Chod Matrix > IT & Software > Network & Security > Python for Cybersecurity

4.67 out of 5

226 reviews on Udemy

Python for Cybersecurity

Python without all of the extra hogwash

Instructor:

Lloyd Ramsey

7,732 students enrolled

English [Auto]

Use Visual Studio Code with proficiency

Create and run python files

Create interactive python programs

Use condition statements in python

Use loops in python

Write functions in python

Understand Lists and Dictionaries in python

Handle errors properly in python

Write python programs that make API calls

Create python programs that communicate over a network using sockets

Hash Passwords

Check Password Hashes

Authenticate with web applications using Python

Manipulating request headers using Python

Automate tasks that require the use of web applications and APIs using Python

Read from files

Write to files

Use json files to save data across executions

Use json files to hide credentials from source code

Use the logging library to log script activity

Send emails using smtplib

In this course, I will take a different approach to teaching Python. One that teaches error handling and interactivity from the first Python script. This is specifically catered to anyone who is interested in or is learning cybersecurity, especially if you are scared of coding! A good number of software vulnerabilities have “input validation and error handling” as mitigation and by the time you are done with my course, you will fully understand what that means.

Also, there is no way that you can actually learn python without coding and building your own things. This is why I have several coding exercises ready for you to do! Although I do encourage you to do something on your own that you are capable of each step of the way. Don’t be scared to run into walls because only them can you send them crashing down!

I also have another course called “Cybersecurity Prep Course for Absolute Beginners” so please do check that out if you are trying to get into cybersecurity as well.

Why do I take this approach to teach Python? One thing is that unless a program is interactive it is boring. Another thing is that most applications, especially ones that are attacked, are interactive. User input is one of the most popular ways to exploit a program. You will learn exactly why that is.

You may have also heard of an API. You will learn exactly what this is and we will be using Python to interact with it. This will allow you to understand the security concepts behind this. This is vital given that most web applications use at least one third-party API for things like handling payments, sending text messages or emails, etc.

Finally, I will show you the low level of how servers work because we are going to code our very own by teaching you how to use the sockets library!!

Getting Started

Intro

Environment Setup

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

Join the discord: https://www.specificlearn.com/join-discord

Installing Python

In this video I will show you how to install python on your machine.

Installing VS Code and Extensions

Install the necessary extensions for VS Code for this course.

Join my discord: https://discord.com/invite/hyyAdk8j4K

Visit my website: https://www.specificlearn.com/

The Fundamentals

Running Your Python Files (Hello World)

Learn how exactly we run python files and what that means.

Input Input Input!!!

In this lesson I will teach you how to collect input from a user in a python application.

Variables

Learn the basics of storing values in variables, manipulating them and accessing them. Please see the resources for a complete list of arithmetic operators in python.

f Strings

Learn a nice easy way to format strings.

Insurance Company

Error Handling Part 1

Simple way to handle errors (exceptions).

If Statements

Let's learn how our program can make some decisions. Please see the resources for a full list of conditional operators.

While Loop

Learn how and when to use a while loop.

For Loop

Learn why a for loop is the most popular choice in python it seems.

Guessing Game

Lists

Learn how arrays (lists) are used in python. Please see the resources for a complete list of methods to use with lists in Python.

Dictionaries

It may look confusing at first, but we will get this down eventually.

Functions

Learn how functions are created and used.

Inventory

Object Oriented Programming

Everything is an Object

Creating Our First Object

Importing Packages

Custom Package

Let's Make API Requests

What IS an API?

Requests Package

JSON Package

Consuming an API - Simple

Consuming an API - Complex

On your own

Sockets

Sockets and Cybersecurity

What is a Socket?

Let's talk about what in the world a socket is!!! REALLY
Network fundamentals on this FREE course https://www.udemy.com/course/cybersecurity-prep-course-for-absolute-beginners/

How Sockets Will Work

In this video, I go over the overall process of how sockets are used and managed with the sockets library.

Why Encode?

Before we start intense socket coding in Python it is necessary to explain the purpose of encoding and decoding now so we don't have to take a break while building our server in the next video.

Part 1 - Socket, Bind, Listen Accept

Here we will make the necessary parts of our server.py

Part 2 - Socket, Connect

Now that we have a server.py listening and accepting connections, let's connect from a client.

Part 3 - Sending, Receiving, and Closing the Connection

This is really what you have been waiting for, the sending and receiving of messages between a client and server. By the end of this video, you will be able to create a simple chat application.

Password

Hashing Passwords

Hashing and Bcrypt Setup

In this video I go over hashing concepts and how to install the bcrypt package.

Implementing Hashing

In this video, I go over how to hash the plaintext properly with bcrypt. I also cover the concept of a salt.

Checking Hashes

In this video, I go over how the password is checked given that a hash is a one-way function. You will also know be able to control program flow based on a user entering a correct password or not.

Requests Library In-Depth Real-World Scripting!!

Getting Ready

Response Object In-Depth

Crafting Requests

https://www.w3schools.com/python/ref_requests_get.asp

Manipulating Headers - Pretending to be a Googlebot

Specific Exceptions!!!

Github API Project Setup and Requirements

Github API Project Struggle and Finale

Reading and Writing to files and Logging!!

Writing to Files

From File to List

Read the contents of a file and place into a python list.

Handling Files the 'Right Way'

Hiding Sensitive Information

Logging with Python

Documentation for logging library: https://realpython.com/python-logging/

Sending Email with Python (Project-Based Instruction)

Project Info

Consuming the API

API Documentation: https://v2.jokeapi.dev

Extracting Our Data

Refactoring and Global Variables

Setting up our credentials!

Sending The Email!

Gmail authentication issue solution: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833?hl=en

Exceptions Exceptions Exceptions!!!!!!!

Documentation: https://docs.python.org/3/library/smtplib.html

Logging and Finishing Touches

Github Repo Example: https://github.com/lramseyIV/jokeapifun

How long do I have access to the course materials?

You can view and review the lecture materials indefinitely, like an on-demand channel.

Can I take my courses with me wherever I go?

Definitely! If you have an internet connection, courses on Udemy are available on any device at any time. If you don't have an internet connection, some instructors also let their students download course lectures. That's up to the instructor though, so make sure you get on their good side!

4.7

4.7 out of 5

226 Ratings