Last week, I had chance to follow the SEC504: Hacker Techniques, Exploits and Incident Handling, which took place in Sydney from 6th May until 11th May. Initially I was very hesitant on attending as SANS Work Study program. However, after completing the seven-day work-study facilitator program, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I've made. The experience was not only enriching but also left me with zero regrets. If given another chance, I would absolutely do it again.
I attended the event as an in-person facilitator for SANS. to those that do not know what that is, it is an opportunity to attend the course on a discounted fee; in return all that is required from you is to assist the SANS Event managers and the instructors for the duration of the event. Official information here.
SEC504: Hacker Tools, Techniques, and Incident Handling
Learning from the Best
The SEC504 course was led by Anurag Khanna, a seasoned expert in penetration testing, incident response, and cybersecurity. His depth of knowledge and practical insights were invaluable. Additionally, I had the chance to interact with Seth Enoka, another industry professional, which provided a broader perspective on current cybersecurity practices and trends.
Engaging with these experts allowed me to ask specific questions about industry implementations and gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and solutions in cybersecurity. This level of interaction was a highlight of the program and greatly enriched my learning experience.
Course Structure and Highlights
The SANS course spanned five intensive days, followed by a Capture The Flag (CTF) event on the sixth day. As work-study facilitators, we arrived a day early to prepare, which provided additional learning opportunities. I was fortunate to work alongside another work-study member, whose insights and collaboration enhanced the experience.
We began with a focus on forensic analysis using PowerShell, starting with basic concepts and gradually moving to more complex topics. This session laid a strong foundation and set the tone for the rest of the course. Next, we delved into network and internet scanning techniques, exploring how attackers perform enumeration, including specific methods used in cloud environments. The use of open-source tools to query cloud infrastructure was particularly interesting and mind-blowing at the same time☺ .
Password cracking techniques were the highlight of the third day, where we learned various methods to breach password security. This session underscored the importance of robust password policies and practices. The fourth and fifth days were dedicated to identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities, equipping us with practical skills crucial for any cybersecurity professional.
The CTF event on the sixth day was the culmination of everything we had learned. Applying our knowledge in a competitive environment was exhilarating and reinforced the concepts we had studied throughout the week. Many participants, including myself, felt that we learned more during the CTF than any other day.
Overall, my SANS work-study experience was outstanding. The combination of expert instruction, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities created a comprehensive and immersive educational experience. I left with a wealth of knowledge, practical skills, and new professional connections.
If you're considering a SANS course, especially in a work-study capacity, I highly recommend it. The benefits far outweigh any initial hesitations. Given another opportunity, I would gladly participate again, eager to continue my journey in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Facilitating for SANS
Ever wondered what it takes to become a facilitator? Let me walk you through it. Typically, we arrive at the venue a day before the course begins. Our first task? Setting up the classrooms. This involves around 4-5 hours of preparation to ensure everything is in place for the upcoming sessions.
Once the course kicks off, we're just like any other student, soaking in the knowledge and participating in activities throughout the week. Occasionally, we lend a hand with minor tasks as needed.
As the week progresses and the course nears its end, there's one final responsibility: helping to pack up once the training sessions are complete. This usually takes around 2-3 hours on the last day. And that's it! That's what it entails to facilitate for SANS.
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