Learn Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing Online: Free Course with AI Tutor & Certificate
You'll learn to identify critical vulnerabilities and execute advanced cyber attacks to secure enterprise networks. This 94-hour free penetration testing course teaches offensive security tactics across 25 modules. You will master everything from web application exploitation to active directory attacks, preparing you for top security roles.
Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing course syllabus
01 Module 1: Foundations of Red Team Operations
- Understanding the Pentesting Lifecycle and Methodology
- Adopting the Attacker's Mindset: Core TTPs
- Building a Cloud-Based Hacking Lab in Azure
- Course Introduction and Virtual Lab Setup
- Kali Linux Overview and Sudo Privileges
- Navigating the Linux File System
- Managing Users and File Permissions
- Essential Networking and File Manipulation Commands
- Managing System Services and Installing Tools
- Building a Bash Ping Sweep Script
- Advanced Bash Scripting and Course Conclusion
- Python Fundamentals: Variables, Data Types, and Functions
- Control Flow, Data Structures, and Modules
02 Module 2: Reconnaissance and Social Engineering
- Advanced OSINT: Harvesting Unindexed Data
- Automating Subdomain Discovery with Bash
- Probing, Scanning, and Finalizing the Recon Script
- The Psychology of Social Engineering
- Introduction to TOAD: Telephone Oriented Attack Delivery
- Modern TOAD Actors and Defensive Strategies
03 Module 3: Network & Active Directory Penetration Testing
- Practical Network Reconnaissance and Monitoring
- Initial Access in AD: LLMNR Poisoning & Hash Cracking
- Kerberos Fundamentals: TGTs, Service Tickets, and PACs
- Kerberos Attacks Part 1: Golden Tickets and Skeleton Keys
- Kerberos Attacks Part 2: Kerberoasting and Silver Tickets
- Defensive Strategies, Mitigations, and Q&A
- Introduction to ADCS and Exploitation Tools
- Reconnaissance and ESC1 Exploitation
- ESC4: Exploiting Template Write Permissions
- Auditing, Remediation, and Final Q&A
04 Module 4: Web Application & API Penetration Testing
- Mastering Burp Suite for Web App Testing
- Introduction to API Security and Associated Risks
- Case Studies: Analyzing Real-World API Breaches
- OWASP API Top 10: Core Authorization & Authentication Flaws
- OWASP API Top 10: Advanced Vulnerabilities & Misconfigurations
- The Three Pillars of API Security: Governance and Testing
- The Three Pillars: Monitoring, Tech Landscape, and Best Practices
- Automating SQL Injection with SQLmap
- Understanding BOLA: Theory and Real-World Breaches
- Live BOLA Hacking Demonstration and Prevention Strategies
- Understanding Broken Authentication & The T-Mobile Breach
- Live Demo: Hacking Broken Authentication in APIs
- Q&A and Prevention Strategies
- Attacking JSON Web Tokens (JWTs)
- Understanding SSRF: Concepts and Real-World Breaches
- Live SSRF Exploitation Demo and Mitigation Strategies
05 Module 5: Exploitation, Post-Exploitation, and Evasion
- Practical Exploit Development: Buffer Overflows
- Browser Credential Theft & The Rise of Application Bound Encryption
- Bypassing Application Bound Encryption: Techniques and Implications
- Pre-Show Banter and Log4j Discussion
- Red Team Stories and Guest Introduction
- C2 Fundamentals and Traditional Redirectors
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for C2 Redirection
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and Recap
- Q&A, Defensive Measures, and Post-Show Discussion
- Defensive Evasion via DLL Hijacking
- Introduction to Purple Teaming and Adversary Emulation
06 Module 6: Advanced & Specialized Penetration Testing
- Penetration Testing AWS Environments
- Penetration Testing Azure Environments
- Hacking Specialized Systems: ICS & Restricted Environments
- Fundamentals of Wireless Network Hacking
- The Future of Hacking: AI in Offensive Security
07 Module 7: Reporting and Professional Practice
- Crafting the Narrative: A Model for Clear Communication
- Automating Your Workflow: Tips for Efficient Reporting
- Learning from Failure: Common Reasons for Breaches
- The Human Element: Ethics and Impact of Physical Security Testing
08 Module 1: Red Team Foundations & Lab Setup
- Defining Red Teaming and Its Place in Security Assessments
- The Limitations of Penetration Testing and the Case for Red Teaming
- Red Team Operations: Terminology, Engagement Types, and Roles
- Understanding Core Security Concepts and Terminology
- Exploring Pentesting and Red Team Methodologies
- Introduction to the MITRE ATT&CK Framework
- Selecting and Downloading Lab Components
- Configuring and Verifying the Virtual Lab
- Setting Up the Domain Controller & Bypassing Windows 11 TPM
- Creating Reusable Server and Workstation VM Templates
09 Module 2: Reconnaissance & Information Gathering
- Introduction to Reconnaissance and Passive Domain Enumeration
- Passive Web Technology and Subdomain Discovery
- Active Reconnaissance: Scanning and Vulnerability Identification
- Automated Reconnaissance with Sniper and Amass
- Automated Reconnaissance with Recon-NG and Conclusion
- Introduction to Google Hacking: Operators and Directory Listing
- Advanced Google Dorking: Finding Sensitive Files and Using the GHDB
- Introduction to Shodan and Web Interface Exploration
- Installing and Using the Shodan Command-Line Interface (CLI)
- Automating OSINT with Recon-ng
- Harvesting Emails and Subdomains
- Finding Known Exploits with SearchSploit
10 Module 3: Network Analysis & Vulnerability Scanning
- Understanding TCP/IP for Network Scanning
- Introduction to Network Discovery and Port Scanning
- Analyzing Nmap Scans and Exploiting the FTP Backdoor
- Enumerating Services and Cracking Linux Passwords
- Advanced Enumeration: Targeting Windows SMB Services
- Bypassing Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems
- Introduction to Automated Vulnerability Scanning
- Introduction to Nessus & Host Discovery
- OS Identification & Unauthenticated Vulnerability Scanning
- Authenticated Scanning & Custom Scan Policies
- Introduction to Wireshark Capture and Display Filters
- Practical Protocol Analysis and Advanced Features
11 Module 4: Web Application & Network Exploitation
- Introduction and Metasploit Setup
- Core Commands and Basic Exploitation Workflow
- Introduction to Pentesting Diaries & the Cyber Ranges Lab
- SQL Injection Theory & Manual Vulnerability Discovery
- Automated Exploitation & Data Exfiltration with SQLMap
- Gaining a Reverse Shell & Advanced Fuzzing with Burp Suite
- Exploiting Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerabilities
- Initial Access via Web Application Exploitation
- Linux Privilege Escalation Vectors
- Introduction to Log4Shell & Vulnerability Discovery
- Exploitation with JNDI and LDAP
- Persistence, Detection, and Mitigation
- Case Study: Exploiting EternalBlue (MS17-010)
- Introduction to Initial Access & C2 Server Setup
- Payload Generation and Weaponization with Lucky Strike
- Exploitation: Executing Payloads and Gaining Initial Access
- Practical Exploitation Walkthrough: HTB Remote
12 Module 5: Windows Post-Exploitation & Active Directory Attacks
- Introduction to Windows Privilege Escalation & UAC Bypassing
- Manual Kernel Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
- Token Impersonation & Potato Attacks
- Manual Enumeration of Users, Groups, and System Information
- Enumerating Processes, Network Settings, and Security Features
- Privilege Escalation via Unquoted Service Paths
- Privilege Escalation via Token Impersonation
- Introduction to Hacking Active Directory
- Mapping Active Directory Attack Paths with BloodHound
- Introduction and Kerberoasting Theory
- Practical Kerberoasting: Setup and Execution
- Cracking User Passwords with AS-REP Roasting
- Gaining Initial Access on Steel Mountain with Metasploit
- Privilege Escalation via Unquoted Service Paths
- Manual Exploitation and Privilege Escalation
13 Module 6: Linux Privilege Escalation & Post-Exploitation
- Introduction to Linux Privilege Escalation and Password Reuse
- Automated Enumeration and Sudo Misconfiguration Exploitation
- Kernel Exploitation: Analysis and Practical Walkthrough
- Living Off The Land with GTFOBins
- Understanding Dirty Pipe & Exploit via Password Modification
- Exploiting Dirty Pipe via SUID Hijacking & Broader Impact
- Initial Access: WordPress Enumeration and Exploitation
- Privilege Escalation: Kernel Exploit to Root
- Initial Reconnaissance and Web Enumeration
- SMB Enumeration, Brute-Force, and Privilege Escalation
14 Module 7: Persistence, Pivoting & C2 Frameworks
- Introduction to Persistence & Gaining Elevated Access
- Implementing Userland Persistence Techniques
- Elevated Persistence, Account Creation & Verification
- Introduction to Linux Persistence & SSH Keys
- Creating Privileged Accounts & Modifying Shell Configurations
- Persistence with Web Shells and Cron Jobs
- Defense Evasion: Shellcode Injection and Obfuscation
- Introduction to Beacon Object Files (BOFs)
- Introduction to Pivoting and Lego NG Setup
- Internal Network Exploitation and Advanced Lego NG Features
- Introduction to Evasion & Finding a Target Process
- Executing PPID Spoofing and Advanced Techniques
15 Module 8: Scripting for Offensive Operations
- Building a Basic Nmap SYN Scanner in Python
- Extending the Scanner with UDP and Comprehensive Scans
- Introduction to Python Sockets and TCP Concepts
- Building a TCP Server in Python
- Developing PowerShell Droppers with VBA for Initial Access
- Introduction to ChatGPT for Cybersecurity
- Practical Red & Blue Team Applications with ChatGPT
- Analyzing the Impact of AI on the Cybersecurity Industry
16 Module 9: Advanced Operations & Reporting
- Foundations of Adversary Emulation and Simulation
- The Adversary Emulation Lifecycle and Practical Considerations
- Developing a Strategic Adversary Emulation Plan
- Mapping Adversary TTPs with MITRE ATT&CK Navigator
- Automating Adversary Emulation with MITRE Caldera
- Planning Red Team Engagements and Defining Scope
- Practical Walkthrough: Operator Logs and ROE Fundamentals
- Advanced ROE Clauses and Final Reporting
- The Importance and Structure of a Penetration Testing Report
- Resources and Sample Report Analysis: Executive Summary
- Analyzing Technical Findings and Conclusion
17 The Penetration Tester's Toolkit & Mindset
- Adopting the Hacker Mindset: From Weakness to Vulnerability
- Thinking in Threats: An Introduction to Threat Modeling
- Course Introduction and VMware Installation
- Downloading and Setting Up Kali Linux in VMware
- A Tour of Kali Linux and Its Tools
- Navigating the Linux File System
- Managing Users, Privileges, and Network Commands
- Viewing, Editing Files, and Managing System Services
- Installing Tools and Preparing for Scripting
- Building a Bash Ping Sweeper and Using For Loops
- Bonus: Resources for Aspiring Penetration Testers
- Automating Your Lab: An Introduction to Ansible for Pentesters
- Containerization for Pentesters: An Introduction to Docker
- Scripting for Pentesters: Essential Python Fundamentals
18 Network Reconnaissance & Enumeration
- Understanding Server and Client Architecture
- Deconstructing Communication: What is a Protocol?
- Thinking in Layers: A Deep Dive on Computer Networking
- Passive Reconnaissance: Gathering Intelligence with OSINT
19 Web Application Pentesting Fundamentals
- Web Foundations: HTTP, JSON, and Offensive JavaScript
- The Browser's Security Model: Understanding the Same Origin Policy
- Introduction to Web Application Hacking and OWASP
- Lab Setup: Juice Shop, FoxyProxy, and Burp Suite
- Deep Dive: SQL Injection (SQLi) Attacks and Defenses
- Exploiting Broken Authentication and Session Flaws
- Uncovering Sensitive Data Exposure
- Understanding and Exploiting XML External Entity (XXE) Attacks
- Broken Access Control and Security Misconfigurations
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Fundamentals and Practical Attacks
- Advanced Vulnerabilities: Deserialization and Logging
- Hardening the Front End: Analyzing HTTP Security Headers
20 Common Web Vulnerabilities in Practice
- Bypassing Authentication with NoSQL Injection
- Exfiltrating Data with Blind SQL Injection
- Case Study: Hacking a Bank with XSS and SQL Injection
- Exploiting Authorization Flaws: BOLA and IDOR
- Introduction to Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI)
- Reading Local Files: Directory Traversal Attacks
- UI-Based Attacks: An Introduction to Clickjacking
- Proving Impact: Beyond the `alert(1)` for XSS
21 Advanced Web & API Exploitation
- Pivoting on the Server: Exploiting SSRF and DNS Rebinding
- Attacking the Gateway: Finding a 0-day in Apache APISIX
- Chaining Vulnerabilities: SSRF to RCE in GitLab
- The URL is Lava: Exploiting Parser Differentials for uXSS
- Client-Side Chains: From Script Gadgets to XSS in Google Docs
- Bypassing Defenses: Investigating HTML Sanitizer Bypasses
- Case Study: Hacking AWS Infrastructure via Web Vulnerabilities
22 Active Directory & Windows Enterprise Attacks
- AD Attack Path: AS-REP Roasting to Golden Tickets
- Initial Enumeration and Gaining Low-Privilege Access
- Privilege Escalation with BloodHound and Kerberoasting
- Modern AD Hacking: Abusing Certificate Services (ADCS)
- Privilege Escalation with ACLs: Abusing GenericAll and Shadow Credentials
- Persistence and Data Exfil: Abusing WBADMIN Backups
23 Cloud, Container & Modern Infrastructure Security
- Under the Hood: How Docker Works with Linux Namespaces
- Interacting with Containers: A Deep Dive into `nsenter`
- Case Study: Hacking Kubernetes for Initial Access
- Container Breakout: Escalating from Docker to Host Root
- GCP Prize Winners 2022: 7th to 2nd Place
- The Grand Prize Winner & Key Takeaways
24 Vulnerability Research & Exploit Development: A Sudo Case Study
- Project Setup: Why Sudo and How to Fuzz It with AFL
- Fuzzing Deep Dive: How AFL Works and Troubleshooting
- First Crash: Minimizing Testcases and Initial Analysis
- Root Cause Analysis with AddressSanitizer (ASan)
- Code Review: Understanding C Pointer Arithmetic and the Bug
- Code Review: Reaching the Vulnerable Code Path
- Exploit Strategy: Heap Overflows and Function Pointers
- Developing a GDB Extension for Heap Analysis
- Exploit Primitive: Abusing the Name Service Switch (NSS)
- Building the Exploit: Crafting the First Payload
- Final Polish: Creating a Reliable Exploit for Ubuntu 20.04
25 Advanced Exploitation & Emerging Threats
- Introduction to Reverse Engineering with Modern Tools
- Introduction to Memory Exploitation and the Setuid Bit
- Hacking the Silicon: The Discovery and Exploitation of Zenbleed
- Hacking the Blockchain: A 10-Hour Smart Contract Hack
Skills you'll gain
Add these to your LinkedIn profile and resume the day you finish.
Who should take this Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing course?
And exactly what you need before starting (spoiler: almost nothing).
This course is for
- Cybersecurity professionals looking to transition from defensive (blue team) to offensive (red team) roles.
- IT administrators and network engineers in India wanting to specialize in enterprise security and penetration testing.
- Computer science students aiming to build a career in ethical hacking and vulnerability research.
- Self-taught hackers preparing for a formal penetration testing certification to validate their skills.
Prerequisites
- A solid understanding of networking concepts, operating systems (Linux and Windows), and basic scripting.
- Familiarity with command-line interfaces and basic cybersecurity principles.
- A computer capable of running virtualization software to set up isolated lab environments.
How learning works on LearnTube
The structure of a bootcamp, the price of free.
AI curates your path
Our AI picks the top 1% of video content for each topic and arranges it into a structured, goal-based curriculum. No more tutorial roulette.
Learn, then get quizzed
After every lesson, your AI tutor asks you a question and gives personalised feedback on your answer, so gaps get fixed immediately.
Finish with proof
Complete the course, build the capstone project, and claim a certificate recognised by 900+ hiring partners.
A complete Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing course: free, structured and job-focused
You'll be able to simulate real-world cyber attacks, breach complex networks, and expose hidden vulnerabilities before malicious hackers find them. This red team operations training equips you with the exact offensive security skills needed to protect modern corporate infrastructure. By thinking like an attacker, you will learn how to secure web applications, exploit active directory environments, and write custom scripts for advanced security operations.
The curriculum spans 25 comprehensive modules and 244 video lessons, taking about 94 hours to complete. You'll start with "Understanding the Pentesting Lifecycle and Methodology" before moving into "Reconnaissance and Social Engineering" and "Network Analysis & Vulnerability Scanning". As you progress, the training covers highly technical topics like "Windows Post-Exploitation & Active Directory Attacks", "Linux Privilege Escalation & Post-Exploitation", and "Vulnerability Research & Exploit Development: A Sudo Case Study". You will also master "Persistence, Pivoting & C2 Frameworks" alongside "Cloud, Container & Modern Infrastructure Security" to ensure you can handle any enterprise environment.
LearnTube makes this intense pen testing course entirely accessible. You get curated YouTube video lessons paired with an interactive AI tutor that tests your knowledge after every single video. The platform is completely free to learn, meaning you can master red teaming cyber security at your own pace without paying tuition. It's an ideal way to build an offensive security portfolio. If you want to prove your new skills to employers across our network of 900+ hiring partners, you can opt for a paid certificate at the end of your training.
Jobs you can target after learning Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing
Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing is a gateway skill for some of the fastest-growing roles in tech.
Simulates cyber attacks to identify and fix security flaws in company networks.
Executes advanced, multi-layered attacks to test an organization's overall threat detection capabilities.
Advises businesses on security posture and conducts comprehensive vulnerability assessments.
Discovers undocumented software flaws and develops custom exploits to test system defenses.
Typical entry-level salary ranges in India as of September 2026. Actual compensation varies by city, company and experience.
Earn a Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing certificate employers recognise
Finish the course and claim a certificate you can share anywhere.
- Learn 100% free: every lesson, quiz and the AI tutor cost nothing
- Claim your certificate when you complete the course (an optional paid add-on)
- Recognised by 900+ hiring partners across India
- One click to share on LinkedIn and add to your resume
Why learners choose LearnTube
Real reviews from Google. You learn free, you get assessed free, and you pay only if you want the certificate.
Though I have 11 years of experience as an HRBP, the course helped me refresh my knowledge and gave me insights into new trends in the market. The modules were clear and easy to understand, and the quizzes were well designed. I have added the certificate to my LinkedIn profile.
I had a lot of doubts while learning, but the AI chatbot answered them in detail with simple summaries. The videos on the platform saved me a lot of time as I didn't have to search YouTube and watch random content.
Just earned my certificate in HR Management from LearnTube.ai! The platform is user-friendly and the assessment was a great way to validate my knowledge. Feeling proud of this accomplishment!
I enrolled in a LearnTube personalized course to get into a Data Analytics role. It helped me learn SQL in depth and gave me hands-on experience with Power BI. I attached the LearnTube certificate to my CV, it added credibility to my profile, and I'm currently in the interview process.
The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate the course. I encountered no errors during my time using the platform, which was a refreshing change from other online learning platforms.
Just cleared the Business Analyst assessment and got certified! Loved how the course simplifies big concepts like data-driven decision making into short, practical lessons. The automated quizzes kept me on track the whole time. Perfect boost for my resume!
The certificate gave me a real edge during my B.Tech. By the time I graduated, I had skills that set me apart from my peers, and the certification opened up more job opportunities. It gave me the confidence to stand out during interviews.
I manage many software projects as a General Manager and was looking for a good certification program to stay competitive. After researching many programs, I chose LearnTube and it was much better than I expected. The material is well-organized and practical, and what I liked most is the lifetime access.
Frequently asked questions
Everything learners ask before starting this Red Team Ops: Modern Penetration Testing course.
Is this penetration testing course self-paced?
Yes, you can complete the entire curriculum at your own pace. The platform works perfectly on mobile devices, allowing you to study network analysis and watch video lessons whenever you have free time.
How long does it take to finish the red team training?
It takes about 94 hours to complete all 244 video lessons and their accompanying quizzes. If you dedicate a few hours each week, you'll finish the 25 modules in a couple of months.
What will I be able to do after this pen testing course?
You'll be able to conduct full-scale security assessments. You can scan networks, exploit active directory vulnerabilities, escalate privileges on Linux servers, and write professional reports detailing how to patch the flaws you found.
Are red teaming cyber security skills still in demand?
Absolutely. As corporate networks grow more complex, companies desperately need offensive security experts to find vulnerabilities before criminals do. Red team operations remain one of the highest-paying and most secure career paths in tech.
Do I need prior coding experience to learn penetration testing?
You don't need to be an expert developer, but basic scripting knowledge is highly recommended. Understanding Python or bash scripts will help you automate reconnaissance tasks and modify exploits during your security assessments.
How does the AI tutor work in this free penetration testing course?
After every video lesson, the AI tutor generates a quick quiz based on the material you just watched. It helps reinforce complex topics like C2 frameworks and exploit development immediately so you retain the knowledge.
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