Unveiling the Benefits of Instructor-Led Courses in Cybersecurity

Enrolling in an instructor led course in cyber security offers several advantages compared to self paced or online only learning. In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity stands as a paramount concern for individuals and organizations alike. As the threats continue to proliferate and become more sophisticated, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. Amidst the myriad of training options available, instructor-led courses emerge as a highly effective and advantageous approach to acquiring cybersecurity expertise.

 

Here is why instructor-led courses are essential to your professional career:

 

👨🏼‍💻 Expert Guidance and Mentorship

Instructor-led courses provide participants with direct access to seasoned cybersecurity professionals who possess extensive industry experience and knowledge. These instructors serve as mentors, offering invaluable insights, best practices, and real-world scenarios that cannot be replicated through self-study alone. Learners benefit from personalized guidance, feedback, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts.

 

💬 Interactive Learning

Unlike self-paced online tutorials or static learning materials, instructor-led courses offer dynamic and interactive learning environments. Through live lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, and group activities, participants engage actively with the course material, reinforcing comprehension and retention. Additionally, instructors can adapt their teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles, ensuring that every participant has the opportunity to succeed.

 

❔Live Q&A Sessions and Real-time Feedback

One of the key advantages of instructor-led courses is the immediate feedback and support provided to learners. This can be crucial in a field like penetration testing where understanding mistakes and learning from them is essential. Whether addressing questions, clarifying concepts, or troubleshooting technical issues, instructors are readily available to assist participants throughout their learning journey. This real-time interaction fosters a collaborative atmosphere where learners feel supported and empowered to overcome challenges effectively.

 

📚 Structured Curriculum

Instructor-led courses often follow a structured curriculum that covers a comprehensive range of cybersecurity topics, from fundamental principles to advanced techniques. This organized approach helps learners build a solid foundation of knowledge while gradually progressing towards more complex concepts. Furthermore, instructors can tailor the curriculum to address specific industry trends, emerging threats, or the unique needs of the participants, ensuring relevance and applicability.

 

🕸️ Networking Opportunities

Participating in instructor-led courses provides an excellent opportunity to network with peers, industry professionals, and potential employers. Collaborating on group projects, sharing experiences, and engaging in discussions not only enhances learning but also expands professional connections within the cybersecurity community. These networking opportunities can lead to valuable career advancements, job referrals, and collaborative ventures in the future.

 

🚀Accountability & Motivation

The structured nature of instructor-led courses instills a sense of accountability and motivation among participants. Knowing that they are accountable to their instructors and peers, learners are more likely to stay committed to their studies, complete assignments on time, and actively participate in course activities. This accountability fosters a sense of achievement and progress, driving learners towards their cybersecurity goals.

 

🎓 Exam and Certification Preparation

Instructor-led courses are designed to prepare participants for industry-recognized certifications. Instructors often integrate certification exam objectives into the curriculum, offering guidance on exam preparation strategies, practice assessments, and exam-taking tips. This targeted approach equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully attain their desired certifications.

 

At Cyber Helmets we believe that instructor-led courses play a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity. By offering expert guidance, interactive learning experiences, real-time support, and networking opportunities, these courses empower participants to excel in their cybersecurity careers. Whether aspiring to enter the field of Penetration Testing, Defensive Security or Web Application Testing or simply seeking to advance their existing skills, individuals stand to benefit immensely from the structured and immersive nature of instructor-led cybersecurity courses.

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Syllabus:

Intro to GCP

  • GCP Hierarchy
  • Google Workspace
  • gcloud config
  • Basic Hacking Techniques

Exploitation of GCP Services

  • IAM
  • KMS
  • Secrets 
  • Storage
  • Compute Instances & VPC
  • Cloud Functions
  • CloudSQL
  • Pub/Sub
  • App Engine
  • Google APIs
  • Cloud Shell

Methodologies

  • White box

Security Services

  • GCP Logging & Monitoring

Syllabus:

Intro to AWS

  • AWS Organization
  • AWS Principals
  • Basic Hacking Techniques

Exploitation of AWS Services

  • IAM
  • STS
  • KMS
  • Secrets Manager
  • S3
  • EC2 & VPC
  • Lambda
  • RDS
  • SQS
  • SNS

Methologies

  • White box

Common Detection Mechanisms

  • CloudTrail

Syllabus:

Azure Basics

  • Azure Organization
  • Entra ID
  • Azure Tokens & APIs
  • Basic Enumeration Tools

 

Exploitation of Azure Services

  • Entra ID IAM
  • Azure IAM
  • Azure Applications
  • Azure Key Vault
  • Azure Virtual Machine & Networking
  • Storage Accounts
  • Azure File Share
  • Azure Table Storage
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure MySQL & PostgreSQL
  • Azure CosmosDB
  • Azure App Service
  • Basic Azure Research Technique
  • Azure Function Apps
  • Static Web Apps
  • Azure Container Registry
  • Azure Container
  • Instances, Apps & Jobs
  • Azure Queue
  • Azure Service Bus
  • Azure Automation Account
  • Azure Logic Apps
  • Azure Cloud Shell
  • Azure Virtual Desktop

 

Methologies

  • White box
  • Black box
  • Pivoting between Entra ID & AD

 

Common Detection Mechanisms

  • Azure & Entra ID Logging & Monitoring
  • Microsoft Sentinel
  • Microsoft Defender for Cloud & Microsoft Defender EASM

Fundamentals and Setup

  1. Overview of Android’s architecture and ecosystem dynamics.
  2. Exploration of security features native to Android using Java, Kotlin, C++, and Rust.
  3. Mobile Application Threat Model
    a) Differences between mobile and web application threat models.
    b) Applying threat modeling techniques specifically to mobile applications.
    c) Case studies highlighting potential threats and vulnerabilities.
    d) How do we secure and test cross platform apps (e.g. ReactNative, Xamarin, etc).
  4. Introduction to industry mobile security standards
    a) OWASP Mobile Application Security (MAS) project
    b) Effective usage of the Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS).
    c) Effective usage of the Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG).
    d) Overview of the OWASP top 10 for mobile.
  5. Setting up and preparing a mobile security testing lab
    a) Configuration of industry-standard tools and guidance on their appropriate use.
    b) Setup of virtual mobile devices using Corellium, including its advantages.
    c) Introductory exercises to familiarize with the tools.
  6. Secure Coding Overview
    a) Exercises to identify vulnerabilities in code examples
    b) Discussion of the appropriate mechanisms for remediation
    c) Practical session on remediation and re-testing the app
  7. Secure storage
    a) Overview of application storage mechanisms.
    b) Introduction to cryptographic storage solutions on Android.

Advanced Techniques and Practical Application

  • Mobile penetration testing methodology
    a) Methodologies used in real-world scenarios with practical tips and tricks.
  • Identifying issues with backend APIs
    a) Examination of client-side trust issues.
    b) Analysis of insecure communications including certificate validation and pinning.
  • Cryptography in Android apps
    a) Utilization of Android’s Crypto APIs.
    b) Implementation of native cryptography using libraries like libnacl and OpenSSL.
    c) Management of cryptographic keys.
  • Authentication and Authorization
    a) Testing client-side authentication mechanisms, including secure usage of biometrics.
    b) Strategies to detect and bypass authentication flaws.
    c) Security measures for API authentication.
  • Android IPC
    a) Detailed exploration of Intents, deep links, Binders/services, and broadcast receivers.
  • Webviews
    a) Identifying and resolving common security issues in Android Webview configurations.
  • Software Composition Analysis (SBOM)
    a) Techniques to determine the components of an Android app.
    b) Identifying known vulnerabilities within these components.
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
    a) Introduction to Mobile Device Management: definition, core features, and its role in enhancing organizational security.
    b) Discussion on the benefits and practical applications of MDM in controlling and securing mobile devices across an enterprise.
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)
    a) Overview of Mobile Application Management: what it entails and its significance in enterprise environments.
    b) Exploration of how MAM contributes to managing and securing applications specifically, detailing its utility for enterprise security strategies.

Advanced Techniques and Practical Application

  • Mobile penetration testing methodology
    a) Methodologies used in real-world scenarios with practical tips and tricks.
  • Identifying issues with backend APIs
    a) Examination of client-side trust issues.
    b) Analysis of insecure communications including App Transport Security issues & certificate pinning.
  • Cryptography in IOS apps
    a) Utilization of iOS’s CryptoKit & CommonCrypto APIs.
    b) Implementation of native cryptography using libraries like libnacl and OpenSSL.
    c) Management of cryptographic keys and leveraging the secure enclave.
  • Authentication and Authorization
    a) Testing client-side authentication mechanisms, including secure usage of Local Authentication (biometrics).
    b) Strategies to detect and bypass authentication flaws.
    c) Security measures for API authentication.
    d) Using Device Check and App Attest
  • iOS IPC
    a) Detailed exploration of URL schemes, deep (universal) links, and extensions.
  • Webviews
    a) Identifying and resolving common security issues in iOS Webview configurations.
  • Software Composition Analysis (SBOM)
    a) Techniques to determine the components of an iOS app.
    b) Identifying known vulnerabilities within these components.
  • Implementing App Integrity
    a) What to look for
    b) How to implement
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
    a) Introduction to Mobile Device Management: definition, core features, and its role in enhancing organizational security.
    b) Discussion on the benefits and practical applications of MDM in controlling and securing mobile devices across an enterprise.
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)
    a) Overview of Mobile Application Management: what it entails and its significance in enterprise environments.
    b) Exploration of how MAM contributes to managing and securing applications specifically, detailing its utility for enterprise security strategies.

Fundamentals & Setup

  1. Overview of iOS’s architecture and ecosystem dynamics.
  2. Exploration of security features native to to iOS using Objective-C, Swift, and C(++).
  3. Mobile Application Threat Model
    a) Differences between mobile and web application threat models.
    b) Applying threat modeling techniques specifically to mobile applications.
    c) Case studies highlighting potential threats and vulnerabilities.
    d) How do we secure and test cross platform apps (e.g. ReactNative, Xamarin, etc).
  4. Introduction to industry mobile security standards
    a) OWASP Mobile Application Security (MAS) project
    b) Effective usage of the Mobile Application Security Verification Standard (MASVS).
    c) Effective usage of the Mobile Security Testing Guide (MSTG).
    d) Overview of the OWASP top 10 for mobile.
  5. Setting up and preparing a mobile security testing lab
    a) Configuration of industry-standard tools and guidance on their appropriate use.
    b) Setup of virtual mobile devices using Corellium, including its advantages.
    c) Introductory exercises to familiarize with the tools.
  6. Secure Coding Overview
    a) Exercises to identify vulnerabilities in iOS code examples
    b) Discussion of the appropriate mechanisms for remediation
    c) Practical session on remediation and re-testing the app
  7. Secure storage
    a) Overview of application storage mechanisms.
    b) Introduction to cryptographic storage solutions on iOS.