Free AI-assisted K12 Learning

Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking


 Introduces cybersecurity and ethical hacking with simulations and practical challenges for modern security.

 Description : This cybersecurity and ethical hacking course introduces advanced strategies for protecting digital systems, featuring hands‑on labs, simulated attacks, and practical defense techniques.

Category : Coding & Engineering
Age : 12+
Difficulty Level : Normal

 Curriculum :
          Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Section 1: Foundations of Digital Safety
- Lesson 1: What is Cybersecurity?
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: An introduction to the concept of protecting digital information and systems.
- Lesson 2: The Importance of Cybersecurity
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Exploring why safeguarding digital assets matters in our interconnected world.

Section 2: Introduction to Ethical Hacking
- Lesson 1: Defining Ethical Hacking
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understanding ethical hacking and its role in protecting systems by identifying vulnerabilities.
- Lesson 2: Ethics and Legal Considerations
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Examining the ethical and legal boundaries in the realm of ethical hacking.

Section 3: Basics of Computer Networks
- Lesson 1: Networking Fundamentals
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: An overview of computer networks, including basic concepts like IP addresses and protocols.
- Lesson 2: How Networks Connect and Communicate
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Understanding data transmission across networks and its relevance to cybersecurity.

Section 4: Understanding Cyber Threats
- Lesson 1: Common Cyber Threats
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Introduction to various types of cyber threats such as malware, phishing, and social engineering.
- Lesson 2: Recognizing Vulnerabilities
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learning to identify system vulnerabilities and potential attack points.

Section 5: Safe Digital Practices
- Lesson 1: Password Management and Security
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Basics of creating and managing secure passwords, and using two-factor authentication.
- Lesson 2: Social Engineering Awareness
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Identifying and protecting against common tactics used in social engineering attacks.

Module 2: Understanding Cyber Threats
Section 1: Types of Cyber Attacks
- Lesson 1: Malware and Viruses
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Introduction to malicious software, viruses, and how they can compromise systems.
- Lesson 2: Ransomware Basics
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Understanding how ransomware works and its impact on digital systems.

Section 2: Phishing and Social Engineering
- Lesson 1: Recognizing Phishing Emails
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Learning how to identify phishing emails and suspicious online behavior.
- Lesson 2: Counteracting Social Engineering
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: Strategies to protect oneself against social engineering scams.

Section 3: Network Intrusions
- Lesson 1: Understanding Intrusion Methods
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Learning about different ways attackers try to infiltrate networks.
- Lesson 2: Early Warning Signs of Intrusion
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Identifying the indicators that a network may be under attack.

Section 4: Vulnerability Assessment
- Lesson 1: Basic Vulnerability Scanning
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Introduction to vulnerability scanning methods and tools.
- Lesson 2: Interpreting Scan Results
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learning how to read and understand the output of vulnerability scans.

Section 5: Incident Response
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Incident Response
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Overview of the incident response process and the steps to take during a cyber incident.
- Lesson 2: Documenting Security Incidents
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Best practices for recording and analyzing data from security breaches.

Module 3: Introduction to Ethical Hacking Techniques
Section 1: Reconnaissance and Information Gathering
- Lesson 1: Basics of Information Gathering
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: Learning methods to gather public information to assess potential vulnerabilities.
- Lesson 2: Tools for Reconnaissance
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: An introduction to accessible reconnaissance tools and techniques.

Section 2: Scanning and Enumeration
- Lesson 1: Port Scanning Fundamentals
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: Understanding the role of port scanning in identifying open and vulnerable services.
- Lesson 2: Network Mapping Techniques
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Learning basic methods to map out network structures and identify targets.

Section 3: Vulnerability Identification
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Vulnerability Databases
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Navigating databases to identify known vulnerabilities.
- Lesson 2: Basic Vulnerability Testing
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Hands-on techniques for testing systems for common vulnerabilities.

Section 4: System Exploitation Basics
- Lesson 1: Understanding Exploits
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Introduction to the concept of exploits and how they work.
- Lesson 2: Safe Practice with Exploitation Tools
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learning to use basic exploitation tools in controlled, safe environments.

Section 5: Post-Exploitation Fundamentals
- Lesson 1: Maintaining Access Ethically
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: Concepts of maintaining access for security testing while respecting boundaries.
- Lesson 2: Reporting and Documentation Techniques
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: How to document findings and report vulnerabilities in ethical hacking exercises.

Module 4: Cyber Defense Fundamentals and Countermeasures
Section 1: Security Policy and Management
- Lesson 1: Understanding Security Policies
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: An overview of the purpose and components of organizational security policies.
- Lesson 2: The Role of Human Factors in Security
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Discussing the importance of training and awareness in maintaining digital security.

Section 2: Firewalls and Network Security
- Lesson 1: Basics of Firewall Technology
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Introduction to firewalls and their function in protecting networks.
- Lesson 2: Configuring Simple Firewall Rules
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Basic setup and configuration practices for firewall rules.

Section 3: Intrusion Detection and Prevention
- Lesson 1: Introduction to IDS and IPS
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: Understanding the concepts behind intrusion detection and intrusion prevention systems.
- Lesson 2: Hands-on with IDS/IPS Tools
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learning to use simple, accessible IDS/IPS tools in a simulated environment.

Section 4: Encryption and Data Protection
- Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Encryption
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: An introduction to encryption basics and why protecting data is essential.
- Lesson 2: Secure Communication Practices
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Learning simple methods to secure data during transmission.

Section 5: System Hardening and Best Practices
- Lesson 1: Introduction to System Hardening
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Strategies to enhance system security by reducing vulnerabilities.
- Lesson 2: Applying Best Practices in Daily Operations
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Implementing everyday steps to maintain robust digital security.

Module 5: Hands-on Labs and Practical Application
Section 1: Setting Up a Secure Lab Environment
- Lesson 1: Creating a Virtual Lab for Practice
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Step-by-step guide to establishing a safe and controlled virtual lab.
- Lesson 2: Lab Safety and Best Practices
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Guidelines for using a lab environment responsibly and securely.

Section 2: Simulated Attack Scenarios
- Lesson 1: Running a Phishing Simulation
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Practical exercise in setting up and analyzing a phishing simulation.
- Lesson 2: Analyzing Simulation Outcomes
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Evaluating the results of simulated attacks for learning opportunities.

Section 3: Defensive Tool Implementation
- Lesson 1: Deploying Basic Security Tools
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Guided practice on installing and configuring basic cybersecurity tools.
- Lesson 2: Monitoring and Responding to Alerts
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practical session on monitoring system alerts and initiating responses.

Section 4: Introduction to Penetration Testing
- Lesson 1: Planning a Penetration Test
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Outlining the steps of a basic penetration test in a controlled setting.
- Lesson 2: Executing a Guided Pen Test
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Hands-on penetration testing exercise with pre-defined objectives.

Section 5: Review, Reflection, and Reporting
- Lesson 1: Review of Key Concepts
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Recap and discussion of the essential cybersecurity and ethical hacking fundamentals.
- Lesson 2: Creating a Security Report
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Final exercise on compiling findings and recommendations in a professional report.