Exploring AI in Pentesting: A Hybrid Approach

Learn how to set up a lab environment, apply basic pentesting techniques, and explore how AI can support hybrid security

What you’ll learn
Build a controlled virtual lab environment using VirtualBox and Linux for security testing
Learn how to integrate local AI models into practical cybersecurity workflows
Understand and apply basic pentesting techniques such as Local File Inclusion (LFI), SQL Injection, and Remote Code Execution (RCE)
Combine traditional scripting with AI to create simple hybrid security approaches

Requirements
Basic computer knowledge and interest in cybersecurity
Basic command line or Python knowledge is helpful, but not required
A computer capable of running a virtual machine
No prior cybersecurity experience required.

Description
This course contains the use of artificial intelligence!

This course provides a practical introduction to combining artificial intelligence with cybersecurity and pentesting in a clear, hands-on way.

You will start by building your own controlled lab environment using virtualization and Linux systems. This setup allows you to safely explore, test, and better understand common security vulnerabilities without affecting real-world systems or risking unintended consequences.

From there, you will work with fundamental pentesting techniques such as Local File Inclusion (LFI), SQL Injection, and Command Injection. The focus is not only on performing these techniques, but also on understanding how and why they work in realistic scenarios.

A key part of this course is the integration of AI into these workflows. You will explore how AI can support analysis, assist in decision-making, and enhance experimentation in different cybersecurity situations.

At the same time, this course highlights the limitations of AI. You will learn why a purely AI-driven approach is often unreliable in practice, and how combining traditional scripting with AI can lead to more stable, understandable, and practical results.

All exercises are performed in an isolated and authorized environment and are intended strictly for educational and experimental purposes only.

By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation to begin experimenting with AI-assisted pentesting and hybrid security approaches, with a clear focus on learning rather than achieving perfect results.

Who this course is for
Beginners interested in cybersecurity and AI
Students and self-learners who prefer practical, hands-on content
Developers exploring AI-supported workflows