In this article, you can find answers to the following questions:
- What are Topic Labs?
- How can I tell what is a Topic Lab?
- Can I submit a flag if I reverted the machine after getting the solution?
- After I’ve submitted a correct answer, can I repeat the exercise?
- Will the Topic Lab be part of the PDF?
- Do all modules contain Topic Labs?
- What is changing with the requirements for lab reports?
- I’m enrolled in PEN-200 but am unable to see the Topic Labs, what do I need to do?
- How can I tell when I completed 80% of the labs for every Topic in the Course?
- Are Hints available for Topic Labs?
What are Topic Labs?
Topic Labs are new components of the OffSec learning experience, which integrate the question (exercise), learning medium (machine) and feedback (flag submission) inside the textual training material itself.
This allows for a richer learning experience, where learners can receive instant feedback on their work and can easily keep track of the progress they are making.
This video was current as of February 2022. As we continue to improve the Offsec Learning Library, slight modifications in the interface or functionality may appear.
How can I tell what a Topic Lab is?
All labs are preceded by a set of instructions marking the type of exercise and the environment they should be performed in (i.e. To be performed with the Topic Labs VMs under “Resources”).
On top of that, Topic Labs will always have a corresponding answer box where the flag you obtained can be submitted.
What does a flag look like?
When a learner successfully completes an objective, they will receive a flag in the form "OS{random-hash}"
Can I submit a flag if I reverted the machine after getting the solution?
Flags are randomized on each revert of the exercise machine. This means that if the solution is obtained to a question, the machine is reverted, and only after the revert the original answer is submitted, the OTL will not accept the flag. You must submit the flag before you revert the machine. If you revert your machine, you will have to reproduce the steps in order to get the correct hash.
This feature helps us encourage learners to complete labs on their own.
After I’ve submitted a correct answer, can I repeat the exercise?
Once a correct answer has been submitted, that answer will be locked, however the exercise can still be completed on the machine.
Will the Topic Labs be part of the PDF?
No, due to their nature, the Topic Labs are only available in the OffSec Learning Library.
Do all modules contain Topic Labs?
We have released Topic Labs for ten of the PEN-200 modules. A second and final set of PEN-200 Topic Labs will be released some time in the middle of March 2022
I’m enrolled in PEN-200 but am unable to see the Topic Labs, what do I need to do?
The Topic Labs are only accessible via the Offsec Learning Library. If you’re still accessing the PEN-200 Challenge Labs directly via VPN and using the course PDF, your file will need to be migrated before you can get access to the Topic Labs.
Alumni files are scheduled to be migrated in several batches during 2022, so please keep an eye on your inbox in the coming months. Learners who are scheduled to be migrated to the Learning Library will be notified several weeks ahead.
For more information, please submit a request here and our support teams will be happy to assist you!
How can I tell when I completed 80% of the labs for every Topic in the Course?
You can track your progress in the Labs section of the Training Materials page by hovering your mouse over the progress bar of each topic.
Are Hints available for Topic Labs?
Yes, Hints are available for some of the topic labs. For more information, please visit our Topic Labs Hints FAQ page.