Essentials

Topics Covered:
Overview of Computer Systems, Number Systems, Networking, Open-SourceIntelligence Tools (OSINT), Cyber Threatso Security Frameworks and Best Practiceso Understanding Terminal Navigation

Capstone Project:
Understanding your own network, what are the devices on it, and identifying these devices using available tools like Command Prompt/Linux Terminal and Wireshark.

Outcome:
Students will develop an understanding of basic networking, practice using terminal commands, and get hands-on experience with OSINT tools. This project will give them practical insights into the devices that make up their own network and the ability to highlight the infrastructure. Students will be able to communicate a concise map of their own network and will be able to organize their own visual report.

Topics Covered:
Virtualization, Linux OS Basics, File System Navigation, Permissions o Using the Command Line, Logical Text Manipulation, and Text Editors (Nano, Micro, Geany) o Bash Scripting in Linux and Automation

Capstone Project:
Info Extractor: Students will be able to create a script that gathers key system details, including IP and MAC addresses, CPU and memory usage, and information about the file system. The goal is to efficiently collect and present a clear overview of the system's status via bash scripting.
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Outcome:
Students will gain proficiency in Linux fundamentals, including system navigation, file permissions, and using the command line. They will also learn to automate tasks with bash scripting, creating a script to gather and present key system details such as IP/MAC addresses, CPU/memory usage, and file system information.

Topics Covered:
Kali vs Ubuntu, Networking Fundamentals (TCP/IP, OSI model, Subnetting), Networking Tools (Wireshark, Nmap, Netcat) and OSINT, Cyber Attacks (Trojans, MiTM, LLMNR Poisoning), Network Security Best Practices

Capstone Project:
Network Research: Create an automated bash script that installs necessary tools, checks for anonymity, connects to a remote server via SSH, and executes commands to gather network and Whois information.
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Outcome:
Students will gain a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, the OSI model, and subnetting. They will also become proficient in using network tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Netcat. By completing the project, students will learn how to develop a bash script that can be reused by any cybersecurity practitioner if shared, which will be able to anonymize the user and leverage a “compromised” machine as the endpoint for scanning the internet.

Topics Covered:
Python Syntax, Data Types, Functions, Conditional Scripting, and Modules, Python Scripting and Data Manipulation.
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Capstone Project:
Log Analyzer: Create a Python program that would be able to read in log files such as auth.log and be able to analyze key information (System Changes with Privileged Commands and Failed Logins) with the result being a comprehensive report as the deliverable.
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Outcome:
Students will gain a strong understanding of Python and will be able to develop a working Python program that can be used for automating cybersecurity analysis. The analysis will include a comprehensive report with information regarding use of privileged commands, number of brute-force attempts from relevant IP addresses, and providing the geolocation from said IP addresses.

Topics Covered:
Penetration Testing Methodologies (Information Gathering, Enumeration, Exploitation, Post Exploitation, and Reporting), Tools: Nmap, Netcat, Metasploit Framework, Social Engineering Exploiting Vulnerabilities through Vulnerable Network Services or Bind/Reverse Payloads
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Capstone Project:
Automated Pentesting: Students will create a self-running program that will automatically find security holes in our networks through scanning, identifying and fortifying weak spots against unauthorized access.
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Outcome:
Students will master penetration testing methodologies and tools like Nmap, Netcat, and Metasploit. They will create an automated program to scan networks for vulnerabilities, identify weaknesses, and enhance security defenses.

Topics Covered:
Role of SOC Analysts, SIEM Tools, Threat Detection/Hunting, Incident Response, Log Analysis, Real-World Security Events, Overview of pfSense, Windows Domain Controllers, ELK, Mitre ATT&CK Framework, Splunk
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Capstone Project:
Shadow Sentry: Create a Security Operations Center project by installing the Elastic Stack and Honeypot via Cloud [Linode] to detect and analyze malicious activity on your network. You will be developing pentesting scripts to attack the honeypot and monitoring the alerts. Outcome: Set up a basic SOC environment and perform log analysis to detect and respond to security incidents.
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Outcome:
Students will learn the basics of a Security Operations Center (SOC) and how to use tools to detect and respond to security threats. They will set up a system to monitor and analyze network activity, using real-time alerts to identify attacks. By creating a project that simulates and detects malicious activity, students will gain hands-on experience in identifying security issues and responding to them effectively.

Tests and Extra Practice:
Each major topic provides labs following with a test to reinforce learning to ensure comprehension before moving on to the next topic. Extra practice is also included to provide more examples beyond the fundamentals provided by the labs.

Scenarios:
A unique way to meld the skills acquired from the topic to gain experience of how these would be used in the work environment.
For live training, you will experience up to 5 scenarios to truly test your skills.

Joining Our Community:
You will gain access to tools like Mattermost and/or Discord to network with fellow peers, alumni, and access to other CIT instructors

Career IO:
Gain an edge in your job search with access to our recruiting partners to assist you with interview prep, mock interviews, access to AI-driven interview psychology, social media optimization, resume building, and a job guarantee.