document findings and create professional penetration testing reports, which are critical in real-world engagements.

Ethical and legal considerations are also a key part of the course, ensuring that students understand the responsibilities and boundaries of penetration testing. Overall, this course prepares learners to assess, exploit, and secure systems effectively, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world cybersecurity practice.