Ethical Hacking Syllabus: Get Latest Syllabus and Subjects List
Anshuman SinghSenior Executive - Content
- Introduction to Ethical Hacking
- Syllabus - Important Facts for Ethical Hacking
- List of Subjects in Ethical Hacking
- Typical Elective Subjects for Ethical Hacking
- 4.1 Specialisations Offered in Ethical Hacking
- Books and Authors Related to Ethical Hacking
- Entrance Exams for Ethical Hacking Courses
- 6.1 Syllabus for Distance Programme in Ethical Hacking
- Top Colleges for Ethical Hacking
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction to Ethical Hacking
Scanning a computer or network for faults and potential threats may be broadly defined as Ethical Hacking. An ethical hacker finds and informs the organisation about loopholes or vulnerabilities in a computer system, web application, or network. In today's age of information and technology, when nearly all organisations rely on cloud storage and support, cybercrime has become rampant globally. The attacks evolve and get complicated, resulting in security breaches and extortion. As more organisations turn to e-commerce and cloud computing, Ethical Hacking can shield against potential security threats and breaches. Thus, cybersecurity employment is becoming one of the fastest-growing positions with significant vacancies, attracting many students to take courses in Ethical Hacking.
Syllabus - Important Facts for Ethical Hacking
- Sc. in Cyber security: B.Sc. in Cyber Security is a 3-year undergraduate degree course that focuses on introducing the field of Ethical Hacking, dealing with cybersecurity management and security threat analysis.
- Tech Cyber Security: It is a 4-year undergraduate degree course where students learn about cybersecurity, mentoring students regarding maintaining digital documents and investigating data breaches. It follows an entrance based admission, and candidates are shortlisted based on JEE Mains.
- Scope in India: Information technology security requirements are rapidly increasing, with the demand scaling as high as 60,000 employees. Reputed firms like Google, Wipro, Dell, Accenture, and IBM actively recruit eligible candidates to reinforce cybersecurity.
- Ethical Hacking syllabus in IITs: The Certified Ethical Hacking Course at IITs is a 6-week training period that provides hands-on experience in ethically penetrating network systems and safeguarding any gaps or leaks. The course covers all the latest developments in operating systems in mobile and web technologies.
- General Examination Pattern: Generally, students have to appear for a 4-hour test with 125 multiple-choice questions. A candidate is expected to score between 60 and 85% to qualify for the exam.
Scope of Ethical Hacking:
Ethical Hacking is typically used in conjunction with penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and flaws in a security system and take countermeasures against those attacks. Risk assessment, auditing and fraud detection need Ethical Hacking.
List of Subjects in Ethical Hacking
The space below mentions the list of subjects that are included in Ethical Hacking courses. We have furnished Typical Core Subjects for Ethical Hacking and Typical Elective Subjects for Ethical Hacking in two separate tables below:
Typical Core Subjects for Ethical Hacking
Subject title |
Subject details |
---|---|
Cyber Ethics-Hacking |
Ethical Hacking is a legal attempt to obtain unauthorised access to databases, systems or apps. Ethical hackers replicate the techniques and behaviours of hostile attackers. |
Information Gathering |
For a better penetration-testing experience, every penetration-tester (pen-tester) and hacker should learn the art of information collecting. Analysts utilise this strategy to figure out what clients and users want. |
Scanning |
Scanning is swiftly sweeping a text to locate specific information, such as figures or names. |
Google Hacking Database |
The Google Hacking Database (GHDB) is a collection of Google hacking search phrases discovered to uncover sensitive data that vulnerable servers and web apps have exposed. |
Virus, Worms – Virus Analysis |
A study about the major function of this sort of malware is to self-replicate and infect other computers while remaining active on infected systems. A computer worm replicates itself to infect machines that are not already infested. |
Trojans and Backdoors |
A study on malicious software programmes that provide unauthorised access to a computer to launch a remote assault. Remote attackers can use a hacked machine to send commands or gain complete control. |
Sniffers and Keyloggers |
Studies a virus that discreetly records users’ keystrokes on a computer or mobile device. Malware authors can readily extract entered information such as passwords, bank account numbers, messages to friends, and credit card details typed on payment pages in this fashion. |
Social Engineering |
Various nefarious activities carried out through human interactions are social engineering. It uses psychological manipulation to make users commit security mistakes or reveal sensitive information. The attacks are carried out via a series of steps. |
Email, DNS, IP Spoofing |
DNS poisoning and spoofing use DNS server flaws to redirect traffic away from real servers toward false ones. You may be perplexed about how to resolve a bogus page, even though you are the only one who can. |
System Hacking and Security |
System hacking is the breach of computer systems and software to access the target machine and steal or misuse sensitive data. The malware and the attacker find and exploit the computer system's vulnerability to acquire illegal access. |
HoneyPots |
A honeypot is a security feature that simulates an attack and lures attackers into it. An attacker can exploit weaknesses on a deliberately compromised computer system, allowing you to analyse them and enhance your security practices. |
Typical Elective Subjects for Ethical Hacking
Subject title |
Subject details |
---|---|
Scanning |
Scanning is the second phase of information gathering used by hackers to scale up a network after footprinting and reconnaissance. Ethical hackers who try to prevent assaults on an organisation's infrastructure and data use network scans as a vital tool in their toolbox. |
Google Hacking Database |
The GHDB is a database of search queries (dorks) used by pentesters and security researchers to retrieve publicly available information. |
Virus, Worms – Virus Analysis |
Hackers have a variety of abilities, including programming and computer networking. To gain access to systems, they frequently employ these abilities. Targeting an organisation would have the goal of stealing confidential data, disrupting corporate operations, or physically damaging computer-controlled equipment. Trojans, viruses and worms are utilised to achieve the legitimate goal. |
Social Engineering |
Hackers employ social engineering to deceive end-users and gather information about a company or its computer systems. IT security professionals must understand social engineering and how social engineering attacks are planned to safeguard their networks. |
Email, DNS, IP spoofing |
IP spoofing is a malicious attack in which the threat actor hides the true source of IP packets to make it more difficult to figure out where they came from. The attacker sends packets with a different source IP address to mimic a different computer system, conceal the sender's identity, or both. |
System Hacking & Security |
Hackers gain access to individual machines on a network through system hacking. To detect, avoid, and counter these types of assaults, ethical hackers master system hacking. |
Detailed Syllabus for Ethical Hacking
Network security officers and practitioners, site administrators, IS/IT specialists and analysts, IS/IT auditors, IT operations managers, IT security officers, network specialists, technical support engineers, senior systems engineers, and systems analysts will benefit from this Ethical Hacking course.
Semester |
Core/Elective |
Subject title |
Subject Details |
---|---|---|---|
1. |
Introduction to Ethical Hacking |
Information Security Overview |
It is a foundational course detailing Aspen and iLabs, essential terminology, various elements of information security, functionality, and its usability. Some parts of the syllabus include:
|
2. |
Footprinting and Reconnaissance |
Footprinting Concepts |
Footprinting and reconnaissance detail the footprinting process of gathering information about a target network and how it can be prevented. Some parts of the syllabus include:
|
Specialisations Offered in Ethical Hacking
There are many similar courses to learn about Ethical Hacking that provide students with the same type of employment. Before applying to any of them, one must understand the eligibility criteria. Below is a list of the most popular specialisations in Ethical Hacking:
Specialisation |
Subjects |
Details |
---|---|---|
B.Sc. in Cyber Security |
Cyberspace and the Law Securing Web Application Services and Servers Big Data & IoT Security Penetration testing Virtualisation and Cloud Security Cryptography & Information Security Cyber Threat and Modelling Penetration Testing and Incident Handling Cyber Forensics Intrusion Detection and Prevention Artificial Intelligence In Cybersecurity Auditing IT Infrastructures for Compliance Parallel and Distributed Computing Operating System & system programming Malware Analysis Vulnerability Analysis Cyber Law and Ethics |
The duration of this course is 3 years, where students gain training in business and technical skills like system administration, database applications and recovery. |
B.Sc. Networking |
Computer Hardware and Networking Technologies Network Operating Systems Designing Configuring Troubleshooting Windows Server 2008 Network Designing and Administering Cisco Internetworks Infrastructure Designing and Implementing Wi-Fi and VoIP Networks Configuring Electronic Security Systems in IT Networks Information Security and Ethical Hacking Management Skills |
The duration of this course is 3 years, in which students learn applied comprehension and best innovation in administering systems for remote and portable systems. I |
B.Tech CSE |
Applied Mathematics Computer Graphics Operating Systems Introduction to Programming Database Management Systems Object-Oriented Programming Data Structure and Algorithm Java Programming Electrical Technology Computer Network Artificial Intelligence Digital Communication Microprocessor and Microcontroller Software Testing and Quality Assurance Web Engineering Information Security Machine Learning Algorithm Design and Analysis Industrial Management Wireless Communication |
The course duration is 4 years. Its goal is to give students a thorough understanding of computer technology and functional processes and programming, coding and Web and database development. This course focuses on hands-on learning and allows students to explore computing technology while instilling an important desire to innovate. |
B.Tech Cyber Security |
Computer Networks Principles of Operating System Artificial Intelligence Web Technologies |
Cybercrime, network security, data structures, design and analysis of algorithms, cryptography, and intrusion detection and prevention systems are all covered in BTech cyber security. The course is usually 4 years long, with 8 semesters. Students can earn points depending on their performance in theory and practical tests and the project they are working on. |
M.Tech CSE |
VLSI Design Operating Systems and System Programming Machine Learning Internet Technology Principles of Programming Language Distributed Database Systems Artificial Intelligence Software Testing Computational Number Theory Mobile Computing Design and Analysis of Algorithm Advanced Software Engineering Parallel Computing Cryptography and Network Security Data Warehouse and Data Mining |
A master's degree in computer science typically takes two years to complete and is divided into four semesters. Mtech is a more application-based subject with a more practical approach. |
M.Tech in Information Security |
Advanced problem-solving Computer networks Scripting Network security Discrete mathematics Operating systems Principles of information security Information security Information security audit assurance |
Master of Technology Information Security is a master's degree programme in information technology management. Information Security and Assurance will give you the skills to safeguard networks, communications, and data and the knowledge you will need to develop, implement and manage enterprise-level security and system integrity. |
M.Tech Network and Information Security |
Cyber & Information Security Advanced Algorithms Distributed Systems Advanced Computer Networks |
The Master of Technology in Computer Network and Information Security programme is a two-year postgraduate programme. Candidates must have a BE, BTech, CS, IT, MCA, or MSc degree from a recognised institution with a minimum of 60%. Applicants must take the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering entrance examination (GATE). The candidates' GATE exam scores are used in the selection process. |
M.Sc. in Cyber Security |
Digital Securities Malware Analysis Cryptography and Secure Communication Malware Analysis in Virtual Machine Cyber Crime Issues and Investigation Digital Forensics Python programming String and File Manipulation Network Programming Using Modules and Data Structures Scapy – A Python Tool for Security Testing Ethical Hacking |
To be eligible for the MSc Cyber Security course, the candidate must have earned a BSc or BE/BTech degree in Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security, or any other equivalent degree from a recognised university. The course delves into every area of cyber security, Ethical Hacking, data encryption and hacker prevention. Digital Security, Cryptography, Digital Forensics, Malware Functionality and other topics are covered. |
Books and Authors Related to Ethical Hacking
Here is a handpicked list of the Top 10 Ethical Hacking Books that should be in any ethical hacker's collection, from beginner to advanced.
Subject |
Book title |
Authors |
Description of the Book |
---|---|---|---|
Ethical Hacking and Network Defence |
Hands-on Ethical Hacking and Network Defence |
by James Corley |
It is a beginner's book; best to learn hacking, especially for those new to networking, security, and hacking. Simple language and extensive explanations make it beginner-friendly. It is mostly a theory book with minimal focus on implementation or methods. You can get a high-level overview of hacking principles, such as security testing, various tools, penetration testing methodologies, mobile security and network security. |
Basics of Hacking |
The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing |
Patrick Engebretson |
Backtrack and Kali Linux, Nmap, Social-Engineer Toolkit, Netcat, and many more technologies are covered in this book. The book is well-organised, and it takes you through each topic step by step. It is a comprehensive Ethical Hacking book for beginners. |
Security Flaws |
The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws |
Dafydd Stuttard |
This is one of the most well-known and financially successful hacking books. The book is comprehensive in its coverage of website security that takes a practical approach. The author forces you to think at every step. There are numerous real-world best practices and scenarios in the book. The book is well-organised, with the first few chapters covering main web components and potential vulnerabilities, followed by chapters on hacking sessions, databases, and other systems. |
Python Programming |
Black Hat Python: Python Programming for Hackers and Pentesters |
Justin Seitz |
The book is written in Python 2 and focuses on using Python to create successful hacking tools. The book digs into each approach in depth and puts you to the test on various levels. It can be used as a reference and a learning starting point. |
Hacking |
Hacking: The Art of Exploitation |
Jon Erickson |
This intermediate hacking book takes a unique approach to hacking. Aside from networking and security, the author emphasises the need to have a strong technological foundation and explains how obscure hacking approaches work. This hands-on and practical book explores numerous hacking areas while working through examples. The author emphasises the importance of thinking like a hacker, being creative, and looking into areas never explored before. |
Web Applications |
The Tangled Web: A Guide to Securing Modern Web Applications |
Michal Zalewski |
This manual is thorough, and it also presents an engaging and exciting text. As a reader, you can connect to many of the events addressed in the book because we all use the internet for various reasons. It is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable our data is and the flaws that allow for large-scale hacking. The book also provides solutions to these issues using various tools and strategies. |
Penetration Testing- Ethical Hacking |
Penetration Testing – A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking |
Georgia Weidman |
The book outlines the basic skills and procedures that every pentester should be familiar with. As the title suggests, the book offers many examples, practical training using tools, and a machine-based lab. You will be able to fully comprehend how a hacker gains access to security systems and cracks network keys and passwords. |
Coding |
Exploiting Software: How to Break Code |
Greg Hoglund and Gary R. McGraw |
The book is technical, yet it is written in a way that is both knowledgeable and instructional. It is for people who have a basic understanding of reverse engineering and exploitation but want to delve deeper into black hat techniques for exploiting software flaws. The book focuses on attack patterns, something we haven't seen covered in such depth in any other book. The author provides numerous examples and case studies that are contemporary. |
Penetration testing |
Advanced Penetration Testing: Hacking the World’s Most Secure Networks |
Wil Allsopp |
The book goes over several difficult scenarios and how to deal with them. This course is designed for professionals who wish to think like professional hackers and conduct pen tests on highly secure networks. Many of the book examples use C, Java, JavaScript, VBA, Windows Scripting Host, Flash, and other programming languages. The author introduces you to various scanning tools and common library programmes in these languages. |
Ethical Hacking |
Gray Hat Hacking: The Ethical Hacker's Handbook, Fifth Edition |
Allen Harper |
It is a well-written, fascinating book with a clean and concise style. Although some concepts are brief, the information regarding Ethical Hacking, networking, and cybersecurity is adequate. |
Entrance Exams for Ethical Hacking Courses
The eligibility criteria and the admission process for courses and degrees in Ethical Hacking vary for every college or university. Some Ethical Hacking course entrance exams are as below:
- VITMEE: Those seeking admission to a postgraduate programme can take the VIT Master's Entrance Examination. It is held only once a year and is organised by the Vellore Institute of Technology. It provides M.Tech, MCA, and Integrated PhD programmes.
- GATE: GATE is held by the IITs. The examination is a once-a-year national level examination. Even in their third year of a Bachelor's degree, students who want to pursue a Master's in Engineering programme can apply for the GATE examination.
- IPU CET: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University administers IPUCET, a university-level test. The exam allows students to apply for admission to various undergraduate and graduate programmes. Before registering for an exam, it is necessary to check the eligibility requirements.
Syllabus for Distance Programme in Ethical Hacking
The Delhi Institute of Computer Courses (DICC) has established customised training programmes for students from across India who want to improve their Ethical Hacking skills. Their Ethical Hacking experts, having years of experience in information security and Ethical Hacking, shall conduct live question-answer sessions through Skype. It is India's first distance learning institute offering distance learning Ethical Hacking lessons. Attendees will learn to secure their online assets from hackers and understand the many types of hacking after completing our distance learning Ethical Hacking curriculum.
The Ethical Hacking Distance Learning Course covers a range of topics like Introduction to Ethical Hacking, Google Database Hacking, Operating System Hacking & Security, Proxy Server & VPN Technology, Social Engineering, and Honeypots, among many others.
Top Colleges for Ethical Hacking
Around 160 institutions provide various Ethical Hacking certifications, such as degree, diploma and certificate programmes. These are the few top institutions that offer courses in Ethical Hacking:
College/University/Institution |
Links |
---|---|
IIT Kanpur |
To be uploaded soon |
SRM University Chennai |
To be uploaded soon |
LPU Jalandhar |
To be uploaded soon |
REVA University, Bangalore |
To be uploaded soon |
HITS Chennai |
To be uploaded soon |
Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore |
To be uploaded soon |
CVR College of Engineering, Hyderabad |
To be uploaded soon |
Amity University Gurgaon |
To be uploaded soon |
BIT Durg |
To be uploaded soon |
Manav Rachna University, Faridabad |
To be uploaded soon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What courses are required for Ethical Hacking?
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Proficiency
- Reverse Engineering
- Linux Programming
- Basic Hardware Knowledge
- Cryptography
- Database
Q: What is the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)?
Q: What should you learn first about Ethical Hacking?
Q: What is the best way to get started with Ethical Hacking?
Q: What is the Ethical Hacking curriculum, and how can I learn it online?
- Resources should be researched and prepared
- Learn the basics of Linux, Windows, Web applications, Python, server administration, networking and more
- Metasploit, Nmap, Burp suite, Wappalyzer, Cain and Abel and other Ethical Hacking tools are covered
- Vulnerable Machines, such as OverTheWire, DVWA, PicoCTF, VulnHub and others are discussed
Q: What is the core Ethical Hacking curriculum?
- Hardware and fundamentals of computers
- Programming (Python/ Java/ C) basics of operating systems and Windows/Linux Computer Networking and Security
- Web-based technologies
Q: Is it possible for me to teach myself Ethical Hacking?
- Concepts and Technologies in Security Computer Proficiency
- VLANs, MAC addressing, IPv4, IPv6, and Public v Private IP Routers and Switches, OSI model Virtualisation Databases, ARP, DHCP, NAT, DNS, and Subnetting
- TCP/IP Wireshark or Tcpdump Cryptography Web Applications Digital Forensics Linux wireless communication technologies scripting
Q: In college, what do hackers study?
Q: What are the basic hacking steps in Ethical Hacking?
Q: What is the Certified Ethical Hacker curriculum?
Q: Who are some of the most well-known recruiters of ethical hackers?
- Infosys
- Wipro Technologies Ltd.
- Ernst & Young
- Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.
- Deloitte India
- WhiteHat Jr.
- Genpact
Q: What is an Ethical Hacker's average salary?
Q: What skills do you need to pursue Ethical Hacking?
- Knowledge of Microsoft
- Knowledge of Linux
- Programming Skills
- Technical Skills
- Computer Skills
Q: What are the requirements for pursuing a UG or PG programme in Ethical Hacking?
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