Securing Linux Systems from Coursera

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.

Administer Access and Authentication

In this module, we look at ways to increase our Linux Security. We start by looking at Linux Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM). PAM is a suite of libraries that allows a Linux system administrator to configure methods to authenticate users. We then look at Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and its use in Secure Shell (SSH). We conclude by utilizing open Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

Logging & Backups

In this module, we look at both local and remote system logging. We will also look at backup and compression of the files on the system to allow recovery in response to a system incident. We will conclude with a deep dive of the different tools available in Linux for archive and restore.

Linux Firewalls

In this module, we look at the security at the boundaries of your network and your host Linux system. We look at different Linux Firewall technologies and the implementation of access control rules in the firewalls. We then think about forwarding packets when we want to allow traffic through the firewall to another host machine. We conclude by looking at intrusion detection systems in Linux.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

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

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Reinforces key concepts and prepares students for the LFCA exam.

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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

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Strengthens command-line skills and improves comfort level with Linux.

Browse courses on Linux Commands

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Use a Linux command-line interface
Practice common Linux commands
Learn and experiment with new commands

Follow Tutorials on Linux System Administration

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Provides practical guidance and reinforces concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on Linux System Administration

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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

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Create a Linux Server

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Develops practical skills in configuring and managing a Linux server.

Browse courses on Linux Server

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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

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Applies knowledge of Linux firewalls to design and implement a secure network architecture.

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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

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Reinforces understanding of Linux security concepts and improves communication skills.

Browse courses on Linux Security

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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

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Provides practical experience in Linux development and fosters collaboration.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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