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. Unlock the essentials of ethical hacking with this comprehensive course designed to equip you with the tools and techniques to safeguard modern systems. You’ll delve into the core principles of cybersecurity, understand the motives behind cyberattacks, and learn the frameworks used by professionals to predict and counteract threats effectively. The course begins with foundational knowledge, including attacker motivations, cyber kill chains, and standards like the MITRE ATT&CK Framework. Next, you’ll explore advanced reconnaissance methods, from footprinting to social engineering recon and network scanning. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on expertise in tools like nmap and techniques for stealthy scans, all while adhering to industry regulations and ethical guidelines. As the course progresses, you’ll master recon techniques such as Google Dorks, Shodan searches, and the use of the Diamond Model of Intrusion Analysis. You’ll also learn to analyze attack behaviors, apply threat intelligence, and model risks effectively to stay ahead of malicious actors. This course is perfect for aspiring ethical hackers, cybersecurity professionals, and IT enthusiasts eager to understand the offensive strategies that strengthen defensive security. No prior experience is necessary, making it accessible to beginners, but technical familiarity will be an asset for more advanced topics.