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0401 | Introductions

Disclaimer | Attribution​

This short "Python 201" is based on my own notes taken during the TCM Security - Python 201 for Hackers video course by Riley Kidd.

I highly recommend this course as a great starting point for learning about Python; it was instrumental in my own understanding of the subject. I would like to extend a big thank you to the TCM Security Team for providing such valuable resources!

Welcome and course introduction​

  • Welcome
  • Course introduction
    • Level up from the Python 101 for Hackers course
    • Understand more advanced Python and programming techniques
    • Leverage Python to interface with the Windows API
    • Examples and projects focus on techniques useful to hackers
    • Limited use of theory and slides, you will learn by example
    • Won't go into technical detail on non-Python topics
    • Programming on a Windows environment (mostly)
    • Examples and discussions focus on Python3, not Python2
    • Sublime as a text editor, but not a requirement
    • Dracula theme for cmd and powershell, but not a requirement
  • Prerequisites
    • Knowledge of Python 101 for Hackers topics and techniques
    • High-level understanding/familiarity with
      • Burp Suite as a penetration testing tool
      • Symmetric vs Asymmetric cryptography
      • Wireshark and the network model
      • Pointers and structures
  • Course tips and tricks
    • Take detailed notes (written, typed or both)
    • Course focus is on Python, but concepts apply to other languages too
    • Aim to use the mouse for everything (but the keyboard might win)
    • Pause, rewind and implement lesson content yourself
    • If non-Python explanations are too high level: Google, google, google
    • Not a malware creation course: BE ETHICAL
  • Topics covered
    • Introduction
    • Windows Setup
    • Python 201
    • Object Oriented Programming
    • The Windows API
    • Extending Python
    • Python Projects
    • Extending Burp
    • Debugging
    • Closing

Setup on Windows​

  • check if python is installed (via cmd) | python -V
  • installing python
  • check pip | pip -V
  • installing pip | installed at default

Sublime Text​

  • Small Comment Hack | Keybindings Settings
    • issue | block comment is not possible on european keyboard layouts
    • solution | change key bindings and create a new mapping 
      [
          {
              "keys": ["ctrl+7"],
              "command": "toggle_comment",
              "args": { "block": false } 
          },
          {   
              "keys": ["ctrl+shift+7"],
              "command": "toggle_comment",
              "args": { "block": true }
          }
      ]