Beginner Projects
Find a beginner-friendly project and apply your theoretical knowledge into a practical experience.
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Why start a beginner-level project?
A beginner-level project encourages enhanced learning retention and application of conceptual, abstract concepts into real-world uses.
Beginner Projects Lists
Search for your next beginner-friendly project idea. All kinds topics are included here ranging from networking, to programming, and operating system security.
Click the project title for more details about the project.
NOTE: Cybercademy and its affiliates do not promote the use of the following ideas for unethical and illegal uses, we do not take responsibility for the use of, promotion, or spread of the following ideas with the intent of illegitimate and illegal uses. We assume these project ideas and descriptions are used only for the purpose of at-home learning.
Packet Sniffing – Analyze Network Packets
Use an established packet sniffing program such as Wireshark, Windump, or TCPdump to scan, identify, and analyze network packets.
Create a Basic Network Scanner
Use a popular programming language, such as Python to create a simple network scanner using ARP requests and scan the network for hosts.
Basic Scripting Project
Using your favorite scripting language such as Bash, PowerShell, or Python, automate the creation of a local user account with a defined set of computer permissions – works best with a Linux distribution.
Create Windows Firewall Rules
Install any version of Windows on virtual machine and create a set of firewall rules to properly secure the machine from inbound and outbound traffic.
Create Firewall Rules with IPTables
Download your favorite Linux distribution and configure IP Packet filter rules for the Linux kernel firewall.
Write a Password Generator Program
Use a popular programming or scripting language, such as python, bash, C, etc to generate a strong, secure password. Compile this generator into an executable so you can generate passwords for the services you set up.
Create a Phishing Email
Develop a phishing email and see if you can trick some of your close friends into clicking one of dummy links. Inform your friends on the risks of phishing emails if the links have been clicked. Used for the purpose of learning – DO NOT spread real viruses, link to malicious websites, or anything considered illegal and unethical.
A Steganography Message
Embed a secret message inside an innocent looking item, such as an image, text, audio file, computer files, etc.
File Encryption
Use a popular file encryption program such as BitLocker, VeraCrypt, DiskCryptor to encrypt and decrypt files and folders. Apply and analyze the use different algorithms.
Install Linux Onto USB Drive
Download your favorite distribution of Linux and install a bootable, live version onto a USB Drive.
Retrieve a Deleted File
Create a simple text file and “permanently” delete the file from your machine. Now try to find and recover the deleted file from your machine.
Research Secure Coding Practices
Research secure coding practices and standards. Try creating an insecure version of code and then apply the secure coding practice. Use a programming language such as C, C++, Java, PHP, and JavaScript.
Safe Folder App with Password
Copy and save folders, files, and photos in a safe folder with password security. You can view, add, and delete items within the safe folder.