Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/ibm-penetration-testing-incident-response-forensics

Introduction

### Course Review: Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics In the digital age, cybersecurity has become an essential aspect of safeguarding information and organizations. For those looking to build a robust foundation in cybersecurity, Coursera's course titled **"Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics"** provides a comprehensive gateway. As part of the Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate program, this course remarkably combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills necessary for real-world applications. #### Course Overview The **Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics** course is designed for individuals interested in diving into the essential skills of cybersecurity. It covers: - The varying phases involved in penetration testing. - Techniques for gathering data specific to penetration testing. - Insight into popular penetration testing tools that professionals utilize. - Understanding the steps of incident response and the critical documentation involved. - Introduction to digital forensics, including processes, data sources, and maintaining the chain of custody. - Basic scripting skills that are indispensable in the field of cybersecurity. #### Syllabus Breakdown **1. Penetration Testing** This module sets the stage for the entire course by delving into the importance of penetration testing. You will explore: - The distinct phases of penetration testing, allowing you to understand the significance of each step in the process. - Various tools used by cybersecurity professionals to execute successful penetration tests. The insights shared during this module will provide you with a well-rounded knowledge base to assess the security posture of any organization effectively. **2. Incident Response** In a world where cyber threats are ever-evolving, incident response skills are critical. This module equips you with: - Detailed understanding of the multiple phases an incident goes through, ensuring you're prepared to respond appropriately. - Emphasis on the importance of documentation and its role in understanding the incident trajectory. - Components needed for formulating a proficient incident response policy and assembling an effective response team. This knowledge is instrumental for anyone aiming to bolster their organization's security framework. **3. Digital Forensics** As cyber investigations increase, so does the need for digital forensics. The third module explores: - The forensic process involved in investigating cyber incidents, shedding light on how vital evidence is collected. - Various sources of forensic data and how to maintain integrity through the chain of custody. Gaining proficiency in digital forensics forms a cornerstone of cybersecurity investigative techniques. **4. Introduction to Scripting** Finally, this course introduces you to the fundamental principles of scripting within cybersecurity. You will learn: - The relevance of scripting languages and how they enhance cybersecurity practices. - An overview of popular scripting languages, with a particular focus on Python scripting basics. Introducing scripting as a tool at this stage is a clever move, allowing learners to automate tasks and write custom scripts to meet specific cybersecurity needs. #### Recommendations I highly recommend the **Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics** course on Coursera for individuals at varying levels of familiarity with cybersecurity. Whether you're a beginner or someone looking to refresh your knowledge, the course is structured in an accessible and engaging manner, featuring a blend of videos, readings, and hands-on projects that cater to diverse learning preferences. The course is particularly suitable for: - **Aspiring Cybersecurity Analysts:** If you're looking to enter the field or advance your career in cybersecurity, this course lays a solid foundation. - **IT Professionals:** Those currently working in IT infrastructure will benefit from learning how to secure systems efficiently. - **Anyone Interested in Cybersecurity:** If you're simply passionate about technology and eager to learn how to protect it, this course is an excellent starting point. In conclusion, taking the **Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics** course on Coursera is a strategic move towards establishing a successful career in cybersecurity. The skills gained from this course will be invaluable as you navigate the complexity of the digital landscape and contribute to making our cyber world a safer place.

Syllabus

Penetration Testing

In this module you will learn the importance of understanding penetration testing, the phases of penetration testing and tools available for penetration testing.

In this module, you will learn the various phases of an incident response, the importance of documentation and how it relates to the incident and the components of an incident response policy.

In this module, you will learn about the forensic process, different sources of forensic data and the chain of custody as it relates to forensics.

In this module you will learn why scripting is important to cybersecurity, an overview of scripting languages and the basics of Python scripting.