Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts from Pluralsight

Cybersecurity concepts are fundamental pieces of knowledge necessary for a career in the industry. This course will detail many aspects of host-based technologies, components, and malware.

There is a tremendous skill shortage in the cybersecurity sector of IT that is hindering operations at organizations. In this course, Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts, you’ll learn the some of the concepts needed to start your journey into the SOC operations realm. First, you’ll explore the various endpoint technologies to secure a host. Next, you’ll discover about components of both Windows and Linux operating systems and how they can be compromised. We’ll also discuss investigation-related terminology and evidence with regards to investigations. Finally, you’ll learn about sandboxes and detonation chambers and the reports that they generate. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll be one step closer to having a solid understanding of cybersecurity concepts and be able to continue learning how to identify problems and perform tasks in a SOC environment.

Before beginning the course, you should be familiar with basic IT terminology. This course is primarily for anyone who is new to cybersecurity and wants to learn more about cybersecurity concepts and operations with regards to our hosts.

Cybersecurity is important because it encompasses everything that pertains to protecting our sensitive data, personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), personal information, intellectual property, data, and governmental and industry information systems from theft and damage attempted by criminals and adversaries.

Cyber operations (Cyber Ops) is a specialization of information security that is in high demand within areas of the government and military, including the National Security Agency (NSA). If you have an interest in working for the NSA, or a similar organization, certification in Cyber Ops may be the right fit for you.

DISA HBSS (Host-Based Security System) is the commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) Endpoint Security software that the Department of Defense uses to monitor, detect, and defend IT assets and systems. McAfee developed this system using the ePO management engine.

Just like Windows, iOS, and Mac OS, Linux is an operating system. In fact, one of the most popular platforms on the planet, Android, is powered by the Linux operating system. An operating system is software that manages all of the hardware resources associated with your desktop or laptop. To put it simply, the operating system manages the communication between your software and your hardware. Without the operating system (OS), the software wouldn’t function.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Securing the Host

Identifying and Interpreting Windows Components and Logs

Understanding Linux Security Components and Log Usage

Investigating an Attack

Using Malware Analysis Tools

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores endpoint technologies, a standard in IT network security

Examines industry-leading tools and concepts for malware analysis

Develops essential skills for identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats

Provides a foundation for further learning in cybersecurity operations

May require foundational knowledge in basic IT terminology

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts with these activities:

Explore the DISA HBSS documentation

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Familiarize yourself with the capabilities and features of the Endpoint Security software used by the Department of Defense.

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Visit the DISA HBSS documentation website.
Review the user guide and technical documentation.
Note down key concepts and features.

CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide

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Review the official study guide for the CISSP certification to supplement your understanding of information security concepts and best practices.

View CompTIA Security+ Study Guide with over 500... on Amazon

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Read the book and make notes on key concepts
Complete practice questions and review answers

Discuss Linux security best practices

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Engage in discussions with fellow students to share and learn about effective Linux security measures.

Browse courses on Linux Security

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Join a study group or online forum.
Participate in discussions on Linux security topics.
Present your own insights and experiences.

Five other activities

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Malware Analysis Techniques

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Analyze malware samples in a sandbox environment to reinforce your understanding of the different techniques used by malware.

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Set up a sandbox environment using tools like Cuckoo Sandbox or REMnux
Acquire malware samples from reputable sources such as VirusTotal or GitHub
Submit malware samples to the sandbox environment and monitor their behavior
Analyze the results to identify malware characteristics and potential infections

Identify and interpret Windows logs

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Develop hands-on proficiency in analyzing Windows logs to detect and respond to security threats.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Set up a Windows virtual machine.
Generate various security logs.
Use tools like Event Viewer and PowerShell to analyze logs.
Practice identifying patterns and anomalies.

Security Incident Report

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Simulate a cyber attack on a given system and write a detailed security incident report to enhance your understanding of documentation and incident response.

Browse courses on Incident Response

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Set up a vulnerable system or use a virtual machine
Simulate a cyber attack on the system using tools like Metasploit
Document the attack, including steps taken, evidence collected, and remediation actions

Create a cybersecurity risk assessment plan

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Apply your understanding of cybersecurity concepts to develop a practical plan for identifying and mitigating risks.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

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Define the scope and objectives of the assessment.
Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Analyze the likelihood and impact of risks.
Develop mitigation strategies.
Document the assessment plan.

Host-Based Intrusion Detection System

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Build a host-based intrusion detection system to strengthen your understanding of intrusion detection and prevention techniques.

Browse courses on IDS

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Choose an open-source intrusion detection tool such as Snort or Suricata
Install and configure the IDS on a host system
Create and customize detection rules based on your organization's security policies
Monitor IDS alerts and investigate potential threats

Career center

Learners who complete Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts perform cybersecurity assessments, identify vulnerabilities, investigate threats, and implement security measures such as access management and malware protection. Taking the Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course can help those seeking to break into cybersecurity build a strong foundation in the field. The course's focus on host-based security technologies, components, and malware will provide aspiring cybersecurity analysts with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

SOC Analyst

Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents in real-time. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course can be a valuable asset to SOC analysts, providing them with in-depth knowledge of host-based security technologies, components, and malware. This knowledge can enable SOC analysts to more effectively identify and respond to threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for SOC Analyst

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers assess the security of computer systems by simulating cyberattacks. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course can be beneficial for penetration testers by providing them with a deep understanding of host-based security vulnerabilities and how to exploit them. This knowledge can enable penetration testers to more effectively identify and exploit vulnerabilities in target systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Malware Analyst

Malware analysts are responsible for analyzing malicious software and developing strategies to protect computer systems from malware attacks. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts will provide malware analysts with a strong foundation in malware analysis techniques and tools. The course will also cover how to identify and investigate malware infections on host systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Incident Responder

Incident responders are responsible for responding to and resolving cybersecurity incidents. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts can be useful for those seeking a career as an incident responder by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of how to investigate cybersecurity incidents and collect evidence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity solutions. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a cybersecurity engineer by providing them with a foundational understanding of host-based security technologies and components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are responsible for developing and implementing security measures to protect organizations from cyber threats. Taking the Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course can provide aspiring information security analysts with a solid understanding of host-based security vulnerabilities and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Architect

Security architects design and implement security architectures to protect organizations from cyber threats. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be useful for those seeking a career as a security architect by providing them with a foundation in host-based security technologies and components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Risk Analyst

Risk analysts assess the cybersecurity risks facing organizations. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for aspiring risk analysts by providing them with an understanding of host-based security vulnerabilities and how to identify and quantify risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Security Consultant

Security consultants provide cybersecurity advice and services to organizations. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be beneficial for those seeking a career as a security consultant by giving them a strong understanding of host-based security technologies and components.

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Forensic Investigator

Forensic investigators are responsible for investigating and analyzing cybercrimes. Taking the Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a forensic investigator by providing them with a strong conceptual grounding in host-based security technologies and components.

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Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Cyber threat intelligence analysts collect and analyze information about cyber threats to provide organizations with early warning and mitigation strategies. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a cyber threat intelligence analyst by providing them with a foundational understanding of host-based security technologies and components.

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Security Manager

Security managers are responsible for overseeing the security of organizations. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a security manager by providing them with a broad understanding of host-based security technologies and components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Systems Administrator

Systems administrators are responsible for managing computer systems and networks. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a systems administrator by providing them with a solid foundational understanding of host-based security technologies and components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

Network administrators are responsible for managing computer networks. The Cisco CyberOps: Analyzing Hosts course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a network administrator by providing them with a foundation in host-based security technologies and components.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator