Packt

Linux Essentials for Pentesting & Bug Bounty Hunting (2026)

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Packt

Linux Essentials for Pentesting & Bug Bounty Hunting (2026)

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Set up a penetration testing environment on Linux using VirtualBox and VMware

  • Gain proficiency in Linux package management tools and network configuration commands

  • Break and reset root passwords and secure boot processes

Details to know

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Recently updated!

August 2026

Assessments

24 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 24 modules in this course

This module provides an overview of the course structure and highlights the essential Linux skills required for penetration testing. Learners will become familiar with the course objectives and the foundational concepts that will be explored throughout the program.

What's included

1 video

This module introduces learners to the essentials of using a Linux-based penetration testing operating system. You will become familiar with the environment, key tools, and foundational terminal commands necessary for interacting with Linux systems. By the end, you'll be able to confidently navigate and operate within a Linux terminal.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module guides you through setting up a virtual lab environment using VirtualBox and VMware, including the installation of Linux operating systems via ISO and OVA files. You will gain hands-on experience configuring virtualization software and deploying Linux distributions for cybersecurity and penetration testing practice.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

This module introduces the essential steps involved in the startup processes of both Windows and Linux operating systems. Learners will gain insight into system initialization, the roles of critical files and services, and the differences between the two platforms' boot procedures. By the end, you'll be able to compare and assess the key components that ensure a successful system launch.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

This module introduces essential techniques for managing and securing passwords on Linux systems. Learners will explore methods to reset the root password and implement password protection for the GRUB bootloader, enhancing system security.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

This module introduces the fundamentals of software package management across various operating systems, including Linux and Windows. Learners will explore popular command-line and graphical tools for installing, updating, and removing software, as well as managing repositories and dependencies. By the end, you'll be equipped to efficiently handle software packages using industry-standard tools.

What's included

14 videos1 assignment

This module introduces key Linux commands for retrieving vital system information, such as user sessions, system uptime, and hardware attributes. Learners will gain hands-on experience using the terminal to monitor and verify system status. By the end, you'll be able to confidently access and interpret essential system data.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for retrieving detailed information about system hardware and resources. Learners will practice using these commands to inspect devices, view command history, and monitor memory and disk usage. By the end, you'll be able to confidently gather and interpret hardware data on a Linux system.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for monitoring system performance and resource usage. Learners will explore both basic and advanced tools to assess hardware information, processes, and system statistics. By the end, you'll be able to effectively track and interpret key performance metrics.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for managing user accounts and groups. Learners will gain practical skills in creating, modifying, and retrieving user and group information, enabling effective system administration.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for creating, managing, and deleting files and directories. Learners will gain hands-on experience with file system navigation, manipulation, and cleanup operations. By the end, you will be able to confidently organize and maintain files and directories in a Linux environment.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for organizing and managing directories, including creating directory structures and copying files. Learners will gain practical skills in handling directories and understand how recursive operations work with the cp command.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for renaming and moving files and directories, emphasizing the importance of case sensitivity. Learners will explore how file operations behave in different scenarios, including overwriting and handling naming conflicts. By the end, you'll be able to confidently manage files in a case-sensitive environment.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces the concept of symbolic links in Linux, guiding learners through the commands needed to create and manage them. Learners will also explore how symbolic links function and the implications of modifying linked files.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for reading, browsing, and managing file contents. Learners will gain practical skills in navigating and analyzing text files, as well as efficiently handling multiple files within the Linux environment.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for monitoring and managing system processes. Learners will gain practical skills in viewing active processes, interpreting process details, and safely terminating processes individually or in groups. By the end, you will be equipped to effectively control process activity on a Linux system.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

This module introduces the essential commands for managing processes in Linux, focusing on how to control tasks running in the background and foreground. Learners will gain practical skills to start, switch, and terminate processes efficiently.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces the essentials of Linux file and directory permissions, including how to view, modify, and manage access rights using symbolic and octal notation. Learners will also explore ownership concepts and commands for changing user and group associations. By the end, you'll be able to confidently control access and security for files in a Linux environment.

What's included

7 videos1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux networking commands and tools, guiding learners through configuration, diagnostics, and management of both wired and wireless network interfaces. You will gain hands-on experience with commands like iwconfig and techniques such as MAC address spoofing for security testing. By the end, you'll be equipped to troubleshoot, monitor, and optimize Linux network settings.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for archiving and compressing files and directories. Learners will explore tools such as tar, gzip, and bzip2, gaining practical skills to efficiently manage file storage and extraction in a Linux environment.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces essential Linux commands for searching files and matching patterns within file systems. Learners will gain practical skills using tools like grep, find, and locate to efficiently manage and retrieve information from Linux environments.

What's included

1 video1 assignment

This module introduces the essentials of configuring and managing SSH connections on Linux systems. Learners will explore practical techniques for establishing secure remote access, adjusting key settings, and applying best security practices. By the end, you'll be able to confidently manage SSH sessions for server administration.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

This module guides learners through the process of configuring and managing Samba file sharing on Linux systems. You will gain hands-on experience with both guest and user-restricted sharing scenarios, and review essential steps for setting up a Samba server.

What's included

2 videos1 assignment

This module introduces the structure and organization of the Linux file system, focusing on key directories such as root, /etc, and /home. Learners will discover the purpose of each directory and understand how files and permissions are managed for different users.

What's included

5 videos2 assignments

Instructor

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