Course Activity and Digital Microcredential
Each registered participant will develop one activity that employs various concepts and strategies introduced in the course. Participants will be asked to complete assignments between the course segments that support the learning objectives and will receive feedback and constructive critique from the instructors on how to improve and shape their work. Participants who successfully complete the entire activity will receive an EDUCAUSE digital microcredential recognizing their accomplishment.
Schedule and Assignments
Session 1: What Is a Penetration Test?
September 30, 2020, 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
This session will focus on the differences between a vulnerability assessment and a penetration test, different methodologies used, and ethics.
Outcomes
- Identify the differences between a vulnerability assessment and penetration test
- Follow a penetration test methodology
- Know the difference between an ethical hacker and bad actor
Assignments
- Discussion: Port scanning—is it legal?
- Individual: Research the most common vulnerability scanners.
Session 2: Tools of the Trade
October 7, 2020, 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
This session will highlight the tools used by both ethical hackers and a threat actor.
Outcomes
- Identify common tools
- Understand how tools can be used to breach an organization
- Learn basic design elements to communicate effectively
Assignments
- Individual: Conduct a port scan using Zenmap
- Individual: (Optional) Conduct a vulnerability scan
Session 3: Exploitation Techniques
October 14, 2020, 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
This workshop will focus on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities.
Outcomes
- Understand social engineering
- See the effects that a successful phishing campaign can have on an organization
- Understand how an exploit can compromise a server in an organization
Assignments
- Individual: Spotting a phish
- Individual: Deploying ransomware