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Professional Academy Diploma in Ethical Hacking

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Become a security champion by learning to expose potential threats in networks and websites with this ethical hacking course. Gain practical skills using tools like the Kali Linux system to facilitate security tests, and white hat methods for penetration testing, so that you can protect your business integrity in a digital world.

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Browse our live classes, delivered online or on campus

Secure your place by paying in full or availing of our payment plan. For Part-time, on demand and on campus courses, pay in three equal interest-free instalments. For full-time Bootcamps enrol with a 50% deposit and the rest at the course start date. T&C's apply.

Why UCD Professional Academy?

  • Valuable, trusted certification
  • Industry expert lecturers
  • Flexible learning options

Ethical Hacking Course Modules

In this hands-on course, you will set up your testing environment and dive into the large suite of professional tools used for ethical hacking. In network hacking, you will learn how to test the security of networks, gathering comprehensive information about connected devices. In web hacking, you will learn how to gather information about a target website, discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities to hack into websites.

Or browse our wide range of expert-led online courses and grow your career potential today.

1. Introduction To Ethical Hacking

Learn about the different types of hackers and attacks. Understand the value of ethical hacking and how it can help prevent attacks.

  • What is ethical hacking?
  • Why learn ethical hacking?

2. Linux & Virtualisation

Understand the broad spectrum of Linux systems and their distributions. Learn how to navigate a computer using the command line. Download and install open-source tools and the Ubuntu operating system.

  • Introduction to Linux systems
  • The terminal and commands
  • Open-source tools
  • Virtual box

3. Kali & Virtualisation

Learn about the Kali Linux distribution. Install Kali Linux and set up a network, then create a hacking environment with multiple virtual machines.

  • Kali distribution
  • Creating a hacking environment

4. Network Hacking Basics

Discover how to gather information about the networks around you and execute attacks without connecting to the target network.

  • Network basics
  • Pre-connection attacks

5. Network Hacking Advanced

Learn to gather comprehensive information about the connected devices, including retrieving login information, passwords, and visited URLs.

  • Post connection attacks
  • Detection and security

6. Gaining Access Basic

Learn to crack keys and obtain passwords to your target network, including WEP, WPA, and even WPA2 passwords.

  • Gaining access to computers
  • Server-side attacks

7. Gaining Access Advanced

Discover how to gain full control of a system. Make a user install a backdoor on their system without knowing and use social engineering to hack into secure systems.

  • Hacking computer systems
  • Client-side attacks
  • Social engineering

8. Post Exploitation Basic

Learn how to use the systems you have compromised by accessing the file system and maintaining your access to the system.

  • File system commands
  • Maintaining access

9. Post Exploitation Advanced

Learn how to spy on a compromised machine by turning on the webcam and capturing keyboard input. Discover how a compromised computer can be used as a pivot to hack into other computers.

  • Spying
  • Pivoting

10. Website Hacking

Learn how websites work and how they are open to multiple attacks. Discover which tools are used to gather information about a target website.

  • How to hack a website
  • Information gathering

11. Web Application Hacking

Discover and exploit dangerous vulnerabilities, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

  • Cross-site scripting
  • Automatically scanning a target website

12. Penetration Testing Stages

Understand the process of penetration testing and its relevant stages. Learn how to document and review results.

  • Pre-engagement
  • Reconnaissance
  • Threat modelling
  • Vulnerability identification
Exclusive

Access to thousands of journals, articles and papers. Free of charge.

Students taking part in this course will now have access to the EBSCO Online Library, free of charge, for the full duration of the course. Here you can browse thousands of relevant journals, articles and other reliable academic and commercial texts like the Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg Businessweek and Forbes Magazine, to supplement your learning and assignments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course right for me?

This course is ideal for any professional who is interested in gaining the skills required to test systems for security vulnerabilities. It would also suit individuals who are considering a career in ethical hacking or software developers looking to learn the ethical hacking process. 

To benefit from this course, you should already have basic IT skills such as using desktop applications, downloading and installing applications, and basic troubleshooting skills. However, you do not need any Linux programming or hacking knowledge.

How will this course help with my career?

This course will give you practical skills in testing security vulnerabilities and relaying the results of the tests to relevant stakeholders. You will be able to clearly describe, perform, and evaluate an ethical hacking process on multiple software systems. You will be comfortable working in a virtual environment, understanding Linux systems and in particular the specialised distribution, Kali. The hands-on labs are structured in a way that helps you build a diverse and creative portfolio demonstrating your skillset to future employers.

What is the online learning experience like?

You will need a computer capable of running VirtualBox - your hacking environment (minimum 4GB RAM/memory and 20GB hard disk with a recent OS - Windows 10, OS X Catalina, or 2020 Linux release) and administrative access to install software on the computer. During lectures, you will be shown how to set up the environment and use features. Many sample files and exercises are provided at the start of every session, and these will help build your confidence as you discuss examples and practice what you have learned.

What is the student experience like?

Student care is a high priority at UCD Professional Academy, which is why our Student Services team is on hand to support you throughout your time with us. They will respond to any queries you have, help you with any technical issues, and facilitate your learning experience at every point. All students are given access to our Student Portal, where you can see your timetable, access all your study materials, and manage your account.

How is this course assessed?

This course is assessed through a written project at the end of the course. You will have two weeks following the end of the course to complete and submit the final assignment. The written project is generally around 3,000 words (that’s about 5 pages of a standard Word document).

What are the benefits of a Professional Academy Diploma?

UCD Professional Academy Diplomas and Certificates are designed to give your career an advantage. Developed in conjunction with industry thought leaders our courses teach practical, applied skills to support you to achieve your career and business goals. Professional Academy Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects rather than their academic credentials.

The Professional Academy is an independent wholly owned part of UCD designed to address the need for skills development in the workforce. Courses tend to be short, designed and delivered by industry practitioners, and are not part of nor do they lead to a traditional University award such as a degree or a masters. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study by their organisation.

For full details of UCD Professional Academy’s Certifications & Governance please visit https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/governance/

How do I get my Professional Academy Diploma?

Your UCD Professional Academy Diploma will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You can also add this certificate to your LinkedIn profile.

What payment options are available?

You can secure your spot on most of our Live Online, On-Campus, or On-Demand courses with a low 30% deposit. The remaining balance can be paid in two equal instalments (30 and 60 days later).

For full-time Bootcamp courses, you can secure your spot with a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due prior to the start of your course.

Please note that standard terms and conditions apply, which you can review here: https://www.ucd.ie/professionalacademy/terms-and-conditions/

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