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Spotlight
PAGE: https://alison.com/course/ethical-hacking-network-analysis-and-vulnerability-scanning
PROMISE: Learn Nmap and scanning basics to check dependencies before integration
WHO: Small business technical leads who need to explain vulnerability risks to non-technical stakeholders
WHYNOW: Open source supply chain risks are rising, and basic scanning literacy is becoming a standard operational requirement
DESC: Learn about network analysis and vulnerability scanning. Learn about the concepts of cross-site scripting, Nmap scripts and packet capturing with Wireshark.
BEFORE: Relying on guesswork when reviewing open source dependencies
BEFORE: Unable to explain why a vulnerability scanner flagged a specific risk
BEFORE: Lacking the vocabulary to discuss network-level security risks with your team
AFTER: Using Nmap-based logic to structure dependency review workflows
AFTER: Understanding how web application penetration testing works to interpret scan results
AFTER: Discussing Nmap script usage to target specific vulnerability categories
GAIN: Ability to outline Nmap host discovery and port scanning techniques
GAIN: Understanding of Cross-Site Scripting concepts and file upload risks
GAIN: Familiarity with Nmap scripts and their role in automated vulnerability checks
STEP: You feel lost staring at raw open source code without a scanning method || Explain the process of network scanning using the Nmap tool || Apply basic Nmap techniques to identify potential exposure in target systems
STEP: You need to understand how attackers might exploit your open dependencies || Describe how web applications are hacked through penetration testing || Recognize common vulnerability vectors that automated scanners should detect
STEP: You cannot interpret the output of your vulnerability scans effectively || Explain the meaning of Nmap scripts and how they are used || Configure specific Nmap scripts to target known vulnerability classes in code
NOTFOR: Teams needing enterprise-grade compliance reporting and CI/CD integration
NOTFOR: Developers seeking immediate code fixes or automated patch management tools
FACT: Average duration: 10-15 Hours (Contains Video)
FACT: CPD-accredited certificate available
FACT: Advanced level
COVERS: Upon the successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
COVERS: Describe how web applications are hacked through penetration testing
COVERS: Explain the process of network scanning using the Nmap tool
COVERS: Explain the concept of Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerabilities
COVERS: Outline the importance of file uploads for web applications
COVERS: Explain the role of Network Mapper (Nmap) in ethical hacking
COVERS: Identify the basic features of the Network Mapper (Nmap)
COVERS: Analyze the commonly used Nmap commands related to host discovery
COVERS: Describe the four port scanning techniques in Nmap discussed in this lesson
COVERS: Explain the meaning of Nmap scripts and how they are used
COVERS: Network Security
COVERS: Ethical Hacking
MODULE: Vulnerability Scanning || Web Application Vulnerability Scanning | SQL Injection Authentication Bypass | SQL Injection Error Based | SQLMAP | Cross Site Scripting | File Upload Vulnerability
MODULE: Network Analysis Tools || Introduction to the NMAP Tool | Port Scanning and Use of Scripts in NMAP | Network Analysis Using Wireshark
What you are probably seeing
You see a long list of dependencies in your codebase that have not been reviewed recently.
Your audit logs show that critical systems can be deployed but lack a tested recovery path.
Why it happens
Teams often prioritize feature speed over maintenance, leaving known vulnerabilities unpatched in the supply chain.
Security checks usually stop at detection, so operators assume a fix exists without validating that a rollback works under pressure.
What changed recently
Step by step
1. Add a pre-commit hook that runs a vulnerability scanner against all external packages before code is pushed.
2. Create a written runbook that defines the exact steps to revert to the last stable build during an incident.
3. Schedule a quarterly drill where your team executes the full restore procedure in a non-production environment.
4. Review the scanner output to distinguish between high-risk and low-risk items so you can prioritize updates.
5. Document any exceptions where a vulnerable library is retained, including the specific business reason and expiration date.
Ways to go further
Start here: Ethical Hacking; Network Analysis and Vulnerability Scanning Open the free course on Alison ↗
Affiliate links: CHEAPUNO may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
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