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Crash course on cracking

Carel Alberts
By Carel Alberts, ITWeb contributor
Johannesburg, 19 Sept 2003

Information company Carrick & Associates has introduced a course on "Advanced Hacking".

Hacking (or cracking) courses gained prominence this year when the Canadian University of Calgary introduced such a course to its students, and later on when SA security specialist Mervin Pearce, of security firm SACS, offered a similar course to customers, as part of its preparation to "safeguard their own networks".

As with these courses, Carrick & Associates says it has the best interests of its customers at heart. "The idea behind this course is to improve people`s understanding of hackers, their techniques, tools and motives in order to appropriately protect the ," explains Clint Carrick, CEO of Carrick & Associates.

"Advanced Hacking is designed to empower users and teach them to implement appropriate controls to prevent such attacks."

Courses teaching students how to write "malware" have been criticised for putting power in the hands of irresponsible operators. But Carrick says the firm`s target audience is the IT security professional.

"Candidates must have a minimum of two years` experience in - including TCP/IP - hold CompTIA`s A+ and Network+ or equivalent certifications, have experience in a security-related position and have studied adequate materials or received formal training.

"Advanced Hacking is a five-day, comprehensive course covering Windows, TCP/IP, Linux, routers, Web servers and penetration testing techniques," adds Carrick.

"Developer tools [that enable one] to write...audit and hacking tools are an exciting new add-in, and include wireless network hacking. Each student will be addressed based on experience, and they will be able to use the tools and techniques immediately at their workplace," he concludes.

Related column:
In defence of ignorance

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