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Partner with usSecure your UNIX infrastructure: Develop system administration skills
OffSec Learning Path: UNIX System Administration
Unix-based systems are vital components of modern IT environments. This hands-on Learning Path will equip you with the essential skills to secure and harden your Unix infrastructure, significantly reducing your organization's risk profile. Learners will:
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Configure UNIX securely, implementing industry-standard security settings and policies
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Harden key applications by securing Nginx web servers
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Manage effective patching strategies to promptly mitigate vulnerabilities
One of three system administration Learning Paths
Protect UNIX environments by developing fundamental security expertise
This Learning Path strengthens UNIX system administration skills, with a direct focus on security. Learners will gain the ability to securely configure Debian and macOS, harden the nginx web server, utilize advanced security controls like SELinux and AppArmor, and implement effective patching strategies. These skills translate into greater resilience against attacks and a more secure UNIX environment.
Who are these Learning Paths for?
- UNIX system administrators seeking to bolster their security skills
- Security analysts specializing in the protection of UNIX environments
- IT professionals responsible for securing UNIX-based infrastructure
Learning objectives
- Understand UNIX security, and grasp key security concepts, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors
- Learn to implement best practices for UNIX system hardening
- Keep systems up-to-date and mitigate vulnerabilities by developing patching strategies
Key modules in UNIX Learning Path
Secure Configuration of Debian Part 1
- Introduction to Operating system hardening, walkthrough of configurations that should be set or default features that should disabled or modified to harden base Debian operating system without directly impacting the operation of the server
Secure Configuration of Debian Part 2
- Continuing the hardening of the Debian OS, walkthrough of configurations that should be set or default features that should disabled or modified to harden base Debian operating system without directly impacting the operation of the server
Secure Configuration of NGINX
- This is a walk through the approach to hardening an Nginx web server aligned with the CIS Guideline on hardening. It covers the fullset of hardening recommendations
Patching Linux Assets
- Introduction to Linux patching, including patch distribution and storage, setting up a local update repo and patching kernel and security vulnerabilities
Introduction to AppArmor
- Module discusses some basics of AppArmor, primarily how to manually build a profile
Introduction to SELinux
- Module covers most basic SELinux topics like booleans, context, manually generating a policy template, files relating to policy (.fc, .te, .sh, etc), macros, domains, and how to use audit logs manually to edit policy
Bash Scripting Basics
- Introduction to Bash scripting, including variables, loops, branches and functions
Windows System Administration
8
modules
60
hours of content (approx.)
31+
skills
Earning an OffSec Learning Badge
Showcase your growing web administration proficiency! Upon completing 80% of the Web System Administration Learning Path, you'll receive an exclusive OffSec badge signifying:
- Secure UNIX administration proficiency: Demonstrate your expertise in securing UNIX systems
- Industry recognition: Adds a valuable OffSec credential to your skillset
- Hands-on skill: Demonstrated ability to effectively implement Windows security measures and harden system attacks at the fundamental level
Why train your team with OffSec?
Reduce attack surface
Minimize vulnerabilities and potential entry points
Hands-on practice
Earn UNIX Administration in a safe lab environment, avoiding potential issues on sensitive infrastructure
Hinder attack progress
Make it more difficult for adversaries to succeed
Start learning with OffSec
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Unlimited OffSec Learning Library access plus unlimited exam attempts for one year.
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Learn Unlimited provides individuals and organizations with unlimited access to the OffSec Learning Library. This includes all courses, content and learning paths. Learners also receive unlimited exam attempts and time in any of our hands-on lab environments.
What’s included
1 year of access to unlimited courses & content
Unlimited exam attempts during your subscription
365 days of lab access
1 year of unlimited access to all fundamental content and OffSec curated Learning Paths
PEN-103 + unlimited KLCP exam attempts
PEN-210 + unlimited OSWP exam attempts
3 downloads of course material
FAQ
- Secure Configuration of Debian Part 1
- Secure Configuration of Debian Part 2
- Secure Configuration of NGINX
- Patching Linux Assets
- Introduction to AppArmor
- Introduction to SELinux
- Bash Scripting Basics
Learners should have a basic understanding of Unix systems, some bash scripting knowledge, and a basic knowledge of web system administration.
- Access Control
- Backup and Recovery
- Common Tools: IT Generalist
- Common Tools: System Administrator
- Cryptographic Issues
- Data Transformation and Storage
- Encryption and Cryptography
- Enterprise Network and Systems
- Identity and Access Management
- Linux Admin
- Linux Attacks
- Linux System Administration
- Logging and Monitoring
- Network Security
- Operating Systems Internals
- Password Attacks
- Scripting and Automation
- Scripting for System Administrators
- Secrets Management
- Security and Compliance
- System Hardening
- Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting for System Administrators
Yes, the Unix System Administrator Learning Path is designed to be accessible for entry-level learners, as long as they have experience in the prerequisites above, while providing valuable insights and hands-on practice for those with some prior experience.
We emphasize:
- Hands-on practice in realistic lab environments
- In-depth exploration of Windows security concepts, vulnerabilities, and hardening techniques
- Developing the attacker mindset to anticipate and defend against threats
Start your journey today
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