Introduction to Security

This course aims to teach students cybersecurity fundamentals and advanced techniques by combining penetration testing learning with defense strategies. Using an innovative blend of lectures and intensive practical tutorials, students engage in highly interactive weekly classes. Each new concept is immediately reinforced with hands-on exercises, allowing students to apply what they have learned in real-time.

Throughout the semester, the course integrates both attack and defense techniques. Using advanced realistic scenarios accessed via a unique cyber range on the Internet, students will practice a wide range of skills: reconnaissance, scanning, exploiting vulnerabilities, privilege escalation, lateral movement, exfiltration, malware analysis, network security forensics, binary reversing, log analysis, intrusion detection systems, honeypots, and applications of machine learning, LLMs and AI in cybersecurity.

From basics to advance, this intense very practical course will teach you and make you practice all the modern required skills of a cybersecurity professional.

After completing this hands-on course, you will be equiped with knowledge on penetration testing and advanced cyber defenses. From basic security principles to advanced attacks, you will learn to attack in an isolated cyber range and learn how to detect and stop advanced intruders.

Prerequisites:

• Time Commitment: 6 hours per week to dedicate the course class and labs
• English proficiency: a good understanding of the English language What students will be provided with: - Detailed coursebook per class with commands and tools used
• Access to a chat platform to interact and ask questions
• Live video stream and recordings of each lecture
• Cyber Range environment where to practice what is taught during class
• Certificate of Completion issued by the Stratosphere Laboratory

What students should bring:

• Computer to take the class and participate in the assignments
• Good internet connection to access the class material and labs
• Online students should have Docker installed to run a local Cyber Range
• Online students should have a good Internet connection to access the class resources (documents, recordings, and live streams)
• Learning attitude: a genuine desire to learn and have fun
• Have a basic understanding of how computer systems work
• Have a basic knowledge of Linux systems and command-line tools. You should be able to complete at least the first half of the Bandit challenge levels (https://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/).
• Have a basic understanding of Python programming language

Graded

Target group:

• Students interested in cybersecurity careers
• Individuals new to cybersecurity
• IT professionals seeking to expand their knowledge
• Anyone looking to expand their understanding of cyber threats and defenses