Advanced Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing Course in Abbottabad
Master the Art of Offensive Security and Secure Your FutureAre you ready to think like a hacker to defeat them? The Advanced Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing Course at Professional Skills & Tech Academy (PSTA) is Abbottabad’s premier offensive security training program. Unlike general IT courses, this specialized track is 100% practical, designed to take you from a novice to a job-ready Penetration Tester, Bug Bounty Hunter, and Cyber Security Specialist in just 3 months.In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are desperate for skilled professionals who can identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. This course covers the latest tools and techniques used by elite Red Teams globally, including Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. Whether you aim to launch a lucrative freelance career on Upwork, hunt bugs for cash rewards, or secure a high-paying corporate role in Pakistan’s growing tech sector, this course is your ultimate launchpad.Why Choose PSTA’s Ethical Hacking Course?We don’t just teach theory; we simulate real-world cyberattacks in a controlled, safe environment. Our "Attack-to-Defend" methodology ensures you understand the anatomy of a hack, allowing you to build impenetrable defenses. Hands-On Cyber Labs: Practice over 550+ attack techniques in our state-of-the-art computer labs in Abbottabad. Experience real-time scenarios without legal risks. Freelance & Career Focus: We include dedicated modules on how to earn money through Bug Bounty programs (HackerOne, Bugcrowd) and freelancing platforms. Learn to monetize your skills immediately. Industry-Aligned Curriculum: The syllabus mirrors global standards like CEH v12 and CompTIA PenTest+, preparing you for international certification exams. Expert Mentorship: Learn directly from seasoned security professionals and industry practitioners who work on the front lines of cybersecurity.Key Skills You Will MasterOur curriculum is rigorously designed to cover the entire "Cyber Kill Chain," ensuring comprehensive mastery of offensive security:1. Reconnaissance & FootprintingMaster the art of information gathering using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools. Learn to map network infrastructures and harvest critical data before launching an assessment.2. Vulnerability Assessment & AnalysisLearn to identify weak points in systems using automated scanners like Nessus and manual verification techniques. Understand how to categorize and report risks effectively.3. System Exploitation & HackingGain proficiency in bypassing antivirus defenses, cracking passwords, and escalating privileges on both Windows and Linux environments using the Metasploit Framework.4. Web Application SecurityDeep dive into the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities. Learn to detect and exploit critical flaws such as SQL Injection (SQLi), Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and broken authentication mechanisms to secure websites.5. Mobile & Wireless SecurityAudit Wi-Fi networks by cracking WEP/WPA/WPA2 encryption. Understand the security architecture of Android and iOS platforms to prevent mobile-based attacks.6. Malware Analysis & DefenseAnalyze the behavior of Trojans, Viruses, and Ransomware in a sandbox environment. Learn how to reverse-engineer malware to understand its payload and impact.Is This Course Different from "Cyber Security"?Yes. While our Cyber Security course focuses on Blue Team (Defensive) operations—such as configuring firewalls, incident response, and network monitoring—this Ethical Hacking course focuses on Red Team (Offensive) operations. You will learn how to aggressively test systems for weaknesses, a skillset highly valued for specialized Penetration Testing roles and freelance gigs.
Course Description
Master the Art of Offensive Security and Secure Your Future
Are you ready to think like a hacker to defeat them? The Advanced Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing Course at Professional Skills & Tech Academy (PSTA) is Abbottabad’s premier offensive security training program. Unlike general IT courses, this specialized track is 100% practical, designed to take you from a novice to a job-ready Penetration Tester, Bug Bounty Hunter, and Cyber Security Specialist in just 3 months.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations are desperate for skilled professionals who can identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. This course covers the latest tools and techniques used by elite Red Teams globally, including Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark. Whether you aim to launch a lucrative freelance career on Upwork, hunt bugs for cash rewards, or secure a high-paying corporate role in Pakistan’s growing tech sector, this course is your ultimate launchpad.
Why Choose PSTA’s Ethical Hacking Course?
We don’t just teach theory; we simulate real-world cyberattacks in a controlled, safe environment. Our "Attack-to-Defend" methodology ensures you understand the anatomy of a hack, allowing you to build impenetrable defenses.
Hands-On Cyber Labs: Practice over 550+ attack techniques in our state-of-the-art computer labs in Abbottabad. Experience real-time scenarios without legal risks.
Freelance & Career Focus: We include dedicated modules on how to earn money through Bug Bounty programs (HackerOne, Bugcrowd) and freelancing platforms. Learn to monetize your skills immediately.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum: The syllabus mirrors global standards like CEH v12 and CompTIA PenTest+, preparing you for international certification exams.
Expert Mentorship: Learn directly from seasoned security professionals and industry practitioners who work on the front lines of cybersecurity.
Key Skills You Will Master
Our curriculum is rigorously designed to cover the entire "Cyber Kill Chain," ensuring comprehensive mastery of offensive security:
1. Reconnaissance & Footprinting
Master the art of information gathering using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools. Learn to map network infrastructures and harvest critical data before launching an assessment.
2. Vulnerability Assessment & Analysis
Learn to identify weak points in systems using automated scanners like Nessus and manual verification techniques. Understand how to categorize and report risks effectively.
3. System Exploitation & Hacking
Gain proficiency in bypassing antivirus defenses, cracking passwords, and escalating privileges on both Windows and Linux environments using the Metasploit Framework.
4. Web Application Security
Deep dive into the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities. Learn to detect and exploit critical flaws such as SQL Injection (SQLi), Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and broken authentication mechanisms to secure websites.
5. Mobile & Wireless Security
Audit Wi-Fi networks by cracking WEP/WPA/WPA2 encryption. Understand the security architecture of Android and iOS platforms to prevent mobile-based attacks.
6. Malware Analysis & Defense
Analyze the behavior of Trojans, Viruses, and Ransomware in a sandbox environment. Learn how to reverse-engineer malware to understand its payload and impact.
Is This Course Different from "Cyber Security"?
Yes. While our Cyber Security course focuses on Blue Team (Defensive) operations—such as configuring firewalls, incident response, and network monitoring—this Ethical Hacking course focuses on Red Team (Offensive) operations. You will learn how to aggressively test systems for weaknesses, a skillset highly valued for specialized Penetration Testing roles and freelance gigs.
What You'll Learn
Conduct Penetration Tests: Plan and execute professional security assessments on networks and web applications using industry-standard methodologies.
Master Hacking Tools: Demonstrate command over Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and Burp Suite.
Identify & Exploit Vulnerabilities: Detect and responsibly exploit critical flaws such as SQL Injection, XSS, and System Misconfigurations.
Perform Network Sniffing: Analyze network traffic to detect sensitive data leaks, session hijacking attempts, and potential threats.
Execute Social Engineering Campaigns: Understand the psychology of attacks (phishing, pretexting) to better protect human targets within an organization.
Secure Wireless Networks: Audit Wi-Fi security protocols (WEP/WPA2/WPA3) to identify weaknesses and recommend stronger encryption standards.
Explore the Dark Web Safely: Understand the structure of the Tor network, monitor dark web threats, and navigate safely for threat intelligence purposes.
Generate Professional Reports: Write detailed vulnerability assessment reports for clients—a crucial skill for freelance success.
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking & Cyber Laws
Fundamentals of Information Security (CIA Triad)
Hacker Classes: Black Hat vs. White Hat vs. Grey Hat
Cyber Crime Laws in Pakistan (PECA Act 2016)
Lab Setup: VirtualBox & Kali Linux Installation
Module 2: Footprinting & Reconnaissance (OSINT)
Passive vs. Active Reconnaissance Techniques
Advanced Google Hacking (Google Dorks)
Intelligence Gathering with Maltego & Shodan
Email Harvesting & Social Media Profiling
Module 3: Scanning & Enumeration
Network Mapping with Nmap & Zenmap
Enumerating Services (SMB, SNMP, DNS)
Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus & OpenVAS
Identifying Live Hosts and Open Ports
Module 4: System Hacking & Exploitation
Password Cracking (Brute Force, Dictionary Attacks, Rainbow Tables)
Privilege Escalation Techniques (Windows/Linux)
Exploitation using Metasploit Framework
Steganography (Hiding Data) & Covering Tracks
Module 5: Malware Analysis & Threats
Anatomy of Trojans, Viruses, and Worms
Ransomware Mechanics & Defense
Creating & Detecting Payloads/Backdoors
Static & Dynamic Malware Analysis Basics
Module 6: Sniffing & Session Hijacking
Active vs. Passive Sniffing Methods
Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks (ARP Poisoning)
Session Hijacking & Cookie Stealing
Traffic Analysis with Wireshark & Ettercap
Module 7: Social Engineering & Human Hacking
Phishing Attack Vectors & Prevention
Cloning Websites for Credential Harvesting
Pretexting, Baiting, and Quid Pro Quo
Countermeasures & Security Awareness Training
Module 8: Web Application Penetration Testing
Understanding the OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities
SQL Injection (SQLi) – Manual & Automated (SQLmap)
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) – Reflected, Stored, DOM
Web Parameter Tampering & Directory Traversal
Using Burp Suite for Web App Assessments
Module 9: Wireless Network Hacking
Wi-Fi Architecture & Encryption (WEP/WPA/WPA2)
Cracking Wi-Fi Passwords using Aircrack-ng
Rogue Access Points & Evil Twin Attacks
Securing Wireless Infrastructure
Module 10: Dark Web Exploration & Anonymity
Introduction to Tor Browser & Onion Routing
Navigating the Dark Web Safely & Legally
Dark Web Monitoring for Threat Intelligence
VPNs, Proxies, and Anonymity Operations (OPSEC)
Module 11: Freelancing & Bug Bounty Career Path
Setting up Profiles on HackerOne & Bugcrowd
Creating Gigs on Fiverr & Upwork for Penetration Testing
Writing Professional Penetration Test Reports
Career Roadmap: From Junior Tester to CISO
Target Audience
- Aspiring Ethical Hackers: Students and IT enthusiasts passionate about mastering the tools of the trade (Kali Linux, Python).
- Freelancers: Individuals seeking to earn in USD by offering penetration testing and website security services on global platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
- IT Professionals: Network administrators, developers, and system engineers looking to upskill into the high-paying domain of offensive security.
- Bug Bounty Hunters: Tech-savvy individuals interested in earning rewards by identifying and reporting flaws in major software platforms.
- CS/IT Students: University students in Abbottabad (COMSATS, AUST) needing practical, hands-on skills to supplement their theoretical degree programs.