Linode: Foundations of Web Server Security from Udemy

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing and the foundations of server security. We cover a range of topics, starting from an introduction to cloud computing and cloud service models to cloud server deployment and configuration using Linode. We also explore the foundations of Linux, LAMP stack installation and configuration, server security, and SSL certificates.The course begins with an introduction to cloud computing and the different service models available, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). This offers students a basic understanding of the different types of cloud services available along with various use cases.Next, the course delves into server deployment and configuration using Linode. Linode is a popular cloud hosting provider that offers a range of services, including virtual private servers (VPS), storage, and networking. Students will learn how to deploy and configure a virtual instance and use it to host a website or application using LAMP Stack. LAMP stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP and is a popular stack used to build dynamic websites and web applications. Students will learn how to install and configure each component of the stack and use it to create a functional website or web application. The course will then cover Linux foundations, where we explore the Linux file system, basic commands, and user accounts.In the following section students explore server security, including best practices for securing a server and common security threats. Students will learn about firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and how to secure sensitive data. We will demonstrate how to setup custom ports, hardware firewalls, and software firewalls using UFW.Finally, the course will cover installing and configuring SSL certificates. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. Students will learn how to obtain, install, and configure an SSL certificate to secure their website or web application.This course is well suited for anyone interested in cloud computing and server administration. By the end, student will be proficient with navigating Linode, while deploying and configuring remote instances using the latest in cloud technology. If this sounds exciting, then hit the enol button and let’s get started.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Cloud computing foundations
Cloud computing service models (iaas, paas, saas)
Linode account setup (tfa, ssh, lish)
Linux foundations (filesystem, directory commands, user accounts)

Lamp stack installation and configuration
Server security (network & software firewalls, ufw, custom ports)
Ssl certificates (let's encrypt installation)

Cloud computing foundations
Cloud computing service models (iaas, paas, saas)
Linode account setup (tfa, ssh, lish)
Linux foundations (filesystem, directory commands, user accounts)
Lamp stack installation and configuration
Server security (network & software firewalls, ufw, custom ports)
Ssl certificates (let's encrypt installation)

Syllabus

Introduction to Cloud Computing

Intro to Cloud Computing

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing Service Models

Cloud Server Deployment on Linode

Linode Account Setup

Exploring the Linode Cloud Manager

Enabling TFA on Linode

Deploying a Linode Virtual Instance

Exploring the Linode Instance Dashboard

Remote Server Admin via SSH

Password vs SSH Key Authentication

SSH Key Pair Authentication on Windows

SSH Key Pair Authentication on MacOS

Connecting with LISH

Adding SSH Public Keys to Linode

Linux Foundations

Introduction to Linux

The Linux Filesystem

Linux Maintenance Commands

Linux Directory Commands [Part 1]

Linux Directory Commands [Part 2]

Ubuntu Basic Server Configuration

Introduction to User Accounts

Creating a Non-Root Account

Securing the New User Account

Disabling Root User Access and Password Authentication

LAMP Stack Installation and Configuration

Installing LAMP Stack on Ubuntu via Command Line

Installing LAMP Stack using Linode Marketplace

Testing PHP on Apache

Testing MariaDB Connection from PHP [Part 1]

Testing MariaDB Connection from PHP [Part 2]

Remote Server Administration using Linode GLISH

Foundations of Server Security

Introduction to Server Security

Introduction to Firewalls

Network Firewalls

Securing SSH with a Network Firewall

Strict Network Firewall Policy

Hosted Software Firewalls UFW

Introduction to SSL Certificates

Traditional vs. Digital Certificates

Types of SSL Certificates

How SSL Certificates Work

Obtaining a SSL Certificate

Introduction to Let's Encrypt

Digital Ocean Server Setup

Preparation

Domain Name Server Administration

Introduction to Digital Ocean

Droplet Configurations

Creating a Droplet

Install PuTTY/Terminal and Connect

Install LAMP Stack - Apache, MySQL, PHP

Configure DNS on Digital Ocean

Droplet Basic Configurations

SSL Certificate Installation

Installing Let's Encrypt

SSL Certificate Status Reports

Redirect all Domain Variations to HTTPS

Auto Renewal with CRON jobs

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing service models like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, offering a foundational understanding of different cloud service types and their use cases

Covers LAMP stack installation and configuration, which is a popular open-source web development platform, enabling learners to build dynamic websites and web applications

Explores Linux foundations, including the file system, basic commands, and user accounts, which are essential for server administration and provide a solid base for further learning

Teaches server security best practices, including firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems, which are crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining a secure server environment

Includes SSL certificate installation and configuration using Let's Encrypt, which is a widely used method for securing websites and web applications with encryption

Features a section on Digital Ocean server setup, which may require learners to create an account and configure a droplet, potentially adding a small cost and extra steps to the learning process

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 Linode: Foundations of Web Server Security with these activities:

Review Linux Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of Linux fundamentals before diving into server security configurations. This will make understanding the commands and configurations much easier.

Browse courses on Linux Command Line

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Review basic Linux commands like ls, cd, mkdir, rm.
Practice navigating the file system.
Familiarize yourself with user account management.

Review 'Linux Bible'

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Supplement your knowledge of Linux with a comprehensive guide. This book will provide a deeper understanding of the Linux operating system and its various components.

View Linux Bible on Amazon

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Read the chapters on file system navigation and user management.
Practice the commands and techniques described in the book.

UFW Firewall Configuration Exercises

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Reinforce your understanding of UFW firewall configuration through practical exercises. This will help you master the commands and techniques needed to secure your server.

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Set up a test server environment.
Configure UFW to allow SSH and HTTP traffic.
Block specific IP addresses or ports using UFW.
Test the firewall rules to ensure they are working correctly.

Four other activities

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Document Your Server Security Setup

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Solidify your understanding of server security by documenting your own setup process. This will force you to think critically about each step and identify potential vulnerabilities.

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Choose a server security topic to document.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write a clear and concise document explaining the topic.
Include diagrams and examples to illustrate your points.

Build a Secure Web Server

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Apply your knowledge by building a secure web server from scratch. This project will test your ability to configure Linux, install LAMP stack, and implement security measures.

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Choose a Linux distribution and install it on a virtual machine.
Install and configure the LAMP stack.
Implement security measures such as firewalls and SSL certificates.
Test your web server to ensure it is working correctly and securely.

Review 'The Practice of System and Network Administration'

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Expand your knowledge of system administration with a practical guide. This book will provide valuable insights into managing and maintaining servers in a professional environment.

View The Practice of System and Network... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on security and automation.
Implement the best practices described in the book.

Contribute to an Open Source Security Project

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Deepen your understanding of server security by contributing to an open-source project. This will expose you to real-world security challenges and best practices.

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Find an open-source security project that interests you.
Review the project's documentation and code.
Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Linode: Foundations of Web Server Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Server Administrator

A Web Server Administrator manages and maintains web servers, ensuring they are secure, reliable, and performant. This role is directly related to the material covered in this course. The course covers LAMP stack installation and configuration, which is essential for hosting dynamic websites. Additionally the server security section, which includes firewalls and SSL certificates, is crucial for someone in this profession. The specific training on Linode, a popular cloud hosting platform, provides candidates a head start in a practical setting, directly supporting the needs of a Web Server Administrator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Server Administrator

Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security of cloud-based systems. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud computing models, security best practices, and various security technologies. This course on cloud server security is particularly relevant because it provides a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing, covering service models such as IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. It also delves into crucial aspects like server deployment on Linode, Linux foundations, LAMP stack installation, and server security measures including firewalls and SSL certificates. The course's hands-on approach to configuring and securing servers using Linode aligns perfectly with the practical skills needed for a successful Cloud Security Engineer, who will need to implement similar strategies on a daily basis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst monitors and protects an organization's computer systems and networks from security threats. The course's deep dive into server security, firewalls, and SSL certificates directly supports the responsibilities of an Information Security Analyst. This course demonstrates secure methods of setting up cloud servers, making it a particularly relevant learning experience for anyone seeking this career field. The practical experience deploying and securing a server provides the analyst with first hand knowledge of the types of vulnerabilities that they'll need to be monitoring.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

System Administrator

A System Administrator manages and maintains computer systems, including servers. This role involves installing, configuring, and updating software, ensuring system security, and troubleshooting issues. This course provides a strong foundation for a System Administrator with its focus on Linux fundamentals, LAMP stack installation, and server security. The course emphasizes practical skills like deploying and configuring virtual instances on Linode, working with the Linux file system, and securing servers with firewalls and SSL certificates. The hands-on experience with Linode and implementing security measures directly build a professional's skillset, preparing them for common tasks and challenges in systems administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for automating and streamlining the software development process, from coding to deployment, often working heavily with cloud infrastructure. This course aligns well with the role of a DevOps Engineer, due to its coverage of cloud service models, server deployment, and server security. The course provides hands-on experience with Linode, a cloud platform. The training in server configuration, using a LAMP stack, and securing infrastructure means that this course will be useful for candidates seeking a role as a DevOps Engineer. Specifically, it ensures that they have a familiarity with the technologies they'll encounter each day.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing network security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and data. This role requires an in-depth understanding of network protocols, security technologies, and threat mitigation strategies. The course, with its focus on server security, firewalls, and securing SSH, is relevant for a Network Security Engineer. Specifically, instruction on configuring firewalls and implementing SSL certificates offers highly practical skills necessary for this field. A Network Security Engineer who has taken this course will have a greater depth of knowledge than one who has not.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages an organization's network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls. This role requires a strong understanding of network security and protocols. This course, which covers server security, firewalls, and custom port configurations, is very relevant for a Network Administrator. The course provides an in-depth look at setting up and securing a server, which includes network security aspects. The work with UFW, installing SSL certificates, and securing SSH connections directly supports a Network Administrator's daily responsibilities, giving them the necessary skills to protect network resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based infrastructure. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud technologies, including servers, databases, and security. This course may be useful to a Cloud Engineer due to its comprehensive introduction to cloud computing, server deployment on Linode, and server security. The hands-on experience with Linux, LAMP stack, firewalls, and SSL certificates is applicable to many of the daily tasks of a Cloud Engineer. The student will build a foundation for working with cloud based systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Cloud Solutions Architect

A Cloud Solutions Architect designs and implements cloud-based solutions to meet business requirements. This role requires a broad understanding of cloud technologies and security. This course on cloud computing and server security will help to build a foundation for a Cloud Solutions Architect. The course begins with an overview of cloud service models, then it quickly moves into server deployment on Linode. The training in LAMP stack installation and security, using firewalls and SSL certificates, gives the practical skills needed in this role. By taking this course, an individual can learn about how to implement the systems they will plan in their professional life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Solutions Architect

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant advises organizations on how to protect their information assets. This role requires a strong understanding of various security technologies and best practices, and must include hands-on experience. This course's coverage of server security, firewalls, and SSL certificates directly supports the knowledge necessary to be a Security Consultant. Understanding cloud server deployment, particularly on a platform like Linode, is also very helpful. The practical training in this course gives the Security Consultant valuable experience they can draw upon, as they develop and recommend effective strategies for their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Web Developer

A Web Developer builds and maintains websites and web applications. This role typically requires hands-on experience with server configuration. This course can help a Web Developer by training them in LAMP stack installation and configuration, which is a popular framework for building dynamic websites. The course introduces cloud servers, and then covers security using firewalls and SSL certificates. This ensures web developers will have a practical understanding of the architecture they are building for. A web developer who completes this course can be more effective at their job, as they will be able to troubleshoot issues at a lower level than they were previously capable of.

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IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to end-users, addressing software and hardware issues. This course helps build a foundation for IT support, due to its range of topics from Linux foundations to server security and configuration, including the LAMP stack. While they may not work with this stack daily, this course will improve their understanding of the systems they are supporting. Exposure to cloud server deployment on Linode will also help them to better support user's issues relating to this technology. The practical skills gained from configuring cloud servers and implementing security measures will ultimately help an IT Support Specialist troubleshoot the issues they encounter daily.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist

Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides advanced technical support to customers and internal teams, often diagnosing and resolving complex technical problems. This role requires a solid grasp of computer systems, networking, and security. This course, with its focus on cloud computing, server deployment, and security practices, may be useful for a Technical Support Engineer. The course's hands-on experience with Linode and the LAMP stack will ensure that the engineer has practical experience to draw on. Exposure to Linux basics and server security helps build a better understanding for troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Engineer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains database systems, ensuring they are secure and performant. This role benefits greatly from a strong understanding of server configuration, networking, and security practices. This course's coverage of Linux foundations, LAMP stack, and server security can be very useful for aspiring database administrators. The course work relating to firewalls and SSL certificates specifically will benefit the database administrator. This course can help them approach their daily tasks with a greater understanding of the underlying systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager plans, executes, and oversees IT projects, including those involving infrastructure and security. This role requires a broad understanding of the technical landscape. This course may be useful for an IT Project Manager who can benefit from a deep knowledge of cloud server deployment, Linux, LAMP stack, and server security. While they may not directly implement these systems, having a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure allows the Project Manager to effectively plan and oversee such projects. Hands-on training in Linode, firewalls and SSL certificates may give the manager the edge they need to succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Linode: Foundations of Web Server Security.

The Practice of System and Network Administration

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of system and network administration best practices. It covers a wide range of topics, including security, automation, and monitoring. This book is particularly useful for students who want to learn how to manage and maintain servers in a professional environment. It provides practical advice and real-world examples that can help students apply the concepts covered in the course.

The Practice of System and Network Administration,...

Paperback

Practice of System and Network Administration, The:...

Kindle Edition

Linux Bible

Save

The Linux Bible comprehensive guide to using the Linux operating system. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic commands to advanced server administration. is particularly useful for students who are new to Linux and want to gain a solid foundation in the operating system. It provides detailed explanations and examples that can help students understand the concepts covered in the course.

Linux Bible

Paperback

$$$

Linode

Foundations of Web Server Security

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