Exploit Development, Malware, & Defensive Strategies
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Exploit Development, Malware, & Defensive Strategies
This course is part of The Complete Ethical Hacking Course Specialization
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What you'll learn
Develop advanced Python scripts using Object-Oriented Programming for ethical hacking tasks
Create backdoors, keyloggers, and network exploits for penetration testing
Package and disguise malicious files to bypass security systems and execute attacks
Implement defensive strategies against MITM attacks, packet listeners, and other network exploits
Skills you'll gain
- Network Monitoring
- Cyber Operations
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Exploitation techniques
- Package and Software Management
- Scripting Languages
- Network Analysis
- Scripting
- Penetration Testing
- Network Security
- Remote Access Systems
- Program Development
- Code Reusability
- Network Protocols
- Malware Protection
Tools you'll learn
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There are 10 modules in this course
Updated in May 2025.
This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This course provides an advanced exploration of exploit development, malware creation, and defensive strategies in ethical hacking. By delving into object-oriented programming, building backdoors, creating malicious payloads, and analyzing network traffic, learners will gain hands-on experience in crafting cybersecurity tools and deploying them for real-world testing. The course also highlights defensive tactics, equipping learners with the skills necessary to protect systems from the very exploits they learn to develop. The course starts with Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python, where students will learn how to define and use classes and methods, implement inheritance, and handle errors. This foundational knowledge is crucial for creating robust scripts for ethical hacking tasks. Next, we cover the creation and manipulation of backdoors, teaching students how to write listener scripts, send commands remotely, and encode communications for stealth. This leads into malware analysis, with lessons on creating and packaging malicious files, configuring them to run on system startup, and using tools like Regedit to modify system configurations. In addition to offensive techniques, the course also explores key defensive strategies like packet listening and Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. Students will learn how to capture network traffic using Wireshark, create ARP poisoning attacks, and build tools for network scanning and keylogging. The inclusion of real-world case studies and practical projects provides students with a comprehensive understanding of both the attack and defense sides of cybersecurity, preparing them for certifications and advanced roles in penetration testing and ethical hacking. This course is designed for intermediate to advanced learners in cybersecurity, penetration testing, and exploit development. Knowledge of Python programming and networking concepts is beneficial but not required. The content is suitable for professionals aiming to specialize in malware analysis, exploit development, or defensive cybersecurity strategies.
In this module, we will introduce Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts, including classes, methods, and inheritance in Python. You'll learn how to apply these principles to build efficient and reusable hacking tools while also mastering error handling techniques.
What's included
8 videos2 readings1 assignment
8 videos•Total 55 minutes
- Object Oriented Programming Introduction•0 minutes
- Class•14 minutes
- Methods•6 minutes
- Class Practical Usage•7 minutes
- Inheritance•8 minutes
- Special Methods•8 minutes
- Error Handling•11 minutes
- Object Oriented Programming Outro•0 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Exploit Development, Malware, & Defensive Strategies'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Object Oriented Programming - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the world of Python modules, focusing on how to write, use, and manage them to streamline your ethical hacking scripts. You'll also learn the benefits of using external libraries and the key differences between running scripts directly and importing them.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
5 videos•Total 26 minutes
- Modules Introduction•0 minutes
- Using Libraries•13 minutes
- Writing Our Own Modules•6 minutes
- Imported vs Direct•7 minutes
- Modules Outro•0 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Modules - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the essentials of MAC address manipulation, including how to change MAC addresses for anonymity. You’ll gain hands-on experience with Python, using subprocess and regex techniques to automate the process and enhance your security practices.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment
13 videos•Total 91 minutes
- MAC Changer Introduction•1 minute
- Installing PyCharm On Kali•16 minutes
- MAC and IP Address•7 minutes
- Changing MAC Manually•8 minutes
- Using Subprocess•7 minutes
- Introducing Variables•10 minutes
- Processing Tuples•12 minutes
- Beautifying the Code•8 minutes
- Saving Subprocess•5 minutes
- Regex 101•7 minutes
- New MAC Control•7 minutes
- Python3 Compatibility•4 minutes
- MAC Changer Outro•0 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- MAC Changer - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce network scanning techniques, focusing on ARP and broadcast requests to identify devices on a network. You'll also enhance your scanning scripts with new features and ensure they are compatible with Python 3 for more effective cybersecurity assessments.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
9 videos•Total 45 minutes
- Network Scanner Introduction•0 minutes
- ARP Refreshed•5 minutes
- How Network Scanners Work•6 minutes
- ARP Request•10 minutes
- Broadcast Request•9 minutes
- Processing Response•6 minutes
- Adding Features•8 minutes
- Python3 Compatibility•1 minute
- Network Scanner Outro•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Network Scanner - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will delve into the tactics behind MITM attacks, demonstrating how to intercept network traffic using ARP poisoning. You will learn how to script these attacks effectively, incorporating error handling and user input for more sophisticated MITM scenarios.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
10 videos•Total 66 minutes
- Man In The Middle Introduction•1 minute
- MITM Refreshed•5 minutes
- ARP Response Creation•8 minutes
- ARP Poison•7 minutes
- Getting MAC Address•14 minutes
- Looping Continuously•10 minutes
- Displaying Better Logs•4 minutes
- Handling Specific Error•10 minutes
- Getting User Input•8 minutes
- Man In The Middle Outro•0 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Man In The Middle - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will dive into packet listening and analysis using Wireshark and Python. You’ll also learn techniques for securing your network traffic against potential listeners while mastering the intricacies of network packet analysis.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videos•Total 49 minutes
- Packet Listener Introduction•0 minutes
- Wireshark Refreshed•7 minutes
- Wireshark Analysis•8 minutes
- Gathering Packets•9 minutes
- Working With Layers•7 minutes
- Downgrading HTTPS•15 minutes
- Protecting Ourselves•3 minutes
- Packet Listener Outro•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Packet Listener - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover the creation of a keylogger using Python, focusing on capturing and logging keystrokes. You’ll also learn how to save, send, and optimize keyloggers, with an emphasis on ethical considerations and proper testing.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
10 videos•Total 98 minutes
- Keylogger Introduction•0 minutes
- Setting Up Windows•15 minutes
- Working With Files•14 minutes
- Logging Keyboard•20 minutes
- Saving Logs•7 minutes
- Handling Errors•11 minutes
- Sending Email•9 minutes
- Threading Library•15 minutes
- Testing On Windows•7 minutes
- Keylogger Outro•0 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Keylogger - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore backdoor creation, from writing the backdoor script to developing a listener for remote access. You’ll learn how to interact with target systems, retrieve data, and upload files, with an emphasis on error handling and Python 3 compatibility.
What's included
19 videos1 assignment
19 videos•Total 143 minutes
- Backdoor Introduction•0 minutes
- How To Write a Backdoor?•7 minutes
- Opening a Connection•8 minutes
- Running Commands•9 minutes
- Writing Listener•9 minutes
- Sending Commands With Listener•6 minutes
- Class Structure•9 minutes
- Finishing Classes•6 minutes
- What is JSON?•10 minutes
- Processing JSON•8 minutes
- Sending Commands With List•13 minutes
- Cd Command Implementation•9 minutes
- Getting Contents•7 minutes
- Saving Files•6 minutes
- Encoding Downloads•7 minutes
- Upload Functionality•9 minutes
- Handling Errors•7 minutes
- Python3 Compatibility•12 minutes
- Backdoor Outro•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Backdoor - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how to package and disguise malicious files for deployment, focusing on techniques like changing icons and file extensions. You’ll also learn how to create executable payloads and configure them for persistence in compromised systems.
What's included
10 videos1 assignment
10 videos•Total 55 minutes
- Packaging & Malicious Files Introduction•0 minutes
- Malicious Files•6 minutes
- Creating Executables•5 minutes
- What is Regedit?•7 minutes
- Copying Files•8 minutes
- Running Executables On Startup•6 minutes
- Adding PDF to File•9 minutes
- Changing Icons•7 minutes
- Changing Extensions•7 minutes
- Packaging & Malicious Files Outro•1 minute
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Packaging & Malicious Files - Assessment•15 minutes
In this final module, we will close the course with parting thoughts on the importance of ethical hacking practices. You will be guided towards responsible cybersecurity endeavors and provided with key resources to continue your learning journey.
What's included
1 video1 reading2 assignments
1 video•Total 3 minutes
- Closing•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Exploit Development, Malware, & Defensive Strategies'•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 75 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
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