Network Penetration Testing
Network Penetration Testing Mastery Roadmap
This detailed roadmap will take you from beginner to expert in Network Penetration Testing, covering network security, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, and real-world attack simulations.
Phase 1: Networking & Security Fundamentals
✅ Understanding Network Basics
OSI & TCP/IP Models
IP Addressing, Subnetting, and CIDR Notation
DNS, DHCP, ARP, and ICMP Protocols
Understanding Firewalls, VPNs, and Proxies
✅ Introduction to Network Security
Network Threats & Attack Vectors
Common Network Security Misconfigurations
Network Monitoring & Logging Basics
📌 Mini Projects:
Set Up a Virtual Lab with Multiple Networked Machines
Analyze Network Traffic Using Wireshark
Phase 2: Network Reconnaissance & Scanning
✅ Passive & Active Reconnaissance
OSINT Techniques for Network Discovery
Using Shodan, Censys, and WHOIS for Target Enumeration
✅ Network Scanning & Mapping
Nmap for Host Discovery, Service Enumeration, and OS Fingerprinting
Identifying Open Ports & Services
Banner Grabbing & Network Fingerprinting
📌 Mini Projects:
Perform Network Reconnaissance on a Test Environment
Map Out a Network Using Nmap and Visualize the Results
Phase 3: Network Exploitation & Attacks
✅ Exploiting Network Vulnerabilities
ARP Spoofing & MITM Attacks
DNS Poisoning & Redirection Attacks
Exploiting Unpatched Services (SMB, FTP, RDP, SNMP)
✅ Wireless Network Attacks
Cracking WEP/WPA2 Networks Using Aircrack-ng
Rogue Access Points & Evil Twin Attacks
Deauthentication Attacks & Packet Injection
📌 Mini Projects:
Perform an ARP Spoofing Attack in a Lab
Crack a WPA2 Wi-Fi Network in a Test Environment
Phase 4: Post-Exploitation & Lateral Movement
✅ Post-Exploitation Techniques
Extracting Password Hashes & Cracking Them
Privilege Escalation Techniques (Windows & Linux)
Pivoting & Lateral Movement Across a Network
✅ Maintaining Access & Persistence
Creating Backdoors & Remote Access Tools
Evading IDS/IPS & Firewall Restrictions
📌 Mini Projects:
Compromise a Machine and Escalate Privileges
Use SSH Tunneling for Persistent Access
Phase 5: Network Security Hardening & Red Teaming
✅ Defensive Techniques & Network Hardening
Implementing Proper Network Segmentation
Secure Firewall Configurations & IDS/IPS Deployment
Securing Wireless Networks & VPN Implementations
✅ Red Team & Advanced Attack Simulations
Conducting Full Network Penetration Tests
Evading Security Mechanisms (SIEM, Firewalls, EDR)
Writing Custom Exploits & Payloads
📌 Mini Projects:
Simulate a Full Red Team Attack on a Virtual Network
Implement Security Measures and Test Their Effectiveness
Phase 6: Real-World Testing & Career Growth
✅ Real-World Network Penetration Testing
Writing Professional Network Pentest Reports
Adhering to Legal & Ethical Hacking Standards (OSCP, CEH, etc.)
Gaining Experience in Corporate Environments
✅ Final Projects & Certifications
Perform a Full Network Pentest on a Simulated Enterprise Network
Earn Certifications (OSCP, PNPT, CEH, CISSP)
Final Step: Real-World Practice & Skill Testing
🔥 Platforms to Test & Improve Skills:
Hack The Box (Network penetration testing labs)
TryHackMe (Practical cybersecurity training)
PentesterLab (Hands-on penetration testing exercises)
🚀 By mastering this roadmap, you’ll be able to: ✅ Identify & Exploit Network Vulnerabilities Professionally ✅ Secure Networks Against Real-World Cyber Threats ✅ Become a Professional Network Penetration Tester or Ethical Hacker
🔥 Start hacking networks ethically and improving cybersecurity!
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