As an IT administrator, it’s important to be aware of the tools potential adversaries are likely to use against your networks and your applications.

Not only will this help you prepare for attacks and better secure your systems, it can also identify weaknesses, misconfigurations, or unknown services on your network. And as new vulnerabilities are discovered every day, routine scanning of your network and its services lets you see whether any newly-discovered vulnerabilities apply in your configuration. Labs in this category focus on systems-level scanning and exploitation.

For vulnerabilities specific to web-based applications, also consider labs in our Web Application Security Analysis category.

Questions about which lab is right for you? Contact cogent@trainonq.com.

Introduction to Metasploit

Students will gain experience with the widely-used open source Metasploit® framework and related tools for exploiting vulnerable software and insecure system configurations. The exercise leads students through the entire process, from scanning the network to getting remote shells and accessing sensitive information. By seeing the tools available to potential attackers, students will gain a greater appreciation for the need to keep software up-to-date and securely configured.

Prerequisites

Basic networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.) and familiarity with the Unix/Linux command line.

Expected Duration

1 hour, self-paced. Pause and continue at any time.
1 CPE awarded on successful completion.

Availability

Included if you are a subscriber to any of the following training packages:

  • Level 1: Enterprise Instructional Labs
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity Lab Package
  • Introduction to Network Security Lab Package
  • Essential Tools for Cybersecurity
  • Vulnerability Scanning Package
  • Target Developer 1
  • Cyber Operator 1
  • Systems Security Analyst 1
  • Cyber Defense Analyst 1
  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst 1
  • Security Architect
  • Secure Software Assessor
  • Authorizing Official/Designating Representative
  • Level 3: Attack Scenarios, Attack/Defense/IR Exercises, and Instructional Labs
  • Level 2: Attack/Defense/IR Exercises and Instructional Labs
Educational Lab

Vulnerability Scanning with OpenVAS

Students will use the free OpenVAS web tool suite to identify vulnerabilities in services available on an unknown network. The network will include several targets with known-vulnerable software versions and/or configurations.

Prerequisites

Basic operating system security concepts, networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.), and familiarity with the Unix/Linux command line.

Expected Duration

2 hours, self-paced. Pause and continue at any time.
2 CPEs awarded on successful completion.

Availability

Included if you are a subscriber to any of the following training packages:

  • Level 1: Enterprise Instructional Labs
  • Vulnerability Scanning Package
  • Target Developer 2
  • Systems Security Analyst 2
  • Secure Software Assessor
  • Authorizing Official/Designating Representative
  • Level 3: Attack Scenarios, Attack/Defense/IR Exercises, and Instructional Labs
  • Level 2: Attack/Defense/IR Exercises and Instructional Labs
Educational Lab

Automating Security Analysis with SPARTA

Students will build on the results of labs in the Web Application Security Analysis and Network Monitoring categories by using the SPARTA network infrastructure penetration testing tool, a graphical application that automates many common vulnerability assessment tasks. Students will use SPARTA within a graphical Kali Linux environment, scanning multiple unknown target systems and exploring found weaknesses.

Prerequisites

Basic web application knowledge (HTTP, URL parameters, etc.), networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.), and familiarity with the Unix/Linux command line.

Expected Duration

2 hours, self-paced. Pause and continue at any time.
2 CPEs awarded on successful completion.

Availability

Included if you are a subscriber to any of the following training packages:

  • Level 1: Enterprise Instructional Labs
  • Essential Tools for Cybersecurity
  • Vulnerability Scanning Package
  • Target Developer 1
  • Cyber Operator 1
  • Systems Security Analyst 1
  • Vulnerability Assessment Analyst 1
  • Security Architect
  • Secure Software Assessor
  • Authorizing Official/Designating Representative
  • Level 3: Attack Scenarios, Attack/Defense/IR Exercises, and Instructional Labs
  • Level 2: Attack/Defense/IR Exercises and Instructional Labs
Educational Lab