I have signed up for the Penetration Testing with BackTrack (PWB) course, which - if successfully passed - concludes with the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification. After a master’s degree in security management and certifications such as CISSP, CISM, T.I.S.P. etc., I want to venture something new: an entry into the world of penetration testing. It is not entirely new to me. Among other things, I have several years of experience in the field of IT security, I had experimented with BackTrack once before, and I had read and evaluated reports by penetration testers. But what I am looking forward to now is getting my hands dirty myself.
On the offensive-security.com website you will find the following fitting description of the course:
Penetration Testing with BackTrack (PWB) is an online training course designed for network administrators and security professionals who need to acquaint themselves with the world of offensive information security. This penetration testing training introduces the latest hacking tools and techniques in the field and includes remote virtual penetration testing labs for practicing the course materials.Penetration Testing with BackTrack attempts to simulate a full penetration test, from start to finish, by injecting the student into a rich, diverse, and vulnerable network environment.
I have already received my credentials and all course materials: a 337-page PDF, quite a bit of video material and VPN keys for the lab. I am curious about the experience and will report here.