FREE Complete Cybersecurity Course (Basic → Advanced): Master Ethical Hacking, Python for Security, Linux Hardening & Vulnerability Assessment – 2026 Guide + Video

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Introduction:

Cybersecurity is no longer an optional skill—it is a critical defense layer for every digital asset. The post by Dharamveer Prasad outlines a structured, free learning path that moves from foundational concepts (networking, Linux, Python) to advanced offensive and defensive techniques, including penetration testing, reconnaissance, and vulnerability assessment. This article transforms that raw outline into a hands-on technical guide, providing verified commands, tool configurations, and step‑by‑step tutorials that mirror real‑world security workflows.

Learning Objectives:

  • Build and execute a reconnaissance and vulnerability assessment lab using open‑source tools on Linux and Windows.
  • Automate security tasks with Python scripts for port scanning, log analysis, and basic exploitation.
  • Apply ethical hacking methodologies—information gathering, threat modeling, and mitigation—in authorized testing environments.

You Should Know:

  1. Setting Up Your Cybersecurity Lab (Linux & Windows)
    A safe, isolated lab is the foundation for all ethical hacking practice. Use virtual machines to avoid legal or operational risks.

Step‑by‑step guide:

  • Linux (Ubuntu 22.04/24.04): Install VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player. Download Ubuntu Desktop ISO. Create a VM with 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores, and 40GB storage.
  • Windows 10/11 (test target): Use the free Windows Developer VM or a licensed evaluation copy. Disable Windows Defender real‑time protection inside the isolated lab only.
  • Network mode: Set both VMs to “Host‑only Adapter” or “NAT Network” to prevent leakage to the internet.

Verified commands (Linux host – optional):

Install VirtualBox on Ubuntu host
sudo apt update && sudo apt install virtualbox -y

Create a new VM from CLI (adjust path)
VBoxManage createvm --name "KaliLinuxLab" --ostype "Debian_64" --register
VBoxManage modifyvm "KaliLinuxLab" --memory 4096 --cpus 2 --nic1 nat

For Windows host using WSL2 (ethical hacking tools):

Enable WSL2 and install Kali Linux from Microsoft Store
wsl --install -d kali-linux
Update packages inside Kali
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Linux Security Tools – Reconnaissance & Enumeration

Linux powers most penetration testing distributions (Kali, Parrot). Master the core toolchain for information gathering.

Step‑by‑step guide:

1. Nmap – network discovery and port scanning.

2. Gobuster – directory and file brute‑forcing.

3. Nikto – web server vulnerability scanner.

Verified commands:

Basic Nmap scan (top 1000 ports)
nmap -sV -sC -T4 192.168.1.0/24

Stealth SYN scan (requires root)
sudo nmap -sS -p- --min-rate 1000 -oA stealth_scan 10.0.2.15

Gobuster directory brute‑force (using common wordlist)
gobuster dir -u http://testphp.vulnweb.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt

Nikto scan with SSL and timeout control
nikto -h https://example.com -ssl -timeout 5

Explanation: The `-sV` flag detects service versions; `-sC` runs default scripts. Gobuster’s output reveals hidden admin panels, backup files, or sensitive directories. Nikto identifies misconfigurations like outdated server headers.

  1. Python for Security Automation – Port Scanner & Log Monitor
    Python automates repetitive security tasks, enabling rapid vulnerability discovery.

Step‑by‑step guide – build a TCP port scanner:

!/usr/bin/env python3
import socket
import sys
from datetime import datetime

target = sys.argv



if len(sys.argv) > 1 else input("Target IP: ")
print(f"Scanning {target} started at {datetime.now()}")

for port in range(1, 1025):
sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
sock.settimeout(0.5)
result = sock.connect_ex((target, port))
if result == 0:
print(f"Port {port}: Open")
sock.close()

Run it on Linux/Windows (Python 3 required):

python3 port_scanner.py 192.168.1.10

Windows PowerShell alternative (using .NET sockets):

1..1024 | ForEach-Object { $tcp = New-Object System.Net.Sockets.TcpClient; $async = $tcp.BeginConnect('192.168.1.10', $_, $null, $null); if ($async.AsyncWaitHandle.WaitOne(100, $false)) { Write-Host "Port $_ open" }; $tcp.Close() }
  1. Vulnerability Assessment Workflow – From Recon to Report
    Following a structured methodology ensures no step is missed. Use the OWASP Testing Guide or PTES.

Step‑by‑step guide:

  1. Passive reconnaissance – OSINT tools like theHarvester, Shodan, or BuiltWith.
  2. Active reconnaissance – Nmap, masscan, and banner grabbing.
  3. Vulnerability scanning – OpenVAS or Nessus Essentials (free for 16 IPs).
  4. Manual verification – Exploit with `searchsploit` or custom scripts.
  5. Reporting – Document risk severity (CVSS v3.1), impact, and remediation.

Installing OpenVAS (Greenbone) on Ubuntu:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install gvm -y
sudo gvm-setup Takes ~20 min, generates admin password
sudo gvm-start Access web UI at https://127.0.0.1:9392

Linux command to verify open SMB shares (common misconfiguration):

smbclient -L //192.168.1.100 -N
  1. Ethical Hacking Concepts – Legal Boundaries & Authorization
    Performing any scan or exploit without written permission is illegal. Always operate within defined scope.

Step‑by‑step guide for authorization:

  • Get explicit permission – Use a signed contract (e.g., “Rules of Engagement”).
  • Use isolated labs – Hack The Box, TryHackMe, or your own VMs.
  • Follow vulnerability disclosure – If you find a real flaw, report via responsible channels (Bugcrowd, HackerOne).

Example of a legal disclaimer to include in reports:

This assessment was performed on [system name] with written authorization dated 

. All findings are confidential and intended solely for remediation.
</blockquote>

<ol>
<li>Windows Hardening & API Security – Practical Mitigations
Defensive skills are as important as offensive ones. Hardening Windows and securing APIs prevents exploitation.</li>
</ol>

<h2 style="color:yellow;">Step‑by‑step Windows hardening commands (PowerShell as Admin):</h2>

[bash]
Disable SMBv1 (highly vulnerable)
Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol

Enable Windows Defender real-time and cloud protection
Set-MpPreference -DisableRealtimeMonitoring $false
Set-MpPreference -CloudBlockLevel High

Restrict PowerShell script execution to signed scripts only
Set-ExecutionPolicy AllSigned -Scope LocalMachine

API security – validate input and implement rate limiting (Node.js/Express example):

const rateLimit = require('express-rate-limit');
const limiter = rateLimit({ windowMs: 15601000, max: 100 });
app.use('/api/', limiter);

// Input validation (prevent injection)
app.post('/api/user', (req, res) => {
const name = req.body.name.replace(/[^a-zA-Z0-9]/g, ''); // sanitize
// ...
});

What Undercode Say:

  • Structured learning beats random tutorials – The course’s progression (fundamentals → Python → Linux → pentesting) mirrors how professional certifications (Security+, eJPT, OSCP) are built.
  • Hands-on labs are non‑negotiable – Without executing commands like Nmap scans or writing Python port scanners, theoretical knowledge decays rapidly.

Analysis: The free course links shared by Dharamveer Prasad represent a democratization of cybersecurity education. However, many learners fail because they never move beyond watching videos. To truly internalize vulnerability assessment, you must configure your own lab, break things intentionally, and then fix them. The commands and workflows above transform passive watching into active skill development. For Windows defenders, hardening SMB and PowerShell complements the offensive side. For cloud and API security, input validation and rate limiting block the OWASP Top 10 (injection, broken authentication). The key is to integrate both red‑team (recon, exploitation) and blue‑team (hardening, logging) exercises weekly.

Prediction:

By 2026–2027, entry‑level cybersecurity roles will require demonstrable lab experience over degrees. Automated vulnerability scanners will handle 70% of routine checks, but human creativity in chaining low‑severity bugs will remain irreplaceable. The free course model, combined with AI‑powered tutoring (e.g., ChatGPT for code review), will produce a new wave of self‑taught practitioners. However, legal and ethical gatekeeping will tighten—expect mandatory authorized‑testing certifications before touching any production system. The arms race between AI‑generated exploits and AI‑driven defense will accelerate, making foundational skills in Python, Linux, and networking timeless assets.

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