Phishing and Spear-Phishing

Course Overview

Advanced persistent threats (APTs) use sophisticated phishing and spear-phishing techniques to gain access to an organization's network.

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that uses email or other communication channels to trick users into clicking on a malicious link or opening a malicious attachment. Spear-phishing is a targeted form of phishing that is designed to trick a specific individual or group of individuals into taking action that will give the attacker access to their systems.

APTs use these techniques to gain initial access to an organization's network, and then they use a variety of tools and techniques to maintain their presence on the network and move laterally to other systems.

OSINT Research

OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) research is extremely important in spear-phishing and phishing campaigns. By definition, spear-phishing is a targeted email attack that seeks to gathering sensitive information from a specific individual or organization. In order to carry out a successful spear-phishing attack, the attacker must first research their target. This is where OSINT comes in.

OSINT is the process of collecting data from publicly available sources. This can include social media, websites, news articles, etc. By conducting thorough OSINT research, the attacker can learn everything they need to know about their target in order to create a believable and effective phishing email.

By completing this bootcamp, you will learn OSINT techniques to profile any organization or individual in order to create targeted phishing emails.

Resilient C2 Infrastructure

When conducting phishing and spear-phishing campaigns, it is important to use a resilient C2 infrastructure. This will ensure that your campaign can withstand any attempts to shut it down. By using a C2 infrastructure that is designed to be resilient, you can be sure that your campaign will be able to continue running and emails are not blocked by spam filters.

This bootcamp teaches you how to deploy and configure a resilient C2 infrastructure.

Attack Payloads

A spear-phishing payload is a malicious email that appears to come from a trusted source. The email contains a link or attachment that, when clicked, will install malware on the victim's computer. Spear-phishing payloads are important because they can be used to steal sensitive information or to gain access to sensitive systems.

Examples of payloads you will learn to use:

Legacy HTA files
Microsoft Office Macros
Shortcut files

Bypassing Security Protections

In this bootcamp, you will learn how to bypass spam filters and anti-virus software.

When delivering a spear-phishing campaign, it is important to bypass security protections in order to increase the chances of success. By bypassing security protections, attackers can more easily gain access to sensitive information and systems. Additionally, bypassing security protections can help attackers avoid detection and increase their chances of remaining undetected.

Training Modules

This course provides you with multiple training modules, each of which is designed to teach you practical skills that can help you solve important cyber problems. Each module offers exercises that will help you build your skills and capabilities.

PSP-01: Researching Your Target - 16 exercises
PSP-02: Setting up the infrastructure - 12 exercises
PSP-03: Payload Generation - 9 exercises
PSP-04: Payload Delivery - 6 exercises
PSP-05: Setting-Up the Campaign - 8 exercises

Certificate of Completion

You will receive a Certificate of Completion when you complete this course.

A Certificate of Completion can be very beneficial, especially when job hunting. It proves that you have completed a course and can be a great way to stand out among other candidates. Even if you do not have much experience, it shows that you are willing to learn and have the basic skills required for the job. In addition, some employers may require a Certificate of Completion for certain positions. Therefore, adding it to your portfolio is always an excellent choice.

Career Outcomes

Learn state-of-the-art phishing and spear-phishing techniques for penetration testing and Red Teaming. The bootcamp covers essential topics such as reconnaissance, social engineering, email spoofing, website cloning, payload creation and defense evasion techniques.

MCSI Bootcamps are high-quality training exercises created by seasoned professionals to help beginners learn vital cyber security skills faster. Our bootcamps have an established track record of achievement, with a high-rate of graduation success.

If you are seeking practical cyber training that will accelerate your career, our bootcamps are the perfect solution.

Sample Exercises

Set Up GoPhish On A VPS

Write An HTA Payload To Execute A PowerShell Reverse Shell

Our Instructors

Student exercises are reviewed and graded by multiple instructors. This one-of-a-kind approach allows you to get highly personalized input from a number of successful professionals.

MCSI's teachers bring real-world experience and knowledge to the classroom, ensuring that students have the skills they need to excel in the field of information security. Due to their extensive experience in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, reverse engineering, incident response, digital forensics, and exploit development, students will understand the most up-to-date defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies and procedures.

Our instructors are passionate about information security and are always looking to further their own knowledge. Students who attend an MCSI course can be confident that they are learning from some of the best in the business. They can adapt their teaching approaches to match the demands of any student, regardless of their degree of expertise.

The MCSI team strives to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date cybersecurity training available. Whether you are a seasoned security professional or new to the field, MCSI has a course that will meet your needs.

Receive personalized feedback from cybersecurity experts:

Overcome challenges and hurdles preventing you from advancing your skills

Receive guidance on how to focus your training efforts and avoid wasting time

Learn how to meet the industry's quality standards and produce high-quality work

When you're stuck, go to a support forum or ask inquiries to the instructors right on the platform

Help and Support

24/7 Discord Community

If you're looking for additional support during your studies, consider joining our Discord server. Our community of fellow students and instructors is always available to provide help and answer any questions you may have.

Personalized Support

Your submissions will be reviewed by MCSI instructors, who will provide you with personalized feedback. This input is critical since it can assist you in identifying the areas where you need to enhance your skills. The instructor's feedback will also tell you how well you did an exercise and what you can do to improve your performance even further.

Click here to see an example of personalized feedback.

Our personalized support will take your skills to the next level. Read what a student says about it:

Quick Questions

If you have any questions or need clarification on any of the exercises, MCSI offers a Quick Questions section on each exercise where you can ask for help. This is a great resource to use if you need assistance. This feature is only available for paid courses.

Actively Maintained Course

This course is actively maintained to ensure that it is current and error-free. We want to ensure that you have the best possible experience while taking this course, which includes having access to accurate and current information. This course is also tested for flaws on a regular basis, so you can be sure you're getting a high-quality product.

This course is constantly updated with the support of trustworthy industry peers to ensure that students are acquiring the most up-to-date information and skills. This dedication to staying ahead of the curve is what distinguishes this course as one of the greatest in the market.

Prerequisites

Proficiency in the English language

You must have the ability to comfortably read and understand IT documentation written in English. Ideally, they have an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band less than 6 (or equivalent).

Note: You can register for this course without having undertaken an English test.

Training Laptop Requirement

This course can be completed on a standard training laptop. To ensure you have the necessary hardware to complete the course, your machine should meet the following specifications:

64-bit Intel i5/i7 2.0+ GHz processor or equivalent
8GB of RAM
Ability to run at least (1) virtual machine using Virtual Box, or an equivalent virtualization software
Windows 10 or later, macOS 10 or later, or Linux
Local administrator privileges

Do you support older operating systems?

Yes. Many of the exercises can be completed on older OS versions. A few of our students are successfully using older equipment to learn cyber security.

Knowledge Requirements

Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies
Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities
Knowledge of strategies and tools for target research

Technical Requirements

Ability to deploy and configure virtual machines in the cloud
Ability to install software utilities and use command line tools

Lab Environment

This course teaches you how to setup and configure your own cybersecurity lab.

There are numerous advantages to creating your own cybersecurity lab rather than paying for one. The cost savings are perhaps the most evident benefit. When compared to the expense of licensing a pre-built lab, creating your own lab can save you thousands of dollars. You also have the option of customizing the lab environment to meet your specific requirements. You can, for example, select the hardware and software that will be used in your lab.

Another advantage of setting up your own cybersecurity lab is that it allows you to learn new skills. Building a lab from the ground up necessitates knowledge of networking, system administration, and other technical subjects. This experience is invaluable in your career as a cybersecurity professional.

We frequently see students who can complete a task in a pre-built lab but cannot complete the same task at work. This is because these labs are meant to lessen work complexity, thereby creating an illusion of personal capabilities. It's also worth noting that you'll be expected to set up your own lab to test tools and techniques in the workplace. Employers may give you the resources to set up virtual computers and networks, but it will be up to you to manage the lab environment and maintain your tools.

Finally, you should know that pre-built labs are not commonly licensed by top cybersecurity professionals. They've realized that setting up a lab is simple, efficient, adaptable, cost-effective, and that it sparks creativity. It also nullifies risk of performing unauthorized actions against systems provisioned by a third-party.

Why is the MCSI Method™ World Class?

Comprehensive, Effective, Exceeds Standards

MCSI offers training suitable for beginners and experts alike. We teach skills immediately applicable in the field. You will be confident in your ability to solve real-world problems. The MCSI platform will automatically create a portfolio to help you apply for jobs.

Exercises reviewed by experts

MCSI instructors are seasoned industry experts. We provide you with concise, relevant, and positive feedback for all your exercises, even if you don't succeed on the first try. Our feedback is specific to your work and only relevant to the exercise you submitted. You have the option to resubmit until you pass.

Supported by Cognitive Science

The MCSI Method is supported by cognitive science. We break down complex topics into small tasks related to the end goal. This prevents cognitive overload. Our essential tools are rubrics and feedback. Everything is practical. We simulate the ways of working professionals employ in the field.

Enrollment and Fees

MCSI Bootcamps

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How does MCSI Compare?

If you are looking for a certification that will give you an edge in the job market, look no further than MCSI certifications. Thanks to our innovative approach, cybersecurity training is more affordable and effective than traditional methods.

	MCSI Bootcamps	Traditional Vendors	Conference Workshop	University Bootcamps	Cyber Ranges
Cost	$450	$5,000+	$4,000+	$5,000+	$3,000+
Hours of training	300+ hours	40-48	16-40	40	40-100
Online	Yes	Some	No	No	Yes
Practical	100%	50%	50%	50%	100%
Maintenance Level	High	Low	Low	Low	Low
Free Trial	Yes	No	No	No	No
Access to instructors	Yes	Some	Yes	Yes	Some

Our pricing is more affordable than our competitors because we have reinvented how cyber training is done online. Our innovative Online Learning Platform is highly effective at teaching cyber security. The platform provides a more engaging and interactive learning experience than traditional methods, which helps students learn and retain skills better. Try the free version and see for yourself.

⚡ Enroll now with lifetime access for $450 →

Bloom's Taxonomy

Bloom's Taxonomy is a system for categorizing distinct stages of intellectual growth. It is used in education to assist students comprehend and learn material more effectively. MCSI teaches students how to apply, analyze, evaluate, and create at the highest levels of the taxonomy. The majority of our competitors are simply concerned with getting you to remember concepts.

The intellectual developments outlined in Bloom's Taxonomy are directly tied to your capacity to advance in your cyber security career. Employers look for people who can solve challenges that are worth paying for. With us, you'll learn practical skills that are in demand and applicable to a wide range of cyber occupations.

Industry Recognized Skills

MCSI credentials are well-respected around the world, and organisations searching for people with real cyber security abilities seek them out. Obtaining an MCSI certification verifies your understanding of critical cyber security topics as well as your ability to provide real-world results.

The ability of MCSI's training programme to give students with real-world, hands-on experience is unrivalled. Students must conduct their own research and develop their own answers in order to complete our practical exercises, which are meant to give them the skills they need to be successful in the field.

With MCSI, you will build a comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio of your skills as you complete exercises. This portfolio is a powerful tool for displaying your cybersecurity knowledge and abilities. A portfolio, as opposed to typical resumes and paper-based credentials, presents a more thorough summary of your skills and accomplishments.

Students Feedback

Here's what students say about the MCSI Method™ and our Online Learning Platform:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCSI Method™?

Common Questions

Will I receive a certificate?
- Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Completion when you complete the bootcamp.
Are solutions included in the bootcamps?
- Yes, for some exercises. Our method of teaching cyber security consists of challenging you with real-world problem statements that you're expected to research and solve by doing your own research. This is how you'll be expected to work in the field. When you fail an exercise, we provide you with constructive feedback to improve and try again.
Do the videos provides the answers to exercises?
- For exercises listed in bootcamps, yes, the videos show the answers.
Do I need to purchase cybersecurity tools or subscriptions?
- No. Only free or trial versions are used in our exercises. You do not require making any purchases.

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?

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