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Network Penetration Testing Essentials (PEN-100) Online Training

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UPDATED: February 27, 2025
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PEN-100: Network Penetration Testing Essentials is foundational OffSec training for aspiring ethical hackers. Learn Linux and Windows command line, network protocols, scripting with Bash and Python, and explore essential security tools like Nmap, Kali Linux, and Metasploit. Build a strong ethical hacking mindset with hands-on practice in reconnaissance, exploitation, and post-exploitation techniques. Perfect for beginners looking to start a cybersecurity career.

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What you'll learn

  • PowerShell, Netstat, WMIC
  • Network protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, SMB
  • Scripting with Bash and Python for automation
  • Security tools like Nmap, Wireshark, Metasploit
  • Linux command line file management, processes, permissions
  • Recon, exploitation, post-exploitation within an ethical hacking framework

FAQs

Is it worth it to take a PEN-100 course?

Yes, it's worth taking this PEN-100 course if you're new to cybersecurity or you need a refresher on foundational skills. This course will give you hands-on experience with system administration, networking, scripting, troubleshooting, and cryptography – which are all essential for penetration testing. This course provides a foundation of skills and knowledge that can lead to advanced or specialty certifications like the PEN-200, or get you started in a career in penetration testing.

How difficult will this PEN-100 (Penetration Testing Essentials) course be?

This PEN-100 course was designed for beginners – it's approachable if you're new to cybersecurity or if you need a refresher. Diving into topics like Linux, Windows, networking, and scripting can be challenging, but the course assumes very little prior experience and includes clear explanations, hands-on activities, and assessments to reinforce learning. This is meant as a foundational course, so you won't be forced into advanced pentesting before you're ready.

How can learning penetration testing essentials impact your career?

Learning the basics behind penetration testing opens up career pathways into almost all aspects of cybersecurity. The foundational skills in systems administration, networking, scripting and troubleshooting that this course covers are highly valued by employers. And once you're finished with this course, you'll be prepared to take more specialized and advanced penetration testing courses, which opens up roles like pentester, security analyst, or ethical hacker.

What are penetration testing skills useful for?

Penetration testing skills are essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in networks, systems and applications. Those kinds of skills help you secure sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain trust in your digital systems. Whether you stop after taking this course, or use it to move on to more advanced penetration testing skills, you'll learn skills that are valuable in IT security, systems administration, and even network design.

Who should take this PEN-100 course?

The best candidate for this course is a newcomer to cybersecurity or an IT professional who wants to transition into security roles. This PEN-100 course is good for anyone who wants to build foundational skills in systems administration, networking, and scripting. This course lays a very wide foundation, so it's equally useful for people pursuing a penetration testing career as well as those looking to get into other IT jobs.

Who is this for?

This PEN-100 training is considered foundational OffSec training, designed for aspiring penetration testers and cybersecurity beginners. This Network Penetration Testing Essentials course is valuable for IT professionals with basic networking and Linux knowledge, as well as security enthusiasts looking to build a strong ethical hacking foundation.

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Study plan

Download the free PEN-100 study plan to complete this course in about 14 hours.

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