Linux for Cyber Security – Level One (Course Outline)

1. Introduction to Linux and Cybersecurity

• What is Linux?
• Importance of Linux in Cybersecurity
• Linux Distributions used in Security (Kali Linux, Parrot OS, Ubuntu)
• Ethical Hacking and Security Roles that require Linux
• Installing Linux (Virtual Machine and Dual Boot)
• Basic Linux System Architecture

2. Linux Installation and Environment Setup

• Installing Linux on VirtualBox / VMware
• Understanding the Linux Desktop Environment
• Accessing the Terminal
• System Updates and Package Management
• Introduction to APT, YUM, and DNF package managers

3. Linux Command Line Fundamentals

• Understanding the Linux Shell
• Navigating the File System
• Essential Commands:
  • pwd
  • ls
  • cd
  • clear
  • history
• Getting help with man and --help

4. File and Directory Management

• Creating files and directories (touch, mkdir)
• Copying, moving, and deleting files (cp, mv, rm)
• Viewing file contents (cat, less, more)
• Searching files (find, locate)
• File compression (tar, gzip, zip)

5. Linux Users and Permissions

• Understanding users and groups
• File ownership
• Permission types (Read, Write, Execute)
• Changing permissions (chmod)
• Changing ownership (chown)
• Understanding the root user and sudo privileges

6. Linux Processes and System Monitoring

• Understanding system processes
• Viewing processes (ps, top, htop)
• Managing processes (kill, pkill)
• System resource monitoring
• Managing system services (systemctl)

7. Networking Basics in Linux

• Understanding IP addressing
• Checking network configuration (ifconfig, ip)
• Testing connectivity (ping)
• Network diagnostics (traceroute, netstat)
• Checking open ports
• Basic DNS lookup (nslookup, dig)

8. Linux File System Structure

• Understanding Linux directory hierarchy
• Important directories:
  • /etc
  • /var
  • /home
  • /root
  • /bin
  • /usr
• System logs and log files

9. Package Management

• Installing software packages
• Updating and upgrading packages
• Removing software
• Using repositories
• Installing security tools

10. Introduction to Bash Scripting

• What is Bash?
• Writing simple scripts
• Variables in Bash
• Basic scripting commands
• Automating simple tasks

11. Linux Security Basics

• Importance of Linux security
• Managing users securely
• Password policies
• File permissions for security
• Understanding firewalls
• Introduction to ufw firewall

12. Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools in Linux

• Basic reconnaissance tools
• Installing and running tools
• Introduction to:
  • Nmap
  • Wireshark
  • Netcat
• Understanding ethical usage

13. Logs and System Auditing

• Understanding Linux logs
• Viewing logs with journalctl
• Monitoring login attempts
• Detecting suspicious activities

14. Practical Labs

• Installing Kali Linux in VirtualBox
• Navigating the Linux file system
• Managing users and permissions
• Basic network scanning with Nmap
• Analyzing logs for suspicious activity

15. Final Assessment

• Practical Linux tasks
• Basic security configuration
• Command line troubleshooting
• Multiple-choice examination

Skills Students Will Gain

• Linux command line proficiency
• Basic Linux system administration
• Understanding of Linux security concepts
• Ability to install and use basic cybersecurity tools
• Foundation for ethical hacking and penetration testing

✅ Prerequisites

• Basic computer knowledge
• No prior Linux knowledge required