Linux Security Fundamentals syllabus

1. Introduction to Linux Security

• Overview of Linux Security: Importance and key principles
• Understanding Threats: Common security threats and vulnerabilities
• Security Layers: Defense in depth approach

2. Linux Security Basics

• User and Group Management: User permissions, sudo usage
• File System Security: File permissions (`chmod`, `chown`), Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Service Management: Securing network services (SSH, Apache, FTP)

3. Linux Security Hardening

• System Hardening Techniques: Disabling unnecessary services, kernel hardening
• Securing Configuration Files: Managing configuration files securely
• Using Firewalls: `iptables` and `firewalld` basics, configuring firewall rules

4. Authentication and Access Control

• Password Policies: Implementing strong password policies
• SSH Security: Configuring SSH keys, disabling root login
• PAM (Pluggable Authentication Modules): Overview and configuration

5. Linux Auditing and Monitoring

• Linux Audit Framework: Auditing system events and logs
• Monitoring Tools: Using tools like `syslog`, `auditd`, and `logwatch`
• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implementing and configuring IDS on Linux

6. Cryptography in Linux

• Introduction to Cryptography: Symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption
• Using GPG (GNU Privacy Guard): Encrypting files and communications
• SSL/TLS Certificates: Managing and securing web services with certificates

7. Network Security in Linux

• Network Configuration: Securing network interfaces and `iptables`
• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Implementing VPN solutions on Linux
• DNS Security: Securing DNS servers and configurations

8. Linux Malware Detection and Prevention

• Understanding Malware Threats: Types of malware affecting Linux
• Antivirus Solutions for Linux: Implementing and configuring antivirus software
• Malware Prevention Best Practices

9. Incident Response and Forensics

• Incident Response Plan: Developing and implementing a response plan
• Forensics Basics: Collecting and analyzing evidence
• Recovering from Security Incidents: Steps to recover from breaches

10. Linux Security Tools

• Vulnerability Assessment Tools: Using tools like Nessus, OpenVAS
• Security Scanning Tools: `Nmap`, `Nikto` for scanning vulnerabilities
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Implementing SIEM solutions

11. Secure Software Development in Linux

• Secure Coding Practices: Writing secure scripts and applications
• Code Review and Testing: Importance of code review and testing
• Secure Software Deployment: Best practices for deploying applications securely

12. Linux Security Best Practices

• Continuous Security Monitoring: Implementing continuous security monitoring practices
• Patch Management: Importance of timely updates and patching
• Security Compliance: Ensuring compliance with standards and regulations

13. Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

• Introduction to Ethical Hacking: Understanding penetration testing
• Conducting Penetration Tests: Techniques and methodologies
• Reporting and Mitigating Vulnerabilities

14. Linux Security Case Studies and Projects

• Real-world Case Studies: Analyzing security incidents and solutions
• Hands-on Projects: Implementing security measures on Linux systems
• Presentation and Documentation of Security Projects