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CompTIA PenTest+ Guide to Penetration Testing, 2nd Edition

Rob Wilson

  • Copyright 2027
  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Published', '2026-01-29T00:00:00+0000')}}
Starting At £45.00 See pricing and ISBN options
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CompTIA PenTest+ Guide to Penetration Testing 2nd Edition by Rob Wilson
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Overview

Cybersecurity attacks grow more complex every day. The second edition of Wilson's COMPTIA PENTEST+ GUIDE TO PENETRATION TESTING helps students gain the knowledge and skills to analyze systems in the same way hackers do, to identify vulnerabilities and to reduce security risks. This text includes the information needed to pass the CompTIA PenTest+ PTO-003 exam, plus detailed examples, projects, and hands-on activities where students practice using actual tools and methodologies to be a successful penetration tester. New content covers Artificial Intelligence and its impact on penetration testing. The author begins by exploring the concept of penetration testing, and the second chapter of the book walks students through the process of building their own penetration testing lab of virtual machines. The final module chapter of the course brings everything together with a final project, which guides the reader in the creation of a penetration testing report that includes all the areas covered in earlier chapters.

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Meet the Authors

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Rob Wilson

Features

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  • This edition adds hands-on penetration testing for AI systems to assure AI systems are safe from exploitation—plus insights on how both hackers and security pros use AI.
  • Start every chapter with a real-world twist! The updated Get Real stories pull you into authentic cybersecurity scenarios, connecting concepts to challenges you’ll face in the field.
  • Build your own virtual penetration testing lab! In Chapter 2, you’ll create a network of virtual machines on your computer and practice real-world tools and techniques like a pro.
  • Put your skills to the ultimate test! A final project challenges you to create a full penetration testing report—covering every step, tool, and technique you’ve mastered. It’s your chance to showcase real-world expertise and prove you’re ready for the field.
  • Master the security tools that testers use through hands-on activities woven into every chapter—practice real-world techniques and turn learning into action.
  • Notes spotlight key insights and practical tips to deepen your understanding. Special “Security Bytes” deliver real-world examples that bring each concept to life.
  • Tips give insider shortcuts, problem-solving strategies, and extra resources—helping you learn smarter and tackle challenges like a pro. Caution icons flag potential issues and how to avoid them. Caution -- Caution icons warn you about potential mistakes or problems and explain how to avoid them.
  • Each chapter ends with real-world case projects that challenge you to apply your skills and think like a security tester solving authentic problems..

Table of Contents

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1. Introduction to Penetration Testing.
2. Setting Up a Penetration-Testing Lab.
3. Engagement Management.
4. Reporting and Communication.
5. Reconnaissance and Enumeration.
6. Performing Vulnerability Scanning.
7. Exploitation Methods and Tools.
8. Network Attacks and Attack Vectors.
9. Wireless and Specialized Systems Attack Vectors and Attacks.
10. Application-Based Attack Vectors and Attacks.
11. Host Attack Vectors and Cloud Technologies Attacks.
12. Social Engineering and Physical Attacks.
13. Writing and Understanding Code.
14. The Final Penetration Testing Project.

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MindTap Options

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MindTap
Each MindTap product offers the full, mobile-ready textbook combined with superior and proven learning tools at one affordable price. Students who purchase digital access can add a print option at any time when a print option is available for their course.

This Cengage solution can be seamlessly integrated into most Learning Management Systems (Blackboard, Brightspace by D2L, Canvas, Moodle, and more) but does require a different ISBN for access codes. Please work with your Cengage Learning Consultant to ensure the proper course set up and ordering information. For additional information, please visit the LMS Integration site.

Standalone Digital Access — Ultimate Value

Recommended and most popular

  • ISBN-10: 8214492858
  • ISBN-13: 9798214492858
  • RETAIL £45.00
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Textbook Only Options

Traditional eBook and Print Options

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  • ISBN-10: 8214410215
  • ISBN-13: 9798214410210
  • RETAIL £51.50

  • ISBN-10: 8214410118
  • ISBN-13: 9798214410111
  • RETAIL £113.00
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Supplements

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Cengage provides a range of supplements that are updated in coordination with the main title selection. For more information about these supplements, contact your Learning Consultant.

FOR STUDENTS

International MindTap Access for Wilson's CompTIA PenTest+ Guide to Penetration Testing

ISBN: 9798214492858
International MindTap Instant Access for Wilson's CompTIA PenTest+ Guide to Penetration Testing, is the digital learning solution that powers students from memorization to mastery. It gives you complete control of your course--to provide engaging content, to challenge every individual, and to build their confidence. Empower students to accelerate their progress with MindTap. MindTap: Powered by You. MindTap gives you complete ownership of your content and learning experience. Customize the interactive syllabi, emphasize the most important topics, and add your own material or notes in the eBook. All online text media materials accessible through this access code are available in EMEA, Latin America, Asia, and India only.