Python Hacker Bootcamp: Zero to Hero
Training Overview
Python Hacker Bootcamp: Zero to Hero is a fast-paced, hands-on programming training at CSA XCON 2026, designed specifically for cybersecurity professionals who want to automate, script, and scale their work using Python, without getting stuck in academic programming theory.
Scripting and automation are no longer optional skills in cybersecurity. Yet many professionals struggle to learn programming due to confusing materials, irrelevant examples, or lack of real-world context. This bootcamp solves that problem by teaching Python the way hackers actually use it through security-focused projects, practical labs, and repeatable workflows.
The course follows a hacker’s methodology, prioritizing usefulness over formality, and takes participants from absolute beginner to confident Python user in just two days.
About the Training at CSA XCON 2026
This bootcamp is designed to keep participants typing, testing, and breaking things, not passively watching slides.
Key highlights include:
- Security-centric Python learning (no irrelevant theory)
- Real-world automation problems faced by security teams
- Step-by-step labs with guided and independent practice
- Immediate applicability to pentesting, DFIR, SOC, and automation tasks
- A clear roadmap for continuing Python learning post-training
This training aligns perfectly with CSA XCON’s mission to build job-ready, practical cybersecurity skills.
What You Will Learn
Participants will gain strong practical exposure to:
- Hardware hacking fundamentals and electronics basics
- PCB reverse engineering and component identification
- Memory extraction and analysis (eMMC, NAND, NOR)
- Debugging and communication protocols such as UART, SPI, I2C, JTAG, and SWD
- Embedded firmware extraction and analysis
- Identifying and abusing bootstrap pins and debug interfaces
- Introduction to fault injection and exotic exploitation techniques
- Secure design principles and threat modeling for IoT products
Training Structure
Python Fundamentals
Participants begin with a solid foundation in Python 3, learning:
- Setting up the Python environment
- Python syntax, variables, and data types
- Flow control using conditionals and loops
- Functions, error handling, and imports
- Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
All concepts are taught with live code and guided labs, ensuring constant hands-on exposure.
Practical Applications (Security-Focused)
This section focuses on real cybersecurity use cases, including:
- Reading and writing text and CSV files
- Creating network sockets
- Automating port scanning with Nmap
- Working with JSON data
- Interacting with REST APIs
- Web scraping for intelligence gathering
- Advanced searching and manipulation using Regular Expressions
- Using AI as a force multiplier for scripting and automation
Each module includes dedicated lab time where participants solve real security problems using Python.
Final Lecture: Becoming Self-Sufficient
The final session focuses on:
- How to continue learning Python independently
- Structuring future automation projects
- Turning scripts into reusable tools
- Applying Python confidently in day-to-day security work
Lab Design Philosophy
Participants receive three types of labs:
- Core Labs: Completed during the session
- Extended Labs: Optional challenges for deeper practice
- Individual Labs: Designed for post-training reinforcement
All labs include solutions, enabling continued learning long after the event.
Key Takeaways
- Ability to confidently read and write Python scripts
- Practical experience automating common cybersecurity tasks
- Skills applicable to file parsing, scanning, API interaction, scraping, and more
- Continued access to labs for reinforcement after the training
Who Should Attend
This training is ideal for:
- Security analysts and SOC professionals
- Penetration testers and red teamers
- Incident responders and DFIR professionals
- System and network administrators
- Law enforcement and military personnel
- Students and early-career cybersecurity professionals
No prior programming experience required.
Skill Level
Beginner
Participant Requirements
- No prior Python knowledge required
- Motivation and curiosity highly recommended
What Participants Should Bring
- Windows laptop with administrative privileges
- Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity
Python 3, Sublime Text, and Jupyter Notebook will be installed and configured during the course.
What Participants Will Receive
Each participant will receive:
- Full-color course book
- Dedicated lab book
- Python cheat sheets
- USB drive containing sample code and tools
- Continued access to post-training labs