Citichoice Institute · CCA Certification

Complete Cybersecurity Bootcamp : Fundamentals, Networking, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing and Security Operations

From zero to job-ready SOC Analyst or Pentester in 5 months. Master ethical hacking, network security, SIEM, and incident response through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios.

4.8 (1,240 reviews) 300+ 4 Months

Last updated: 13 March 2026 Available in: English

Cybersecurity

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Your Destination

Launch Your Career as a Cybersecurity Engineer

The Complete Cybersecurity Bootcamp at Citichoice Institute takes you from absolute beginner to a confident security professional through structured labs, real attack simulations, and guided career preparation. You will work hands-on with the same tools used by penetration testers, SOC analysts, and incident responders at top firms.

What's included on this platform

Live Classes

Real-time instruction via Microsoft Teams with Q&A

Course Groups

Private peer communities with expert moderation

Social Feed

Progress sharing and achievement recognition

Direct Messages

Instructor & peer messaging with quick support

Project Library

Realistic datasets and personalised feedback

Certificates

Verified, employer-recognised digital badges

Start Dates & Learning Options Flexible Learning Options

Available Now

Self-Paced

Enrolling Now

Start immediately on enrolment

Start immediately and learn at your own pace. No deadlines or fixed schedule.

What You'll Gain 3 Benefits

Expert Instructors

Learn from certified security professionals with 8+ years of experience at firms including Deloitte, PwC, and leading financial institutions. Real practitioners, not just educators.

Hands-On Labs

Build a job-ready portfolio with 12+ graded projects across penetration testing, SOC analysis, forensics, and incident response using real-world threat scenarios and enterprise datasets.

Job Placement

Resume workshops tailored for SOC Analyst and Pentester roles, 1:1 mock technical interviews, and access to our exclusive 500+ partner cybersecurity job board.

Tools You'll Master 6 Tools

Kali Linux & Nmap

Set up and operate Kali Linux as your attack platform. Master Nmap for host discovery, port scanning, OS fingerprinting, and scripting engine automation.

Metasploit & Burp Suite

Use Metasploit to find, configure, and deploy exploits against vulnerable targets. Intercept and manipulate web traffic with Burp Suite to discover OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities.

Wireshark & Zeek

Capture and dissect network traffic to detect cleartext credentials, malware beacons, C2 communications, and anomalies across enterprise network environments.

Splunk & Elastic

Ingest logs, write SPL queries, build real-time dashboards, and create alerting rules to detect brute-force attacks, privilege escalation, and suspicious behaviour.

Volatility & Autopsy

Acquire and analyse memory dumps and disk images. Extract running processes, artefacts, and IOCs from compromised systems following a legally defensible chain of custody.

Nessus & OpenVAS

Run authenticated vulnerability scans, interpret CVSS scores, eliminate false positives, and produce professional assessment reports with prioritised remediation guidance.

Course Curriculum 30 Modules · 167 Lessons · 23 Tests · 35 Assignments

8–12 hrs/week / week 4 Months Lifetime Access

Section Welcome & Orientation

1 Module 1: Welcome to the Course

Navigating the Citichoice Learning Platform

Understanding the CCA Certification Path and Bootcamp Structure

The Mindset of a Successful Cybersecurity Professional

Ethics, Legality, and the Hacker’s Code of Conduct

Define Your Cybersecurity Career Goals and Learning Schedule

Sign the Citichoice Ethical Hacking Agreement

Bootcamp Orientation and Expectations Knowledge Check

2 Module 2: Setting Up Your Environment & Joining the Platform Community

Introduction to Virtualization: Type 1 vs Type 2 Hypervisors

Installing and Configuring VirtualBox and VMware Workstation

Downloading and Installing Kali Linux

Setting Up an Exploitable Windows Target Virtual Machine

Configuring Virtual Networks for Safe Testing

Joining the Citichoice Discord Community and Networking with Peers

Verify Connectivity Between Your Attacker and Target Virtual Machines

Section Cybersecurity Fundamentals

3 Module 3: Core Information Security Concepts

The CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability

Authentication, Authorization, and Non-Repudiation

Introduction to Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

Understanding Security Policies, Standards, and Procedures

The Role of Security Awareness Training in Enterprise Defense

Classify Enterprise Assets Based on the CIA Triad

Information Security Core Concepts Quiz

4 Module 4: Threat Landscape and Malicious Actors

Categorizing Threat Actors: Script Kiddies, Hacktivists, and APTs

Understanding Malware Types: Viruses, Worms, Trojans, and Ransomware

Social Engineering Tactics: Phishing, Vishing, and Baiting

Insider Threats and Accidental Data Breaches

The Cyber Kill Chain and MITRE ATT&CK Framework Overview

Analyze a Recent Major Data Breach and Identify the Threat Actor

Threat Landscape and Malware Identification Quiz

5 Module 5: Cryptography Basics

The History and Evolution of Cryptography

Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms

Hashing Algorithms and Data Integrity (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256)

Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Certificates

Securing Data at Rest, in Transit, and in Use

Generate and Verify File Hashes Using Command Line Tools

Create a PGP Key Pair and Encrypt a Secret Message

Cryptography and Encryption Fundamentals Checkpoint

Section Computer Networking and Security

6 Module 6: Networking Fundamentals

The OSI Model: Understanding the 7 Layers of Networking

The TCP/IP Suite and Data Encapsulation

IPv4 vs IPv6 Addressing Structures

Subnetting and Classless Inter-Domain Routing (CIDR)

MAC Addresses, Switches, and Address Resolution Protocol (ARP)

Routing Concepts and Default Gateways

Calculate Network Boundaries and Usable Hosts for a Given Subnet

OSI Model and Subnetting Mastery Quiz

7 Module 7: Core Network Protocols and Services

Domain Name System (DNS) Architecture and Security

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Operations

Web Protocols: HTTP and HTTPS

File Transfer Protocols: FTP, SFTP, and TFTP

Remote Access Protocols: Telnet, SSH, and RDP

Email Protocols: SMTP, POP3, and IMAP

Capture and Analyze DNS Traffic Using Command Line Utilities

Network Protocols and Ports Identification Quiz

8 Module 8: Network Security Devices and Architecture

Firewall Architectures: Packet Filtering, Stateful, and Next-Gen

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) vs Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and IPsec

Network Address Translation (NAT) and Port Forwarding

Demilitarized Zones (DMZ) and Network Segmentation

Securing Wireless Networks: WPA2, WPA3, and Rogue Access Points

Design a Secure Network Topology Diagram for a Small Business

Network Defense Architecture Checkpoint

🧩 Project: Configure a Virtual pfSense Firewall and Establish Secure Routing Zones

Section Operating System Security

9 Module 9: Linux Fundamentals for Security

Navigating the Linux File System Hierarchy

Essential Linux Command Line Utilities (ls, cd, grep, awk)

Understanding Linux User and Group Permissions

Managing Processes and Services in Linux

Package Management and Software Updates

Basic Bash Scripting for Automation

Write a Bash Script to Automate System Log Archiving

Linux Command Line Proficiency Quiz

10 Module 10: Securing Linux Environments

Linux Hardening Best Practices and CIS Benchmarks

Configuring Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) and iptables

Securing SSH Configurations and Implementing Key-Based Authentication

Managing Sudo Privileges to Prevent Privilege Escalation

Auditing File Integrity with AIDE

Perform a Security Audit on a Vulnerable Linux Server

Linux Hardening and Security Administration Quiz

11 Module 11: Windows Fundamentals and Active Directory

Windows OS Architecture and the Windows Registry

Windows Command Line and PowerShell Basics

Introduction to Windows Server and Domain Environments

Active Directory Core Concepts: Forests, Domains, and OUs

Managing Users, Groups, and Computers in Active Directory

Group Policy Objects (GPO) for Centralized Management

Deploy a Windows Server Virtual Machine and Promote it to a Domain Controller

Windows Architecture and Active Directory Quiz

12 Module 12: Securing Windows Environments

Windows Hardening Techniques and Attack Surface Reduction

Configuring Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security

Implementing Least Privilege and User Account Control (UAC)

Securing Active Directory: Password Policies and LAPS

Analyzing Windows Event Logs for Suspicious Activity

Create and Enforce a Strict Password Policy using Group Policy

Windows Security and Log Analysis Checkpoint

🧩 Project: Deploy and Secure a Multi-Tier Active Directory Environment

Section Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

13 Module 13: Penetration Testing Methodologies

Understanding the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)

Rules of Engagement and Scoping a Penetration Test

Black Box, White Box, and Grey Box Testing Strategies

Legal Documentation: NDAs, MSAs, and SOWs

Draft a Rules of Engagement Document for a Fictional Client

Penetration Testing Frameworks and Legalities Quiz

14 Module 14: Reconnaissance and Footprinting

Passive vs Active Reconnaissance Techniques

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Gathering

Querying WHOIS, DNS Records, and Certificate Transparency Logs

Search Engine Dorking and Discovering Exposed Assets

Harvesting Employee Information from Social Media and LinkedIn

Perform Passive Reconnaissance on a Public Company and Compile Findings

OSINT and Footprinting Checkpoint

15 Module 15: Scanning and Enumeration

Introduction to Network Scanning and Port States

Mastering Nmap: Host Discovery and Port Scanning Techniques

Nmap OS Fingerprinting and Service Version Detection

Using the Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE) for Vulnerability Detection

Enumerating SMB, FTP, and SSH Services

Web Directory Brute-Forcing with Gobuster and Dirb

Execute a Comprehensive Nmap Scan and Interpret the Output

Network Scanning and Nmap Mastery Quiz

16 Module 16: Vulnerability Assessment

Understanding the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)

Navigating the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and CVEs

Automated Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus and OpenVAS

Analyzing Vulnerability Scan Reports and Removing False Positives

Manual Vulnerability Verification Techniques

Run an Authenticated Nessus Scan on a Target VM and Export the Report

Vulnerability Management and CVSS Quiz

17 Module 17: System Exploitation and Post-Exploitation

Introduction to Exploitation Frameworks: Metasploit Basics

Searching for Exploits Using SearchSploit and Exploit-DB

Understanding Bind Shells vs Reverse Shells

Exploiting Common Network Services and Misconfigurations

Windows Privilege Escalation Techniques

Linux Privilege Escalation Techniques

Post-Exploitation: Dumping Hashes and Establishing Persistence

Compromise a Vulnerable Machine and Obtain a Reverse Shell

Escalate Privileges from a Standard User to Root/SYSTEM

Exploitation and Privilege Escalation Knowledge Check

🧩 Project: End-to-End Box Compromise: Boot-to-Root Penetration Test

18 Module 18: Web Application Security

Understanding Web Application Architecture and HTTP Methods

Introduction to the OWASP Top 10 Security Risks

Intercepting Web Traffic with Burp Suite Community Edition

Exploiting SQL Injection (SQLi) Vulnerabilities

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Reflected, Stored, and DOM-based

Exploiting Broken Authentication and Session Management

Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) and API Vulnerabilities

Configure Burp Suite Proxy and Intercept a Login Request

Extract Database Credentials Using Manual SQL Injection

OWASP Top 10 and Web Vulnerabilities Quiz

🧩 Project: Perform a Web Application Security Assessment on a Vulnerable Web App

Section Security Operations and Incident Response

19 Module 19: Introduction to Security Operations Centers (SOC)

The Role of a SOC Analyst (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3)

Understanding SOC Metrics: MTTD and MTTR

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Concepts

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Solutions

Threat Intelligence Platforms and Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)

Extract and Investigate IoCs from a Threat Intelligence Report

SOC Operations and Threat Intelligence Quiz

20 Module 20: Network Traffic Analysis

Introduction to Packet Capture Analysis

Navigating and Filtering Traffic in Wireshark

Analyzing TCP Handshakes and Connection Terminations

Detecting Cleartext Passwords and Unencrypted Protocols in PCAPs

Identifying Malware Beacons and Command & Control (C2) Traffic

Using Zeek and Suricata for Network Security Monitoring

Analyze a PCAP File to Determine the Source of a Malware Infection

Wireshark and Network Forensics Checkpoint

21 Module 21: Log Management and SIEM (Splunk Focus)

Installing and Configuring Splunk Enterprise

Ingesting Windows Event Logs and Syslog Data into Splunk

Mastering Splunk Search Processing Language (SPL) Basics

Writing Advanced SPL Queries to Detect Anomalous Activity

Creating Alerts for Failed Logins and Privilege Escalation

Building Real-Time Threat Monitoring Dashboards

Write SPL Queries to Identify Brute Force Attack Attempts

Splunk SPL and Log Analysis Mastery Quiz

🧩 Project: Design a Comprehensive Security Monitoring Dashboard in Splunk

22 Module 22: Incident Response Frameworks

The NIST Incident Response Lifecycle (Preparation, Detection, Containment, Recovery)

Creating an Incident Response Plan (IRP) and Playbooks

Triage: Assessing the Scope and Impact of an Incident

Containment Strategies: Network Isolation and Account Suspension

Eradication and Recovery Best Practices

Conducting Post-Incident Activities and Lessons Learned

Develop an Incident Response Playbook for a Ransomware Attack

Incident Response Lifecycle and Protocols Quiz

23 Module 23: Digital Forensics Fundamentals

Introduction to Digital Forensics and the Chain of Custody

Order of Volatility in Evidence Collection

Acquiring Memory Dumps and Disk Images

Analyzing Memory Artifacts with Volatility Framework

Investigating Browser History, Prefetch Files, and Registry Keys

Extract Malicious Processes from a Memory Dump using Volatility

Digital Forensics and Evidence Handling Checkpoint

🧩 Project: Conduct a Forensic Investigation on a Compromised Workstation Image

Section Bringing It All Together

24 Module 24: End-to-End Penetration Test Scenario

Reviewing the Client Scope and Rules of Engagement

Executing the Reconnaissance and Scanning Phases

Identifying and Exploiting Key Vulnerabilities

Pivoting Through the Network to Reach the Objective

Writing a Professional Penetration Test Report (Executive and Technical Summaries)

Draft the Executive Summary for Your Penetration Test Scenario

25 Module 25: Simulating and Responding to a Cyber Attack

Setting Up the Blue Team Defense Environment

Monitoring the Network During an Active Red Team Attack

Detecting the Breach and Initiating the Incident Response Plan

Containing the Threat and Eradicating the Persistence Mechanisms

Generating the Incident Incident Report

Compile a Timeline of Attack Events Based on SIEM Logs

🧩 Project: Purple Team Exercise: Attack, Detect, and Defend

Section Building Your Professional Portfolio

26 Module 26: Documenting Your Cybersecurity Projects

Why a Portfolio is Crucial for Landing a Cybersecurity Job

Structuring a Case Study: Problem, Methodology, and Resolution

Sanitizing Data and Redacting Sensitive Information in Reports

Translating Technical Jargon into Business Value

Format Three Bootcamp Projects into Professional Case Studies

27 Module 27: Creating a Standout GitHub Portfolio and Blog

Setting Up a Professional GitHub Repository for Security Scripts

Writing Excellent README Files for Your Projects

Starting a Cybersecurity Blog to Share Your Journey

Publishing CTF Walkthroughs and Vulnerability Analyses

Publish Your First Technical Blog Post or Detailed GitHub Gist

🧩 Project: Deploy a Personal Cybersecurity Portfolio Website

Section Career Launch & Job Preparation

28 Module 28: Crafting a Cybersecurity Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Tailoring Your Resume for SOC Analyst and Penetration Tester Roles

Highlighting Bootcamp Projects and Certifications on Your Resume

Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for Cybersecurity Recruiters

Networking Strategies and Attending Security Conferences (DefCon, BSides)

Submit Your Cybersecurity Resume for Peer and Instructor Review

Update Your LinkedIn Profile and Connect with 10 Industry Professionals

29 Module 29: Acing the Cybersecurity Technical Interview

Understanding the Interview Process: HR Screening to Technical Rounds

Answering Common Security Fundamentals Questions

Navigating Scenario-Based Questions (e.g., ‘How would you handle a ransomware outbreak?’)

Demonstrating Your Thought Process During Whiteboard Sessions

Questions You Should Ask the Interviewer

Record a Video Answering Three Common Technical Interview Questions

Technical Interview Prep: Rapid Fire Knowledge Check

30 Module 30: Final CCA Capstone Project

Understanding the Final Capstone Requirements and Deliverables

Planning Your Attack and Defense Strategy

Executing the Capstone Tasks Independently

Writing the Final Executive Summary and Presentation

Submit Final Capstone Proposal and Infrastructure Plan

🧩 Project: CCA Capstone: Full-Scale Enterprise Security Audit, Penetration Test, and Remediation Report

$99.99

From — 3 plan options

Real Projects You'll Build 6 Projects

Mentor Reviewed Portfolio

Vulnerability Assessment Report

Perform a comprehensive Nmap and Nessus scan on a simulated enterprise network and produce a prioritised remediation report with CVSS scores.

NMAP NESSUS CVSS

Boot-to-Root Penetration Test

Compromise a fully vulnerable target machine — from initial recon through exploitation to root flag capture — and document all findings professionally.

METASPLOIT PRIVESC REPORTING

Web Application Security Audit

Identify and exploit SQL Injection, XSS, IDOR, and broken authentication vulnerabilities on a purpose-built vulnerable web application using Burp Suite.

BURP SUITE OWASP SQLI

Splunk Security Dashboard

Ingest Windows Event Logs and Syslog data, write SPL queries to detect brute-force and privilege escalation, and build a real-time threat monitoring dashboard.

SPLUNK SPL SOC

Ransomware Incident Investigation

Investigate a simulated ransomware outbreak — analyse logs, identify IOCs, trace the attack timeline, and produce a full incident response report with remediation steps.

FORENSICS IR VOLATILITY

CCA Capstone: Enterprise Security Audit

An end-to-end challenge spanning reconnaissance, exploitation, detection, and incident response on a fully simulated enterprise environment. Your flagship portfolio piece.

CCA CERT ALL TOOLS FULL REPORT

Career Paths After This Programme 7 Roles

SOC Analyst (Tier 1–2)

$55,000 – $85,000 / year

SPLUNK SIEM IR

Junior Penetration Tester

$65,000 – $100,000 / year

METASPLOIT BURP NMAP

Cybersecurity Analyst

$60,000 – $95,000 / year

GRC NETWORK FORENSICS

Incident Responder

$60,000 – $95,000 / year

GRC NETWORK FORENSICS

Incident Responder

$70,000 – $110,000 / year

FORENSICS IR THREAT HUNT

Vulnerability Analyst

$60,000 – $90,000 / year

NESSUS CVSS NVD

Cloud Security Engineer

$90,000 – $140,000 / year

AWS AZURE IAM

Your Instructors

Lead Instructor

Justice Akorede

Lead Cybersecurity Instructor · CEH · OSCP

4.1 Rating

45 Reviews

3,526 Students

39 Courses

Justice is a certified ethical hacker and offensive security practitioner with over 9 years of experience conducting penetration tests and building security programmes for financial institutions, telecom operators, and government agencies across West Africa. He holds CEH, OSCP, and CompTIA Security+ certifications and has trained over 2,000 security professionals. His teaching emphasises real attack-and-defense simulations over passive theory.

Student Success Stories 1 Stories

I had zero IT background when I enrolled. Six months later I was fielding offers from two banks for SOC Analyst roles. The Metasploit and Splunk labs were exactly what the interviewers tested me on — it was like I had seen the exam questions before."

Adaeze Okonkwo

SOC Analyst · Access Bank · CCA Graduate

Professional (CCP)

Citichoice Certified Professional in Cybersecurity

Earn an industry-recognised, blockchain-verified certificate upon completing all requirements. Share it on LinkedIn with one click.

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