Introduction to Ethical Hacking: Understanding the Hacker Mindset for Defence
This seminar introduces participants to the fundamentals of ethical hacking, its role in cybersecurity, and the legal and ethical boundaries that govern it. Attendees will explore hacker classifications, common attack techniques, and the tools and certifications that define the ethical hacking profession.
Target Audience
This webinar is ideal for:
• IT professionals and students
• Business leaders interested in cybersecurity strategies
• Anyone curious about ethical hacking as a career path
Prerequisites
• Basic understanding of computers and networks
• Familiarity with common operating systems (Windows/Linux) is helpful but not required
• No prior hacking experience needed
Course Outline
1. Introduction: What is Ethical Hacking?
• Session objectives and expected outcomes
• Why ethical hacking is critical in today's digital world
• Definition and purpose of ethical hacking
• Types of Hackers:
• White Hat (authorized security professionals)
• Black Hat (malicious attackers)
• Grey Hat (in-between actors)
• Why organizations hire ethical hackers
• Ethical hacking vs. penetration testing
3. Common Hacking Techniques
• Reconnaissance:
• Passive vs. active information gathering
• Tools like WHOIS, Google Dorking
• Social Engineering:
• Phishing, pretexting, baiting
• Exploiting Vulnerabilities:
• Software flaws, misconfigurations
• Privilege Escalation:
• Gaining higher-level access
• Covering Tracks:
• Why attackers hide their activities
4. Legal & Ethical Considerations
• Laws governing ethical hacking (e.g., CFAA, GDPR implications)
• Responsible disclosure practices
• Risks of unauthorized testing
• Importance of written authorization before testing
5. Career Path & Tools Overview
• Skills Needed: Networking, OS knowledge, scripting
• Popular Tools: Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite
• Certifications: CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+
• Career Opportunities: Penetration tester, security analyst, bug bounty hunter
6. Q&A and Wrap-Up
• Recap key takeaways
• Open Forum or Q&A
