Course Overview:

The ‘Dark Web Investigation’ course is meticulously crafted to impart a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the Dark Web. The course emphasizes the strategies and technologies necessary for navigating and scrutinizing this elusive segment of the internet. It encompasses a thorough exploration of topics such as the methodologies for accessing the Dark Web, the identification and monitoring of illicit activities, and the application of advanced tools and software for in-depth data analysis and investigative operations.

Students will gain insight into the diverse anonymization tactics employed by offenders to mask their identities, alongside acquiring skills in forensic analysis to unmask and track these individuals. The course also rigorously addresses the legal and ethical dimensions associated with probing criminal undertakings on the Dark Web. The course is particularly tailored for professionals in law enforcement, investigation, and cybersecurity domains, seeking an enriched understanding of the Dark Web and enhanced competencies in probing criminal endeavours within this concealed internet space.

Prerequisite:

  • The student must have completed grade 12 or equivalent education.
  • Students from non-English speaking countries must pass the English
    Language Proficiency Test.
  • English Language Proficiency Test scores (IELTS – 6.0, TOEFL – 70, PTE – 45,
    CAEL – 70, CAE – 176, Duolingo – 110, Password – 6.5, and PTE – 61) are
    acceptable.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate ability to install, configure and use anonymous and private operating systems such as TAIL and Qubes OS
  • Use Darknet Search Engines and services
  • Implement the configuration of TOR to bypass censorship and connect even if it is blocked.
  • Utilize VPN in conjunction with TOR for enhanced privacy and security.
  • Install private operating systems like Tails or Qubes OS on a USB stick to ensure portability and leave no traces on host systems.
  • Apply PGP to encryption techniques to encrypt and decrypt data securely.
  • Employ Jabber/XMPP for private communication on the dark net.
  • Analyze and comprehend the workings of Blockchains, cryptocurrencies.
  • Acquire two cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin and Monero, for sending or receiving funds.
  • Discover hidden (onion) services to conduct day-to-day activities privately and anonymously.
  • Utilize PGP to sign and verify the integrity of messages and files.
  • Implement a system with multiple isolated domains to secure systems and data effectively.

Course Content & Topics:

Class 1: Introduction to the Dark Web
Class 2: Tor Network and Anonymity Tools
Class 3: Dark Web Infrastructure
Class 4: Investigative Methodologies
Class 5: Cryptocurrencies and Dark Web Transactions
Class 6: OSINT Techniques for Dark Web Investigations
Class 7: Dark Web Threats and Vulnerabilities
Class 8: Authentication and Authorization on the Dark Web
Class 9: Social Engineering on the Dark Web
Class 10: Dark Web Marketplaces and Illicit Trade
Class 11: Dark Web Forensics
Class 12: Dark Web Intelligence and Future Trends
Class 13: Case Studies and Practical Exercises

Final Exam: MCQs and a case study project

Credit Information:

  • Credits: 3

Duration:

  • 14 Weeks: 3 hrs/week

Course & Related Fees:

  • Domestic Students : $650 (Six hundred and fifty dollars)
  • International Students: $750 (Seven hundred and fifty dollars)

For a detailed breakdown, please refer to Policy #S-005A Cyber Security Diploma and Course Fee Schedule

Non-Refundable Fees:

  • Application Fee: $50.00/course (payable online and non-refundable)