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Labs

Automate Tasks Using Python

In this lab, you’ll practice using the Python scripting language and look at the different ways processes can be automated through this powerful scripting language. When you’re finished, you’ll have the necessary skills and knowledge to implement automation into daily activities relevant to pen testing and offensive security.

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Labs

Path Info

Rating
(124 reviews)
Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 47m
Published
Clock icon Jul 24, 2023

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Getting Started in the Lab Environment

    Here are the initial instructions and explanation of the lab environment. Read this while your environment is busy creating itself from nothing. Yes, this violates physics; we know. How fun!

  2. Challenge

    Automated Brute Force Password Guessing

    In this challenge you will use Python to test the strength of passwords used to secure an organizations sensitive files as part of an ongoing penetration test. You will learn to automate the technique to access compressed archive files and test passwords using a dictionary of passwords with Python and its powerful libraries.

  3. Challenge

    Automated Port Scanner with Custom Actions

    In this challenge you will use Python to conduct port scanning activities, looking for open ports on a system that may be vulnerable. You will learn to automate the technique of port scanning to quickly identify specific ports. Based on the scan results, then perform custom actions to automatically gain access to or perform additional recon against systems.

  4. Challenge

    Packet Analyzer Automation

    In this challenge you will use Python to run an application while recording the network activity. You will learn how to start an application, and then monitor that application and analyze the output of the monitoring.

  5. Challenge

    The Last Challenge

    Welcome to the final challenge! This is your last chance to experiment in the environment. Clicking Finish Lab will end this little world that flittered into existence just for you.

Tim Coakley is a Senior Security Solutions Architect for a large multi-national organisation and an author at PluralSight. Tim started a long and successful full-time career in Digital Forensics supporting the criminal justice system and law enforcement on a long list of criminal cases.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.