CNE Fundamentals and Offensive OSINT introduces students to foundational computer network exploitation concepts with a strong emphasis on offensive open-source intelligence (OSINT) and target development. The course teaches students how attackers collect, analyze, and operationalize publicly available information to support reconnaissance, targeting, and exploitation activities. Students progress from OSINT tradecraft and intelligence development to basic scanning, payload generation, and exploitation frameworks, emphasizing how intelligence-driven targeting informs early-stage access and client-side attack techniques. The course emphasizes structured workflows, ethical constraints, and repeatable methodologies rather than advanced exploitation or custom tooling. Students conclude with a Culmination Exercise (CULEX) integrating OSINT-driven targeting and basic exploitation techniques.
Intended Audience: Individuals new to offensive security and cyber operations, including junior cyber operators, analysts, and security practitioners seeking foundational experience in OSINT, reconnaissance, and early-stage exploitation workflows. No prior exploitation experience is required, but basic familiarity with networking and operating systems is beneficial.