In this course, you will delve into the world of password cracking and security, learning essential techniques used by cybersecurity professionals. With tools like John the Ripper and Hashcat, you’ll gain hands-on experience in breaking password protections and understanding password vulnerabilities. This skill is critical in identifying security flaws and strengthening your defenses in a professional setting.
Ethical Password Cracking
Ends soon: Gain next-level skills with Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Understand the principles of password security and storage
Discover how to identify and extract password hashes from different systems
Learn to apply dictionary and brute-force attacks effectively
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
January 2026
Assessments
11 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 11 modules in this course
This section covers password-cracking methods, storage techniques, and security risks. Learn how to protect systems from unauthorized access.
What's included
2 videos3 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore how OSINT aids password cracking by identifying compromised credentials and generating password candidates from public data sources.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we install and configure John the Ripper and hashcat for password cracking, emphasizing their roles in credential recovery and the use of wordlists for effective attacks.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore how to enhance password cracking efficiency using rules. Key concepts include analyzing complexity, applying John and hashcat rules for improved credential recovery.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
This section covers password hash collection and cracking on Windows and macOS for security assessments.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
In this section, we explore techniques for collecting, formatting, and cracking Linux password hashes. Key concepts include secure handling of sensitive data and practical applications for system security assessments.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
This section covers WPA/WPA2 architecture, capturing traffic, and cracking passphrases using aircrack-ng.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
This section covers password hash collection and cracking for WordPress, Drupal, and Webmin.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
This section covers methods to recover password vault passphrases using recovery kits and user clues.
What's included
1 video3 readings1 assignment
This section covers passphrase cracking for cryptocurrency wallets, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
What's included
1 video2 readings1 assignment
In this section, we explore methods to improve password security, including implementing policies, designing user guidelines, and analyzing hashing algorithms to resist cracking attacks.
What's included
1 video1 reading1 assignment
Instructor
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,