Hands-On Labs for Penetration Testing Mastery: Practice Ethical Hacking with Real-World Network, Web, and System Exploitation Exercises

Practice Ethical Hacking with Real-World Network, Web, and System Exploitation Exercises
By Jonathan Wells

Master ethical hacking through practical, lab-based exercises designed for real-world penetration testing.

This book is a hands-on guide for learning how to think and work like a penetration tester. Through a series of realistic labs, you'll build your own hacking environment, scan networks, exploit vulnerable systems, escalate privileges, and attack web applications-all within a legally safe, isolated lab.

You'll use industry-standard tools like Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit, Hydra, sqlmap, Burp Suite, and more. Learn to exploit services like SMB, FTP, Telnet, and Active Directory, conduct web exploitation, and simulate advanced attacks across multiple machines and environments. Also includes CTF-style challenges and professional reporting techniques.

Written by cybersecurity expert Jonathan Wells, a seasoned penetration tester and educator, this book focuses on modern tools, proven methods, and realistic lab scenarios. His teaching blends field-tested practices with beginner-friendly guidance to help you build job-ready skills.

If you're preparing for the OSCP, PenTest+, or a cybersecurity career, this book offers a complete, up-to-date roadmap for mastering offensive security.