Hacker Dev Bootcamp

Course Overview

Embark on a transformative 4-day journey that will position you at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation. By integrating key software development skills into your cybersecurity knowledge, you'll set yourself apart from the crowd, unlocking new career opportunities and ensuring that your unique skill set will always be in demand.

Designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to extend their capabilities into software development, this program provides hands-on experience with Go, one of the most powerful languages for building performance-centric security tools. You'll actively build a port scanner to discover vulnerabilities, an automated web crawler for reconnaissance, and an intercepting web proxy to analyze and modify traffic — all tools that form the bedrock of security tool development.

Whether you've hacked through scripts or written simple automation, this boot camp transforms your approach to security by teaching you to build the solutions you've envisioned.

Who This Course Is For

Security Engineers & Pen Testers

Enhance your skill set by adding software development to your toolbox. Safeguard your career by learning to create the security tools you need for tomorrow's threats.

Bug Bounty Hunters

Increase your reward potential. Learn to build custom tools and automate your hunts to find more vulnerabilities and capitalize on your findings.

Aspiring Security Innovators

For those with a foundation in scripting and a drive to create, this course equips you with the skills to construct advanced, high-performance security tools unique to your vision.

InfoSec Students & Professionals

Distinguish yourself by programming the tools you'll use. Bring your own cybersecurity solutions to life and pave the way for a future-proof career.

Course Outcomes

Automate Security Testing

Empower yourself and provide value to your employer by learning the ins and outs of automating your security testing. Save countless hours and reduce costs with efficient, self-designed tools that streamline your security pipeline.

Develop Custom Tools

Learn to build and refine a port scanner, web crawler, and other fundamental pentesting tools with your own code.

Master Go for Security Tools

Gain proficiency in Go programming tailored specifically for creating software in the cybersecurity space.

Join a Like-Minded Community

Connect with and get support from a network of peers who share your goals of improving and automating cybersecurity.

Get Course Updates

About the Instructor

Aaron Hnatiw

With a decade-spanning career in cybersecurity and software development, Aaron brings unmatched real-world expertise to the classroom. His credentials include leading application security for Canada's largest bank, RBC, conducting penetration tests and source code reviews for an array of high-profile companies, and sharing his knowledge as a speaker at premier cybersecurity conferences. He has developed security software that has strengthened the defenses of major institutions across millions of endpoints, as well as open-source security tools that have been published in popular books on security testing and bug bounty hunting.

Aaron's teaching philosophy is centered around deep technical insights with engaging, interactive instruction, ensuring every participant can leverage these skills effectively in their security roles.

Learn more about Aaron's professional journey and achievements by visiting aaronhnatiw.com.

Testimonials

"Studying under Aaron Hnatiw was an incredibly enriching experience. His depth of knowledge in cybersecurity is matched only by his proficiency in software development, and his teaching reflects that expertise. Aaron's approach to complex topics is both accessible and engaging, attesting to his dedication as an educator. His effective instruction and genuine support empowered me not just to learn, but to excel in applying those skills in a practical setting. His mentorship has had a lasting impact on my professional development."

- Patrick Richey, Ontario Provincial Police

"From the moment I met Aaron, he has been an advocate for clean, efficient, and well-tested code. Security always comes first for him. There's an emphasis on ensuring that all edge cases of software are covered with thorough testing and on patching any potential security holes from the start. He has delved deeper into his skill set, learning advanced techniques for attacking and protecting code, placing a strong emphasis on securing his clients' projects. Anyone seeking to learn more about security and the implementation of best practices is in good hands with Aaron."

- Matthew Rowlandson, Augmentt

"Aaron's proficiency in penetration testing and cybersecurity is unparalleled. He possesses the keen insight to detect even the most subtle vulnerabilities and the strategic know-how to mitigate them. In the cybersecurity arena, he's both a seasoned navigator and an articulate educator, equipping his peers with the skills to master complex security challenges. His guidance is grounded in real-world experience, making his teachings exceptionally relevant and valuable."

- Joel Tattenbach, Scotiabank

"As a former student of Aaron Hnatiw's, I can firmly attest to his exceptional abilities as an instructor. Aaron not only brings a wealth of real-world cybersecurity and development experience to his teaching but also conveys complex concepts with clarity and a passion that's truly contagious. His courses are meticulously structured, blending deep technical instruction with hands-on practice. What stands out about Aaron is his dedication to student success; he offers thoughtful guidance and encourages a problem-solving mindset that has greatly benefitted my career."

- Samuel Halloran, Expogain International Inc.

"Aaron's teaching significantly deepened my understanding of application security and Go programming. His methodical and patient approach made even the most daunting concepts graspable. His personal investment in each student's success is evident, and his enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. I emerged from his tutelage not just with practical coding skills, but with a newfound confidence in navigating the cybersecurity landscape."

- Jacob Amaral, WeTrade Labs Inc.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Go and Building Security Tools

Set the stage for your transition from hacker to security developer. Week 1 is all about getting comfortable with Go and starting to build the security tools you've always imagined.

Day 1: Go Language Fundamentals

Introduction to Go programming and environment setup.
Core language features for building efficient software.
Evening Assignment: Implement a basic port scanner.

Day 2: Going Deeper - Building Blocks of Security Tools

Understanding Go's data structures and control flows for secure coding.
Writing HTTP clients and servers in Go for HTTP-based security testing.
Week Assignment: Develop a custom, concurrent web crawler.

Support Between Weeks

To maximize your learning, between the intensive course weeks you will have access to a range of support options. Instructor office hours and peer collaboration sessions will be facilitated to provide guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and review assignments.

You'll also be part of a dedicated Discord community, offering an opportunity to engage with your instructor and fellow participants, get answers to your queries in real-time, share insights, and receive encouragement as you bring your custom tools to life.

Week 2: Network Programming and Building a Security Toolset

Week 2 delves into the practical application of Go's networking capabilities. By the end of the week, you'll have built a foundational set of tools and started integrating them into a cohesive security testing suite.

Day 3: Advanced Tool Development with Go

Creating sophisticated security tools using the Go standard library.
Building a basic web scraper to gather and process data efficiently.
Evening Assignment: Begin crafting an intercepting proxy for web traffic inspection and modification.

Day 4: Refining Your Security Tools

Advanced error handling and unit testing to ensure tool reliability.
Implementing TLS intercept functionality to work with secure HTTP communication.
Final Assignment: Enhance your intercepting proxy with more features such as content filtering and injection.

Get Course Updates

Key Benefits to Employers

Empower Your Team with Development Skills

Enhance your cybersecurity team's capabilities by providing them with the skills to develop custom security tools, tailored precisely to your unique challenges and environment.

Innovate with In-House Solutions

Reduce dependency on external vendors as your team gains the expertise to build and maintain an arsenal of specialized tools, leading to cost savings and faster innovation.

Streamline Security Operations

By automating and integrating security tasks, you can create a more efficient and responsive security infrastructure that stays proactive in the face of threats.

Cultivate a Culture of Continuous Learning

Investing in the Hacker Dev Bootcamp reflects a commitment to continuous professional development, fostering a culture that values skill enhancement and innovation.

Continuing Success After the Course

Exclusive Discord Server Access

Join a community of forward-thinking security professionals on our exclusive Discord server—a place to collaborate, troubleshoot, and share ongoing advancements in cybersecurity.

Source Code Access

Get the complete source code for every tool developed during the boot camp, which will serve as a vital starting point for building your personalized toolset and security solutions.

Live Course Workbook

Move beyond static slides with access to a live, evolving course workbook. This dynamic resource is continually updated with notes and code, bridging the gap between learning and practical application.

Enhanced Corporate Training Program

Elevate your security team's capabilities by incorporating software development expertise with our Enhanced Corporate Training Program. By cross-training in software development, the Hacker Dev Bootcamp empowers your staff to build custom security tools that precisely match your organizational needs.

A curriculum tailored to your environment enables your team to create innovative solutions to security challenges—solutions that off-the-shelf products just can't match. This training program fosters a team of security developers prepared to conceive, develop, and deploy advanced security mechanisms, ensuring your defenses evolve as fast as the threats they face.

Discover how the Hacker Dev Bootcamp can sharpen your team's ability to protect and innovate. Contact us to discuss a training program crafted expressly for your organization's security priorities at contact@HackerDevBootcamp.com.