Kali Linux & Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

This comprehensive course introduces learners to the fundamentals of Kali Linux, ethical hacking, and penetration testing. Starting with the basics of the Kali Linux operating system, participants will develop a strong foundation in command-line operations, file and user management, and network configuration. The course progresses into the core principles of ethical hacking, including its methodologies, tools, and real-world implications. Through practical exercises and theoretical understanding, learners will gain insights into reconnaissance techniques such as footprinting, OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), DNS analysis, social engineering, and more.

Ideal for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, system administrators, and IT enthusiasts, this course builds the essential skills required for entry-level roles in cybersecurity and prepares participants for further specialization in ethical hacking and penetration testing.

Module 1: Kali Linux Fundamentals

• Kali Linux History and Introduction

• Overview of Kali Linux GUI Desktops

• Basic Kali Linux Commands

• Working with Archives: Tar and Zip Utilities

• Compiling Programs in Linux

• Identifying Software Packages

• Installing and Removing Software Packages

• User Account Management

• Changing User Passwords

• Understanding Passwd and Shadow File Formats

• File and Directory Permissions

  • Octal Representation

  • Changing and Setting Default Permissions

• Internet Addressing Basics

• Network Services Overview

• Commonly Available Network Services

• Fundamental Network Configuration Files

• Network Control Scripts and Tools

Module 2: Introduction to Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking

• Hacking Concepts and Terminology

• Introduction to Hacking vs. Ethical Hacking

• Effects of Hacking on Business and Society

• Understanding Hacker Classes and Hacktivism

• The Five Phases of Hacking

• Defense in Depth and Layered Security

• Vulnerability Assessment vs. Penetration Testing

  • Vulnerability Types and Research

  • Key Vulnerability Research Websites

• What is Penetration Testing and Why It Matters

• Penetration Testing Methodologies

• Security Policies: Importance and Implementation

  • Types of Security Policies

  • Steps for Creation and Execution

• Risk Management and Disaster Recovery

  • Defining and Analyzing Risk

  • Risk Mitigation Strategies

  • Disaster Recovery Planning and Testing

Module 3: Footprinting and Reconnaissance

• Footprinting Concepts and Objectives

• Threats and Methodologies

• Using Search Engines for Footprinting

• Finding Internal and External URLs

• Gathering Information from Public, Financial, and Job Sites

• Monitoring Targets via Alerts

• Website Footprinting and Mirroring

  • Tools like Website Watcher and Archive.org

• Email Footprinting

  • Email Header Analysis and Tracking Tools

• Google Hacking and Advanced Search Techniques

  • What Hackers Can Do with Google Dorks

  • Google Hacking Tools

• WHOIS and DNS Footprinting

  • WHOIS Lookup Tools and Result Interpretation

  • DNS Interrogation Tools: Nslookup, Dig

• Network Footprinting

  • Discovering Network Ranges and Operating Systems

  • Using Traceroute and Interpreting Results

• Footprinting via Social Engineering

  • Techniques like Eavesdropping, Dumpster Diving

  • Data Collection from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube

  • Social Network Tracking Tools

• Footprinting Tools Overview

  • Maltego

  • Domain Name Analyzer Pro

  • Web Data Extractor

  • Additional Tools and Use Cases