Security & Ethical Hacking: Attacking the Network

The University of Colorado Boulder, founded in 1876 and set against the Rocky Mountains, is a major research university serving more than 37,000 students with nearly 3,000 international learners. CU Boulder is recognized for academic excellence, expansive research programs and a sustainability-driven campus culture. Students benefit from an array of undergraduate, graduate and professional offerings that encourage innovation across science, engineering, business, arts and humanities.

Research, entrepreneurship and experiential learning are central to the CU Boulder experience, with extensive laboratory facilities, innovation labs and co-op or internship pathways that connect students to industry and civic partners. The university supports cross-disciplinary projects and provides robust advising, career services and student organizations that help translate academic interests into practical outcomes and start-up ventures.

Boulder's outdoor lifestyle and proximity to tech hubs create strong opportunities for networking, recreation and balanced living. International students are supported by dedicated offices for admissions, orientation and visa guidance, making the transition smoother. With a large program portfolio and a campus culture that values sustainability, creativity and collaboration, CU Boulder is well suited to students seeking high-impact research experiences and an active campus community.

This program is a non-degree course for students who want to learn about security and ethical hacking. It's offered by the University of Colorado Boulder and taught in English. The course lasts several weeks and covers key concepts in network security.

Students will learn about networking concepts, low-level programming, and essential tooling for network attacks. They will also get hands-on experience with network interfaces and cryptography. To succeed, students need basic knowledge of python programming and networking. The course includes practical work, quizzes, and exams to test their skills.

After completing this course, students can pursue careers as penetration testers, security consultants, or network architects. They can work in industries like cybersecurity, IT, or finance. Potential employers include government agencies, tech companies, or consulting firms. Students can also use this course as a stepping stone to earn a Master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Colorado Boulder.