Get ready to level up your ethical hacking skills with Hands-on Hacking, a highly practical course designed to sharpen your penetration testing capabilities across real-world scenarios. From reconnaissance and vulnerability discovery to privilege escalation and exploit development, this course offers an immersive journey through the full spectrum of offensive cybersecurity tactics. By the end, you’ll confidently navigate through complex systems, uncover security gaps, and simulate advanced attack techniques.



Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Perform advanced enumeration and scanning to identify vulnerable services and systems.
Exploit web apps, decrypt HTTPS traffic, and simulate real-world access and escalation attacks.
Develop and execute custom exploits using fuzzing, buffer overflow, and shellcode injection.
Practice pivoting and escalation techniques across complex multi-machine environments.
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May 2025
9 assignments
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There are 8 modules in this course
In this module, we will explore a full attack lifecycle against a target system, starting with reconnaissance and ending with full administrative access. You’ll use tools like Burp Suite and Wireshark to analyze encrypted traffic, uncover hidden vulnerabilities, and exploit misconfigured services. The journey includes both horizontal and vertical privilege escalation to achieve total system compromise.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 assignment
In this module, we will take on the GoldenEye vulnerable VM to strengthen your offensive security skills. You'll work through advanced enumeration techniques across web and email services to uncover credentials and vulnerable software. From initial access to full root shell, this module builds your skillset for real-world penetration testing scenarios.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will target the vulnerable Bob VM to walk through the process of system compromise. You’ll analyze web application behavior, test for injection flaws, and exploit vulnerabilities to gain shell access. Then, through creative privilege escalation, you’ll achieve root access—using both standard and alternate methods for maximum learning.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will transition from exploitation to exploit development. You’ll learn how to build exploits from scratch by fuzzing for vulnerabilities, manipulating buffer offsets, and avoiding bad characters. The journey concludes with the development of a custom shellcode to gain remote access, reinforcing your understanding of memory manipulation and code execution.
What's included
6 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will navigate the misdirection-filled terrain of a specially crafted VM. You’ll enhance your reconnaissance and enumeration skills while exploring multiple web apps and navigating false leads. After gaining access, you'll apply privilege escalation methods and look for alternate paths to root access, mimicking a thorough real-world assessment.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will take on a dual-VM challenge involving Straylight and Neuromancer. You’ll perform advanced enumeration, exploit LFI and email servers, and then pivot through port forwarding to access and compromise a second system. You'll wrap up with privilege escalation techniques, learning to chain attacks across multiple targets.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will focus on Windows environments—particularly Active Directory systems. You’ll scan networks, exploit weak configurations, and access services such as MS-SQL using compromised credentials. This section strengthens your understanding of Windows privilege escalation and post-exploitation tactics.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
In this module, we will tackle the FunBox2 VM to showcase real-world exploitation techniques. You’ll use enumeration skills to uncover a weak password, escape from a jailed shell, and then escalate privileges by uncovering sensitive information. The module offers a practical look into the nuances of post-exploitation.
What's included
4 videos2 assignments
Instructor

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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,