OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Securing Linux Systems

Aspen Olmsted

In this course, we look at security and the Linux operating system. The course material is a good for anyone preparing for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam or just interested in learning more about Linux. This course is the third course in a series that aims to prepare you for working as an information technology professional. In this course, you will be introduced to ownership, authentication, and authorization. We will drill into creating security through backups and redundancy. We concluded by looking at how to secure the perimeter of our network and systems.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Ownership and Permissions
In this module, we look at security and the Linux operating system. We will start by applying permissions to files and directories. We then look at Access Control Lists (ACL) and how they are applied in Linux. We will explore Context-Based security controls. Lastly, we will think about account types and privilege escalation.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential concepts of cybersecurity through the lens of the Linux ecosystem
Suitable for learners preparing for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam or wanting to enhance their Linux knowledge
Covers ownership, authentication, authorization, backups, redundancy, and perimeter security
Shares insights into Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Provides a solid foundation for learners interested in pursuing a career in information technology

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical linux security fundamentals

According to students, this course provides an excellent foundational understanding of Linux security, making it particularly valuable for IT professionals and those preparing for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam. Learners highlight the clear explanations, especially for complex topics like PAM, PKI, SSH hardening, and Linux firewalls. The inclusion of hands-on labs and practical demos is frequently praised for solidifying understanding and offering real-world applicability. While some older feedback mentioned concerns about occasional outdated content or a fast pace, recent reviews suggest the course has undergone beneficial updates, addressing prior issues and enhancing its timeliness. Overall, it's considered a highly relevant and comprehensive resource for securing Linux systems.
Useful resource for those preparing for the LFCA exam.
"It definitely prepared me for real-world scenarios and complemented my LFCA studies."
"I found this course invaluable for reviewing security concepts relevant to the LFCA."
"This course provided a good overview of the topics covered in the LFCA exam security domain."
Recent updates address prior concerns about outdated material.
"While the course covers relevant topics, some of the information felt a bit outdated... Needs an update."
"I appreciate the recent updates to the firewall section; it's much more current now."
"The course has definitely improved over time. Older complaints about outdated tools seem to have been addressed."
Includes valuable hands-on labs that reinforce learning.
"The hands-on labs helped solidify my understanding... It definitely prepared me for real-world scenarios."
"The practical demos were spot-on. Great value!"
"I really appreciate the focus on applying concepts through hands-on exercises."
Complex topics are made understandable for learners.
"The instructor explains complex topics like ACLs and context-based security in an understandable way."
"The concepts were presented clearly, and the quizzes reinforced learning. It's concise yet comprehensive."
"I found the discussion on Linux Firewalls to be very thorough and easy to follow, unlike other resources."
Provides essential, actionable skills for Linux security.
"This course is a goldmine for anyone serious about Linux security. The explanations of PAM and PKI were incredibly clear, and the hands-on labs helped solidify my understanding."
"Excellent foundational course for securing Linux systems... I found the module on logging and backups to be very practical, with useful tools demonstrated."
"I learned so much about user authentication and privilege escalation. The practical demos were spot-on."
Pacing can be fast, some topics need further study.
"My only minor feedback is that sometimes the pace felt a bit fast, but reviewing the material easily fixed that."
"Some areas felt a bit rushed, like intrusion detection systems. I wish there were more advanced examples."
"This course is good for a general understanding but might require further study for deeper expertise."

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 Securing Linux Systems with these activities:
Review Linux Certification Study Materials
Reinforces key concepts and prepares students for the LFCA exam.
Show steps
  • Gather study materials such as books, online courses, or practice tests
  • Review the core concepts covered in the LFCA exam
  • Take practice tests to assess your understanding
  • Make notes and consult additional resources as needed
Practice Linux Commands
Strengthens command-line skills and improves comfort level with Linux.
Browse courses on Linux Commands
Show steps
  • Use a Linux command-line interface
  • Practice common Linux commands
  • Learn and experiment with new commands
Follow Tutorials on Linux System Administration
Provides practical guidance and reinforces concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Linux System Administration
Show steps
  • Find reputable online tutorials or courses
  • Follow the instructions and complete the exercises
  • Apply what you learn to your own Linux system
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Linux Server
Develops practical skills in configuring and managing a Linux server.
Browse courses on Linux Server
Show steps
  • Choose a Linux distribution
  • Install Linux on a physical or virtual machine
  • Configure networking, security, and other essential services
  • Deploy a web server or other applications
  • Monitor and maintain the server
Design and Implement a Linux Firewall
Applies knowledge of Linux firewalls to design and implement a secure network architecture.
Show steps
  • Determine the security requirements for the network
  • Choose and install a Linux firewall
  • Configure the firewall rules
  • Test the firewall
  • Monitor and maintain the firewall
Write a Blog Post on Linux Security Best Practices
Reinforces understanding of Linux security concepts and improves communication skills.
Browse courses on Linux Security
Show steps
  • Research Linux security best practices
  • Organize and outline your blog post
  • Write the content of the blog post
  • Edit and proofread your post
  • Publish your blog post
Contribute to Open Source Linux Projects
Provides practical experience in Linux development and fosters collaboration.
Show steps
  • Find an open source Linux project to contribute to
  • Read the project's documentation and code
  • Identify an area where you can contribute
  • Make your changes and submit a pull request
  • Work with the project maintainers to get your changes merged

Career center

Learners who complete Securing Linux Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst safeguards valuable company information. They analyze security measures, investigate cyber attacks, and manage the entire security infrastructure. This course may help prepare you for some of the responsibilities of this role. For instance, this course goes over how to implement security measures like Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Context-Based security controls. This knowledge will help you protect sensitive company information during your work as an Information Security Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
IT Security Specialist
An IT Security Specialist ensures that their company's network is safe from cyber threats. They develop security policies, update and monitor security systems, investigate breaches, and more. This course will help build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as an IT Security Specialist. For example, this course will teach you how to configure methods of authentication and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Specialist
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide valuable advice on how to protect information and mitigate security risks. They assess current security measures, design and implement security solutions, and more. This course will help you prepare to work in this role. For instance, this course goes over how to implement security measures like Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Context-Based security controls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers are tasked with trying to find vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a company's network so the company can fix them before a malicious actor finds them. This course will help you prepare for some of the tasks you will complete as a Penetration Tester. For instance, this course will teach you how to utilize Linux Firewalls and how to detect intrusion.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester
Cybersecurity Engineer
A Cybersecurity Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. They also work to protect the organization from cyber threats. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as a Cybersecurity Engineer. For instance, this course will teach you how to configure methods of authentication and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer systems. They also work to ensure the security of those systems. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as a Systems Administrator. For instance, this course will teach you how to create security through backups and redundancy and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer network. They also work to ensure the security of that network. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as a Network Administrator. For instance, this course will teach you how to configure methods of authentication and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain the security of an organization's cloud-based systems and networks. They also work to protect the organization from cyber threats. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as a Cloud Security Engineer. For instance, this course will teach you how to configure methods of authentication and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer
Information Technology Auditor
An Information Technology Auditor reviews an organization's computer systems and networks to ensure that they are secure. They also work to ensure that the organization is complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as an Information Technology Auditor. For instance, this course will teach you how to create security through backups and redundancy and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Auditor
Security Architect
A Security Architect designs and implements the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. They also work to protect the organization from cyber threats. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as a Security Architect. For instance, this course will teach you how to configure methods of authentication and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect
IT Manager
An IT Manager is responsible for the overall operation of an organization's computer systems and networks. They also work to ensure the security of those systems and networks. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as an IT Manager. For instance, this course will teach you how to create security through backups and redundancy and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst investigates and analyzes cyber threats and vulnerabilities. They also work to develop and implement security solutions. This course may help prepare you for some of the responsibilities of this role. For instance, this course goes over how to implement security measures like Access Control Lists (ACLs) and Context-Based security controls. This knowledge will help you protect sensitive company information during your work as a Cybersecurity Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of an organization's computer networks. They also work to protect the organization from cyber threats. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as a Network Security Engineer. For instance, this course will teach you how to configure methods of authentication and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
IT Specialist
An IT Specialist provides technical support to an organization's users. They also work to ensure the security of the organization's computer systems and networks. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as an IT Specialist. For instance, this course will teach you how to create security through backups and redundancy and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Specialist
IT Consultant
An IT Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their IT systems and networks. They also work to ensure the security of those systems and networks. This course will help you build a foundation for some of the tasks you will complete as an IT Consultant. For instance, this course will teach you how to create security through backups and redundancy and how to utilize Linux Firewalls.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Securing Linux Systems.
Cover image
Applied Cryptography
Save
Classic guide to cryptography. It covers a wide range of topics, including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hash functions, and digital signatures.
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and...
Hardcover
$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Paperback
$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Paperback
$$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Expert SharePoint 2010 Practices
Save
Hands-on guide to computer security. It covers a wide range of topics, including system security, network security, and application security.
Expert SharePoint 2010 Practices (Books for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...
Save
Guide to web application security. It covers a wide range of topics, including web application vulnerabilities, exploitation, and prevention.
Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...
Paperback
Check
Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and Study...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Security in Computing
Save
Textbook on security in computing. It covers a wide range of topics, including system security, network security, and application security.
Security in Computing
Paperback
$$$$
Security in Computing
Mass Market Paperback
$$
Security in Computing, 4th Edition
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Real-World Bug Hunting
Save
Guide to network penetration testing. It covers a wide range of topics, including vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and reporting.
Real-World Bug Hunting: A Field Guide to Web Hacking
Paperback
$$
Real-World Bug Hunting: A Field Guide to Web Hacking
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Information Security Management Handbook
Save
Guide to information security management. It covers a wide range of topics, including security policy, risk management, and security incident response.
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 6
Kindle Edition
$$
Information Security Management Handbook
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 3...
Hardcover
$$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Fifth...
Hardcover
$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Fourth...
Hardcover
$$
Handbook of Information Security Management 1999
Hardcover
$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 2
Hardcover
$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 2
Hardcover
$$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 5
Kindle Edition
$$$
Information Security Management Handbook on CD-ROM,...
CD-ROM
Check Price
Cover image
Cryptographic Primitives in Blockchain Technology
Save
Guide to cryptography for developers. It covers a wide range of topics, including symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hash functions, and digital signatures.
Cryptographic Primitives in Blockchain Technology:...
Hardcover
$$$
Cryptographic Primitives in Blockchain Technology:...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Myths of Security
Save
Guide to using OpenSSL to secure network applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including public key cryptography, digital signatures, and SSL/TLS.
The Myths of Security
Paperback
Check
The Myths of Security
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Securing Linux Systems.
IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts
Most relevant
Security Fundamentals and Identity Management
Most relevant
GraphQL by Example
Most relevant
NestJS: The Complete Developer's Guide
Most relevant
Linux Server Management and Security
Most relevant
NestJS Zero to Hero - Modern TypeScript Back-end...
Most relevant
Cloud Security Risks: Identify and Protect Against Threats
Most relevant
Getting Started with Laravel (PHP Framework) 7: Users and...
Most relevant
Architecting Web Applications with Spring
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
LearnQuest
Instructor
Aspen Olmsted
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Learning Linux for LFCA Certification. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Securing Linux Systems (viewing)
  2. Linux Cloud and DevOps
  3. Linux Fundamentals
  4. Managing Linux Systems
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential concepts of cybersecurity through the lens of the Linux ecosystem
Suitable for learners preparing for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam or wanting to enhance their Linux knowledge
Covers ownership, authentication, authorization, backups, redundancy, and perimeter security
Shares insights into Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Provides a solid foundation for learners interested in pursuing a career in information technology
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Securing Linux Systems.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser