The Ethical Hacking Level 8 Advanced Diploma is an advanced-level program aimed at equipping students with the expertise needed to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The course begins with an introduction to ethical hacking, discussing its role and importance in securing information systems, the different types of hackers, and the necessary certifications for pursuing a career in this field. The curriculum covers the foundational principles of cybersecurity, such as the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), and explores critical topics such as threat identification, security policies, and network protocols.

Students will gain in-depth knowledge of footprinting and reconnaissance techniques, scanning and enumeration methods, and system hacking techniques including password cracking and privilege escalation. The course also dives into malware threats and exploits, focusing on various types of malware, evasion techniques, and case studies of real-world incidents. Web application hacking is another key area covered, where students will learn about SQL injections, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common vulnerabilities in web applications, along with hands-on use of tools like Burp Suite and Nikto.

The course also explores the security of wireless networks and the vulnerabilities associated with Wi-Fi encryption, as well as the security challenges of cloud computing and IoT devices. A key component is penetration testing methodologies, where students will learn to conduct ethical hacking assessments using tools such as Kali Linux and Metasploit. Legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks are also addressed, ensuring that students understand the ethical and legal considerations involved in cybersecurity practices.

The course culminates with a capstone project, where students apply their acquired skills to a real-world ethical hacking assignment, completing a penetration test and presenting their findings through a final report and peer review. The course prepares students for a career in ethical hacking, digital forensics, and cybersecurity, offering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience.