Senior CNO Developer Course: Windows Persistence
Course Description
Embark on a transformative journey with Boston Cybernetics Institute's Senior CNO Developer Course, tailored exclusively for seasoned cybersecurity professionals eager to master the art of Windows persistence. Over the span of 50 intensive days, this course will immerse you in the advanced tactics and strategies essential for crafting robust, stealthy, and resilient software systems capable of thriving in the most adversarial environments.
With a curriculum designed by DoD-experienced instructors, you will delve into the complex anatomy of Windows operating systems. From the foundational elements to intricate subsystems, you will learn to navigate and manipulate Objects and Handles, orchestrate Processes and Threads, and master File and Device I/O with precision. The course rigorously covers Networking, Memory Management, and the intricate dance of Interprocess Communication, ensuring your capabilities are not just effective, but strategically superior.
In the realm of defense, your enhanced skills in leveraging the Windows Registry, Services, and the Component Object Model (COM) will become pivotal in crafting operational software that evades detection and persists against countermeasures. The utilization of Crypto Next Generation (CNG) and .NET Framework fortifies your technical arsenal, ensuring you are equipped to address and overcome the sophisticated security measures encountered in modern theaters of cyber warfare.
Our hands-on, keyboard-centric approach, reinforced with real-world CTF exercises and minimal lectures, is designed to simulate the pressures and challenges you'll face in the field. The training culminates with deploying your solutions against instrumented targets, ranging from simple to complex, allowing you to experience the full spectrum of adversary perspectives.
Whether you're safeguarding national security or protecting corporate interests, the Senior CNO Developer Course is your pivotal step towards becoming an architect of impenetrable systems. Join us at BCI, where the only boundary to cyber capability is the extent of your ingenuity. Secure your seat and forge the future of operational effectiveness.
Curriculum Overview: Detailed Course Breakdown
The "Windows Persistence" course at Boston Cybernetics Institute offers a comprehensive deep dive into the building blocks and advanced components of Windows systems critical for sophisticated Cyber Network Operations (CNO). Over the course of 50 days, participants will engage with a curriculum meticulously designed to elevate their skill set in developing robust and persistent software capabilities. Here’s a closer look at the material we’ll cover:
Build Environment
A robust build environment is the cornerstone of any cyber security-focused development, particularly when crafting persistent systems. In this section, we delve into the specifics of configuring a build environment tailored for the development of cyber security tools. This includes selecting and setting up compilers, debuggers, and other essential tools that are compatible across various versions of Windows.
Windows Foundations
Understanding the bedrock of Windows OS is crucial for cyber security professionals aiming to develop or mitigate persistent threats. We provide an extensive overview of Windows internals, including the kernel, system services, the Windows API, and the subsystems that support the OS's graphical user interface.
Objects and Handles
In Windows, objects and handles are central to resource management. This section covers how security descriptors and access controls are applied to these objects.
Processes
Processes are fundamental to the operation of Windows systems. We explore process creation, management, security contexts, and how processes can be manipulated to maintain persistence on a compromised system.
Threads
Threads are the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed independently by the scheduler. This module covers thread synchronization, concurrency, and the implications of thread safety in the context of cyber security.
Synchronization Objects
Correct synchronization of concurrent operations is pivotal to maintain system stability and security. We dissect various synchronization primitives offered by Windows.
File and Device I/O
File systems and device I/O operations are potential targets for persistent threats. This section covers secure file operations and file permissions.
Networking
Networking is a double-edged sword in cyber security: it allows for communication and data transfer, but also for data exfiltration and command and control (C2) operations.
Memory Management
Robust memory management is key to preventing software vulnerabilities. We look at Windows memory architecture.
Libraries (DLL / Static)
Understanding how to properly utilize dynamic and static libraries is essential in CNO tool development.
Security
Windows security features are both an obstacle and an asset in cyber operations. We dissect features like User Account Control (UAC) and security tokens.
Registry
The Windows Registry acts as the database for the system configuration. We explore how the registry can be safely manipulated for legitimate purposes.
Interprocess Communication (IPC) Mechanisms
IPC is crucial for the coordination between processes running on the same machine. This section covers the various IPC mechanisms in Windows.
Services
Windows services run in the background and are often used by software to perform routine tasks. We discuss how malicious services can be used for persistence and privilege escalation.
Component Object Model (COM)
COM is a binary-interface standard for software components. This module covers how COM can be used to extend the functionality of applications.
Crypto Next Generation (CNG) / Bcrypt
Cryptography is essential in securing data and communications. We go over the CNG API in Windows.
.NET and .NET Framework
The .NET Framework is a popular target for attackers due to its widespread use. We cover secure coding practices in .NET.
Debugging
Debugging skills are vital for both developing secure software and analyzing potential security threats. This section emphasizes the importance of debugging in the cyber security domain.
Each of these topics will be examined through the lens of cyber security, focusing on developing a comprehensive understanding of how each can be used to create secure systems.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a diverse range of professionals:
- Cyber Security Enthusiasts: A comprehensive exploration into the mechanisms of Windows that are often leveraged in security exploits.
- Software Developers: Knowledge to understand and protect against common attack vectors.
- IT Professionals: A better understanding of the underlying systems they manage.
- Aspiring Malware Analysts: A strong foundation in malware analysis and reverse engineering.
- Incident Responders and Forensic Analysts: Insights into advanced persistent threats (APTs).
- Penetration Testers and Ethical Hackers: Understanding the intricacies of Windows systems.
- Security Researchers: Technical grounding to analyze and report on security flaws effectively.
This course provides hands-on experience through labs, exercises, and CTF-style challenges that mirror real-world scenarios.
About Boston Cybernetics Institute
Boston Cybernetics Institute was created by former MIT Lincoln Lab cybersecurity researchers to give meaningful niche cyber instruction to a new generation of cybersecurity professionals. We provide engaging instruction that takes place in a customized environment.
Instructors at Boston Cybernetics Institute
Jeremy Blackthorne
Lead Instructor at BCI, prior experience at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and co-creator of courses at RPI.
Clark Wood
Security researcher and instructor focusing on Reverse Engineering, formerly with MIT Lincoln Laboratory.
Rodolfo Cuevas
Security researcher and instructor focusing on design constraints to limit attacker impact.
Reed Porada
Security researcher and instructor leading BCI training in Cyber Systems Analysis.