What is LPIC-3 Certification?

In the world of information technology (IT), certifications are crucial to advancing your career and demonstrating your expertise in a particular field. One certification that stands out among Linux professionals is the Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-3). In this article, we'll explore what LPIC-3 certification is, what it entails, and why it's important.

Introduction

LPIC-3 is the highest level of certification offered by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). It is designed for Linux professionals who have a deep understanding of Linux systems and are able to manage enterprise-level Linux systems.

Obtaining LPIC-3 certification demonstrates a high level of expertise in Linux system administration, and it can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

What is LPIC-3 Certification?

LPIC-3 certification is an advanced-level certification for Linux professionals. It validates a candidate's ability to manage and administer large-scale Linux systems, including enterprise-level systems. LPIC-3 certification covers three different specialties, or "concentrations":

1. LPIC-3 300: Mixed Environment

2. LPIC-3 303: Security

3. LPIC-3 304: Virtualization and High Availability

Candidates can choose to specialize in one or more of these concentrations. Each concentration has its own exam, and passing all three exams earns the candidate the LPIC-3 certification.

Benefits of LPIC-3 Certification

LPIC-3 certification is highly regarded in the Linux community and is recognized by employers around the world. Some of the benefits of obtaining LPIC-3 certification include:

◉ Demonstrating advanced-level Linux system administration skills

◉ Enhancing career prospects and earning potential

◉ Validating knowledge of enterprise-level Linux systems

◉ Demonstrating commitment to ongoing professional development

◉ Building credibility and gaining recognition within the Linux community

LPIC-3 Exam Details

Exam Objectives

Each LPIC-3 exam covers a specific set of objectives. The objectives for each concentration are as follows:

1. LPIC-3 300: Mixed Environment

This concentration focuses on Linux systems in a mixed environment, including integration with Windows and other non-Linux systems.

2. LPIC-3 303: Security

This concentration focuses on Linux system security, including authentication, encryption, and network security.

3. LPIC-3 304: Virtualization and High Availability

This concentration focuses on virtualization and high availability technologies, including virtualization with KVM and Xen, as well as clustering and high availability solutions.

Exam Format and Duration

Each LPIC-3 exam consists of 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. The exams are computer-based and have a duration of 90 minutes. The passing score for each exam is 500 out of 800.

Exam Prerequisites

Candidates must have an active LPIC-2 certification to be eligible to take an LPIC-3 exam.

Exam Registration and Fees

LPIC-3 exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. The cost of each exam varies by location but is typically around $200 USD.

Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for an LPIC-3 exam requires a deep understanding of Linux systems and advanced-level skills in Linux system administration. Some tips for exam preparation include:

◉ Reviewing the exam objectives and ensuring a thorough understanding of each topic

◉ Gaining hands-on experience with Linux systems and technologies covered in the exam

◉ Studying relevant documentation and resources, such as the LPIC-3 Exam Prep books and LPI exam preparation resources

◉ Taking practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions asked

Resources for Exam Preparation

LPI offers a range of resources to help candidates prepare for LPIC-3 exams. These include:

◉ LPIC-3 Exam Prep books: These comprehensive study guides cover all exam objectives for each concentration and provide hands-on exercises and practice exams.

◉ LPI exam preparation resources: LPI offers a range of free resources, including study guides, practice exams, and online courses, to help candidates prepare for exams.

◉ Third-party study materials: A range of third-party study materials, such as online courses and study guides, are available to help candidates prepare for LPIC-3 exams.

Renewal and Recertification

LPIC-3 certification is valid for five years. To renew LPIC-3 certification, candidates must either:

◉ Pass any higher-level LPIC certification exam (such as LPIC-4) within the five-year period

◉ Earn 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the five-year period through participation in approved training programs, conferences, and other professional development activities

LPIC-3 vs. Other Linux Certifications

LPIC-3 certification is one of several Linux certifications available to IT professionals. Some of the other popular Linux certifications include:

◉ Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE): This certification is offered by Red Hat and focuses on Red Hat Enterprise Linux system administration.

◉ CompTIA Linux+: This certification is vendor-neutral and covers foundational Linux skills and knowledge.

◉ SUSE Certified Engineer (SCE): This certification is offered by SUSE and focuses on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server administration.

While LPIC-3 certification is not specific to any particular Linux distribution, it is recognized by a range of employers and demonstrates advanced-level skills in Linux system administration.

LPIC-3 Job Opportunities

LPIC-3 certification can open up a range of job opportunities for Linux professionals. Some of the roles that may require or benefit from LPIC-3 certification include:

◉ Linux systems administrator

◉ DevOps engineer

◉ Cloud engineer

◉ Network administrator

◉ Security analyst

Conclusion

LPIC-3 certification is an advanced-level certification for Linux professionals that validates advanced-level skills in Linux system administration. Obtaining LPIC-3 certification can help Linux professionals stand out in a competitive job market and demonstrate expertise in managing enterprise-level Linux systems. With the right preparation and dedication, LPIC-3 certification can be a valuable asset for advancing your career in the IT industry.

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What is LPIC-2 Certification?

Introduction

LPIC-2 is a professional certification offered by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). It is the second level of certification offered by LPI, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of Linux and open-source software. LPIC-2 is designed to validate the advanced technical skills required to administer Linux-based systems.

Why LPIC-2 Certification is important?

LPIC-2 Certification is important for IT professionals who work with Linux-based systems. It validates their skills and knowledge in areas such as advanced system administration, networking, and security. LPIC-2 Certification can help IT professionals stand out in a competitive job market and increase their earning potential.

LPIC-2 Exam Details

To obtain LPIC-2 Certification, candidates must pass two exams: LPIC-2 Exam 201 and LPIC-2 Exam 202. Both exams consist of 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to complete each exam. The passing score for each exam is 500 out of 800 points.

LPIC-2 Exam 201 covers topics such as kernel, system startup, file system and devices, advanced storage device administration, networking configuration, system maintenance, and domain name servers.

LPIC-2 Exam 202 covers topics such as email services, web services, file sharing, network client management, system security, and troubleshooting.

Benefits of LPIC-2 Certification

LPIC-2 Certification offers several benefits to IT professionals, including:

Enhanced Career Opportunities

LPIC-2 Certification can help IT professionals stand out in a competitive job market. It demonstrates their advanced technical skills and knowledge in Linux-based systems administration, which is a valuable skillset in many industries.

Increased Earning Potential

LPIC-2 Certification can increase an IT professional's earning potential. According to the Linux Professional Institute, LPIC-2 Certification holders can earn up to 19% more than non-certified professionals in similar roles.

Recognition and Credibility

LPIC-2 Certification is recognized globally as a validation of an IT professional's advanced technical skills and knowledge in Linux-based systems administration. It provides credibility to their expertise and can help them gain recognition among peers and employers.

LPIC-2 Certification Requirements

To obtain LPIC-2 Certification, candidates must meet the following requirements:

LPIC-1 Certification

Candidates must hold LPIC-1 Certification to be eligible for LPIC-2 Certification. LPIC-1 Certification validates the fundamental skills required to administer Linux-based systems.

Passing LPIC-2 Exams

Candidates must pass both LPIC-2 Exam 201 and LPIC-2 Exam 202 to obtain LPIC-2 Certification.

Active LPIC-1 Certification

Candidates must have an active LPIC-1 Certification at the time of taking LPIC-2 Exams.

LPIC-2 Certification Renewal

LPIC-2 Certification is valid for five years from the date of issue. To renew LPIC-2 Certification, candidates must earn 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the five-year period. CEUs can be earned by attending training courses, participating in webinars, and other professional development activities.

Conclusion

LPIC-2 Certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals who work with Linux-based systems. It validates their advanced technical skills and knowledge in areas such as system administration, networking, and security. LPIC-2 Certification can help IT professionals stand out in a competitive job market, increase their earning potential, and gain recognition and credibility among peers and employers.

Read More: 201-450: Linux Engineer - 201 (LPIC-2 201)

                      202-450: Linux Engineer - 202 (LPIC-2 202)

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What is LPIC-1 Certification?

LPIC-1 (Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1) is a globally recognized entry-level certification for Linux administrators. It validates their knowledge and skills in managing Linux systems, including installation, configuration, and maintenance. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to LPIC-1 certification, including its importance, eligibility requirements, exam details, preparation tips, and career opportunities.

Why is LPIC-1 Certification Important?

LPIC-1 certification demonstrates your proficiency in Linux system administration, making you a highly desirable candidate for various IT job roles. It serves as a benchmark for employers to measure your knowledge and skill level, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market. Furthermore, LPIC-1 certification enhances your credibility as a Linux professional, establishing you as a trusted expert in the field.

Eligibility Requirements for LPIC-1 Certification

There are no prerequisites for LPIC-1 certification. However, it is recommended that you have a basic understanding of Linux operating systems and fundamental command line operations before taking the exam. It is also advisable to have some practical experience working with Linux systems before attempting the certification.

Exam Details for LPIC-1 Certification

The LPIC-1 certification exam consists of two separate exams: Exam 101 and Exam 102. Each exam comprises 60 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, and you must score at least 500 out of 800 points to pass each exam. The exams are computer-based and last for 90 minutes each.

Exam 101 covers topics such as system architecture, Linux installation and package management, GNU and Unix commands, and devices, filesystems, and file-related commands. On the other hand, Exam 102 focuses on topics such as shell scripting, user interfaces and desktops, administrative tasks, essential system services, networking fundamentals, and security.

Preparation Tips for LPIC-1 Certification

To prepare for LPIC-1 certification, you need to have a thorough understanding of Linux system administration, including the topics covered in both exams. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the exams:

1. Familiarize yourself with Linux commands, including their syntax and options.

2. Install and practice using different Linux distributions to gain hands-on experience.

3. Join online Linux communities and forums to learn from experts and ask questions.

4. Use study materials, such as books, online courses, and practice exams, to test your knowledge and identify areas where you need improvement.

5. Practice time management skills to ensure you have enough time to answer all the exam questions.

Career Opportunities for LPIC-1 Certified Professionals

LPIC-1 certification opens up numerous career opportunities for Linux professionals. Some of the job roles that require LPIC-1 certification include Linux administrator, systems administrator, network administrator, DevOps engineer, and cloud engineer. Additionally, LPIC-1 certification can lead to higher-paying job roles, promotions, and increased job security.

Conclusion

LPIC-1 certification is an essential credential for Linux professionals seeking to advance their careers. It validates your knowledge and skills in Linux system administration, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market. To pass the certification exams, you need to have a thorough understanding of Linux commands, installation, configuration, and maintenance, among other topics. With LPIC-1 certification, you can pursue various job roles and enjoy higher pay and job security.

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LPI BSD Specialist

Introduction

The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification program has been recognized worldwide as the premier Linux certification. It is designed to provide a vendor-neutral standard for measuring Linux knowledge and skills. However, LPI has now introduced a new certification program for BSD specialists. In this article, we will discuss the Linux Professional Institute BSD Specialist certification, its benefits, and what it takes to become one.

What is the Linux Professional Institute BSD Specialist Certification?

The LPI BSD Specialist certification is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who work with BSD operating systems. This certification covers all aspects of BSD systems, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Why Get Certified?

Getting certified as an LPI BSD Specialist can offer several benefits to IT professionals, including:

Better Job Opportunities

The LPI BSD Specialist certification is recognized globally, and it can open up new job opportunities for IT professionals. Employers look for certified professionals who can help maintain their BSD systems, and having an LPI BSD Specialist certification can make a candidate stand out from the rest.

Better Pay

Certified professionals usually earn more than their non-certified counterparts. This is because employers value certified professionals who can help maintain their systems better, and they are willing to pay a premium for their skills.

Enhanced Knowledge and Skills

Preparing for the LPI BSD Specialist certification exam can help IT professionals gain a deeper understanding of BSD systems. This certification covers all aspects of BSD systems, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This knowledge can help IT professionals become better at their jobs and take on more significant roles in their organizations.

Exam Details

To become an LPI BSD Specialist, you need to pass two exams: LPIC-1 and BSD Specialist. The LPIC-1 exam covers Linux essentials and basic administration skills. The BSD Specialist exam covers BSD installation and maintenance, network configuration, security, and troubleshooting. Both exams consist of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions and have a duration of 90 minutes each.

Exam Preparation

To prepare for the LPI BSD Specialist certification exam, IT professionals can take advantage of various resources. These include:

LPI BSD Specialist Certification Study Guide

LPI offers an official study guide for the BSD Specialist certification. This guide covers all the topics included in the exam, and it includes sample questions and answers.

Training Courses

LPI also offers training courses for the BSD Specialist certification exam. These courses cover all aspects of BSD systems, including installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Practice Exams

Practice exams can help IT professionals gauge their readiness for the actual certification exam. LPI offers practice exams for the BSD Specialist certification, and there are also several third-party practice exams available online.

Conclusion

The LPI BSD Specialist certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals who work with BSD operating systems. It can help them improve their knowledge and skills, open up new job opportunities, and earn better pay. By passing the LPIC-1 and BSD Specialist exams, IT professionals can become certified as LPI BSD Specialists and demonstrate their expertise in BSD systems.

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A Tech Trainer Discovers the Security Essentials Certification

More than a decade ago, while preparing to take my very first technology certification exam (the LPIC-1, as it happened), I learned something new about the entire certification process. Now, I was no stranger to the education world at that point: I'd been a high school teacher and administrator for the previous twenty years. But slowly working through the long list of Linux administration objectives made me realize that all the hard work was less about the exam and more about making sure I was competent in the skills and tools I'd need as a Linux admin.

IT professionals are often responsible for protecting millions of dollars of equipment and critical business processes. Keeping ahead of all the nasty things that are waiting to land is hard enough for even the best of admins. But where are "the best of admins" supposed to learn their trade? I'm aware of no college specializations or even boot camps that teach IT administration. You could learn the skills you'll need through the painful experience of recovering from expensive mistakes. Or you can work through a well-designed certification curriculum, which is what LPI offers. 

When I agreed to write the Wiley/Sybex book "The LPI Security Essentials Study Guide" along with my "Complete LPI Security Essentials Exam Study Guide" course on Udemy, I'll admit that I initially had questions about the certification objectives:

◉ If the primary target candidates were technology consumers rather than administrators, why were they expected to understand relatively complex topics like specific encryption algorithms or TCP/IP addressing?

◉ Why were some critical hands-on security skills (such as event log analysis) missing from the objectives?

◉ What would people be able to do with the certification? I ascertained that there wasn't enough deeply technical content in the Essentials certification to fully prepare a candidate for a career in IT security.

As I worked through the objectives in the process of building my own book and course content, I developed an answer to my first question about complex topics along with a better sense of the exceptional value the certification offers. There are a thousand ways that our personal data, smartphones, laptops, online accounts, and identities can be compromised. Without at least a basic understanding of each threat category, how will we even identify the signs of an attack? There are all kinds of tools - many of them available for free - we can use to protect ourselves. But without at least some familiarity with their functioning, we’re not likely to know when (and how) to adopt them.

Some topics - such as encryption technologies in WiFi networks, web browsers, and email clients - just can't be overly simplified without losing sight of the point. After thinking it through, I’ve decided that the objectives did a great job finding the right balance for their target audience. Sure, understanding the differences between the RSA and AES algorithms can feel a bit too far down the rabbit hole. But there are perfectly practical applications.

What about the missing information needed by administrators? The LPI Security Essentials was definitely not designed to produce IT security professionals, but it could guide candidates through their first steps toward that goal if they decided it made sense for them. In fact, the objectives do a great job lightly covering a very wide range of relevant topics in case any of them comes up in your daily activities. That's not unlike the way the LPIC Linux administration objectives cover some tools that I've never encountered in my years as an admin. But I can tell you that I definitely appreciated knowing about the tools that I did end up using.

So now more than ever I'm convinced that a well-designed set of objectives is worth the time and expense involved in getting yourself to the exam. The certification you get after completing the exam is just icing on the cake. And I'm confident telling you that the LPI Security Essentials is in fact, well-designed.

Source: lpi.org

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Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization

In today's fast-paced world, where organizations are adopting agile and DevOps methodologies to develop and deploy applications, virtualization and containerization technologies have become essential for managing and deploying applications efficiently. The Linux Professional Institute (LPI) offers a certification program called LPIC-3, which includes a specialization in virtualization and containerization technologies. This certification is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in these technologies and advance their careers in the IT industry.

What is the LPIC-3 certification?

The LPIC-3 certification is a professional-level certification program offered by the Linux Professional Institute. It is designed to validate the advanced-level Linux administration skills of IT professionals. This certification program consists of three specialty exams, and one of them is the Virtualization and Containerization specialty.

LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization specialty exam

The LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization specialty exam is designed to test the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in managing and deploying virtualized and containerized applications using Linux technologies. The exam covers the following topics:

1. Virtualization

The Virtualization section of the exam covers the following topics:

◉ Designing, implementing, and managing KVM virtualization

◉ Configuring, managing, and deploying Xen virtualization

◉ Managing and deploying other virtualization technologies such as QEMU, VirtualBox, and VMware

2. Containerization

The Containerization section of the exam covers the following topics:

◉ Designing, implementing, and managing Docker containers

◉ Configuring and deploying container orchestration technologies such as Kubernetes and Mesos

◉ Managing and deploying other containerization technologies such as LXC and rkt

3. Advanced Virtualization and Containerization

The Advanced Virtualization and Containerization section of the exam covers the following topics:

◉ Designing, implementing, and managing virtualized and containerized networks

◉ Configuring and managing storage for virtualized and containerized applications

◉ Implementing and managing high-availability and disaster recovery solutions for virtualized and containerized applications

Why should you get LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization certification?

The LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization certification is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their advanced-level skills and knowledge in managing and deploying virtualized and containerized applications using Linux technologies. This certification is recognized globally and is highly valued by employers in the IT industry. Here are some reasons why you should get LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization certification:

◉ Career advancement: The LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization certification demonstrates that you have advanced-level skills and knowledge in managing and deploying virtualized and containerized applications using Linux technologies, which can help you advance your career in the IT industry.

◉ Salary increment: According to a survey conducted by Global Knowledge, professionals who have LPIC-3 certification earn an average of $111,890 per year, which is higher than the average salary for IT professionals without certification.

◉ Global recognition: The LPIC-3 certification is recognized globally and is highly valued by employers in the IT industry. This certification can help you get a job in any part of the world where Linux technologies are used.

How to prepare for LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization exam?

To prepare for the LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization exam, you need to have a strong understanding of Linux technologies and virtualization and containerization concepts. Here are some tips for preparing for the exam:

◉ Review the LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization Exam Objectives: The exam objectives provide a detailed outline of the topics covered in the exam. Make sure you review them thoroughly.

◉ Study Linux virtualization and containerization technologies: Study the technologies covered in the exam, such as KVM, Xen, Docker, Kubernetes, Mesos, LXC, and rkt. Understand how they work and how to configure and manage them.

◉ Practice: Practice is essential for passing the exam. Use virtualization and containerization technologies on a Linux system to get hands-on experience.

◉ Take practice tests: Taking practice tests can help you identify your weaknesses and areas that need improvement. Many websites offer practice tests for LPIC-3 exams.

◉ Enroll in training courses: There are many online and in-person training courses available for LPIC-3 certification. These courses can help you prepare for the exam by providing structured learning and hands-on practice.

Conclusion

The LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization certification is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in managing and deploying virtualized and containerized applications using Linux technologies. This certification is recognized globally and is highly valued by employers in the IT industry. By getting this certification, you can advance your career and increase your earning potential.

Read More: 305-300: LPIC-3 Virtualization and Containerization

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Stepping up to your personal security role

Close your eyes and try to conjure an image or scenario in your mind around the phrase "cybersecurity incident". When you do so, what picture starts to form in your mind? Depending on your background and level of expertise, the image generated by your frontal cortex could very well be completely different from what's imagined by someone else. Yet security is a responsibility that we all share, even though opinions may differ from one person to the next.

An individual with no formal experience in the technology industry might imagine a cyber security incident as a very smart individual with very impressive computer skills gaining access to a company's servers by moving between 3D buildings with light-pulses flashing around, accompanied in the background by a techno soundtrack that would've been quite catchy in the 90s. If the image in your mind resembles that, I'll blame Hollywood, because cyberattacks are not like that at all. Don't get me wrong, the 1995 film "Hackers" (which stars Jonny Lee Miller and a much younger Angelina Jolie) is a cult classic, and a lot of fun. But in the real world, most hacks are not that sophisticated, and they're not even fun.

For readers with experience in IT, what I'm about to say won't be surprising at all. But if you haven't worked in the IT field, then my observations will be downright shocking. Sometimes, what seems like a sophisticated hack (as the media might portray it) was just a simple phone call. That's it. No fancy visuals designed on SGI workstations.

Yet we do have our fair share of bad actors - though in the industry, we refer to these individuals as "threat actors," and they're way worse than the bad acting we might see in Hollywood hacker movies (no offense Angelina, you were new at the time).

In the real world, when a threat actor gains access to an unauthorized system, it might have played out as a simple phone call to someone within a company. Perhaps that person claimed to be someone in the company's IT department, asking employees for their password. All it would take is for one person to reveal their password and the company is all over the news (for the wrong reasons).

But to be fair, technology is a huge topic. It consists of many different disciplines and mastering this field can take decades. Thankfully, good security hygiene doesn't require you to become a tech guru. And it doesn't matter what your current job role happens to be: Security is important. And you should absolutely be paying attention to it.

In many organizations, there's unfortunately a divide between IT staff and other employees. This divide doesn't have to exist, but it’s found in many organizations depending on their cultures. And it's this divide that can hurt the most. But in order to keep ourselves secure, we really do need to all be on the same page; part of the same team.

For non-technologists, navigating the world of computing can be frustrating. Users are asked to change their passwords regularly, are urged not to repeat the same password on each service, and have to use multi-factor authentication to further protect accounts. For IT professionals, these things are the norm. For everyone else, such policies are a nuisance. Why can't the IT team just make all of the organization's servers 100% invincible? Why constantly inconvenience users?

Often, your typical employee wants to get their job done - and they're not so enthusiastic about opening Google Authenticator for the fifth time in a single working day. The thing is - security is not simple, even if some of the recommended practices often are.

When it comes to those of us working in the field, inconveniencing users is the last thing we want to do. But to many, that's how it may seem. In reality, those of us working on our company's servers want the same things everyone else does - we want to have as stress-free a job as we possibly can. Like others, we want to get our job done and maybe (just maybe) get out of work on time to catch that new superhero movie everyone is talking about.

But here's the thing - security is important to everyone. Or at least it should be. Taking security seriously might be the only reason your company still exists. Does that sound overly dramatic? Well, it kind of is - but it's still correct. All it takes is a single cyber security incident to harm the reputation of your entire organization. And if that happens, profits plummet, and I'm sure you know the rest.

In 2020, Twitter became the victim of a cyber attack. According to the Verge, Twitter revealed that "a few employees were targeted in a phone spear phishing attack." This means that the cyber attack wasn't the result of some 19 year-old computer mastermind cracking codes; the threat actors only needed to pick up the phone.

Yes, they made a series of phone calls. And unlike how security incidents are portrayed in the movies, it's not exciting or entertaining at all. Considering how many attacks begin from a simple phone call or email message, a threat actor doesn't have to be a computer expert to gain access to protected systems. They'll simply pick up the phone and ask for someone's password. And after that, chaos unfolds.

The Twitter example that I mentioned earlier is one of many. While yes, there are threat actors with incredible computer skills taking advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities, many security incidents begin with simple tricks played on well-meaning staff, a hack known as social engineering.

Due to this, security is everyone's responsibility, regardless of their role within a company. The security of an organization is only as strong as the weakest link. All it takes is for one person to click on a malicious link or believe a very convincing (yet completely bogus) phone call is real.

Okay, so what's the solution?

The answer is education. Education empowers everyone, and without end-users being properly trained, the likelihood that someone may fall for a social engineering attack is higher than you might think. And it's only going to get worse from here.

As complicated as the IT industry can sometimes be, if we educate our users we will be better protected. Security training within an organization should be taken very seriously. Teach your team members how to handle the various types of security threats they might face.

For those readers who do work in the IT field, pay special attention to the message. Don't just teach your colleagues what to do in the face of an uncertain situation: Let them know why it's important. Rather than communicating the password policy alone, let everyone know why it exists in the first place. During security trainings, give people actual real-world examples to help illustrate how real cyber security incidents are, and how they actually happen. If you perform an internet search for something like "cyber security breach," the search will return all the results you may need; news articles centered on actual companies that became victims.

Perhaps others within your company may be more eager to follow the password policy if you give them an example of what can happen when there isn't one. In addition, throw in an example of what an organization may have gone through when someone clicked on a link within an email message they thought for sure was actually real.

In short, don't just communicate your company's policies; let everyone know why they exist. And perhaps more importantly, let them know what can happen when they don't.

In order to protect our livelihood, we need to be on the same team. Security hygiene is a responsibility we all share.

Read the previous post of this series: Why Seek an LPI Security Essentials Certification?

Source: lpi.org

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Open source myth: That it has a higher total cost of ownership (TCO)

This myth has been long-standing. Proprietary vendors would acknowledge that there were license fees associated with their software, but would point to the costs of migrating, re-training users, and higher wages and scarcity of comparable software support due to fewer "open source people" who can run free and open source software (FOSS).

However, there are weaknesses with those statements—indeed, with any TCO study that doesn't take into account the particular site considering a purchase, and especially with any TCO conducted by a vendor to promote its own products.

Numerous studies conducted by people more familiar with (and sympathetic to) free and open source software suggest that its TCO is excellent. Such studies include one by Foss Technologies, Kenya and one by LWN.

A close look at Microsoft-funded studies reveal that the studies did not expose the true costs of the proprietary licenses. Many of these license costs were hidden in the purchase of new hardware, pre-installed operating systems, and even applications. If the hardware was purchased without the normally "bundled" software, the cost of the hardware would drop, allowing a more level playing field.

Microsoft has removed these studies from its web site. But one 2008 Microsoft study, which disappeared from its web site but was preserved by another organization, admitted that GNU/Linux has just as good a TCO as Windows—at least under certain circumstances.

The cost of ownership studies typically looked ahead for the next five years. During this time, personnel training for the proprietary operating system was typically ignored, since "everyone knew how to use that operating system." In contrast, of course, employees had to be trained to use the open source operating system because "no one knows how to use it."

However, the five-year studies missed a few things that happened in the sixth and following years. Sites had to install updates to the proprietary system, and sometimes do additional training. Likewise, sites might have to pay license update fees for the existing software.

Open source software, on the other hand, typically has a "flow" of updates that take people from one version to the other without needing massive retraining or license upgrade fees.

Over the years, many more people have been exposed to open source software and trained to be system and networking administrators, making these needed support people much more available, and giving a greater salary range for different jobs.

A number of years ago, proprietary software companies would generate (TCO) estimates, but over time, as the five-year TCO of the two styles of software became closer and closer, the companies stopped releasing their numbers.

However, TCO is not the only issue. Return on investment (ROI) is another consideration. If you have a certain amount of money to invest in a solution, perhaps that is the greatest issue.

People tend to think of open source versus proprietary software just for the desktop, not considering the costs of proprietary software for servers. Servers do not tend to have the server software bundled in. Licenses for server software are typically very expensive. Likewise for licenses for closed source software such as databases, geographical information software (GIS), statistical and data reduction tools, project management tools, etc. The cost of the licenses needed just to build your infrastructure can be daunting, particularly for a start-up.

In addition, look at the terms and conditions of your existing proprietary software license. You may find hidden costs in there.

As an example, a well-known proprietary database company used to insist that the only way to share a customer’s data with another customer (even a customer properly licensed for the same software) was to unload the data from the database and reload it into the other customer’s database. For large amounts of data (think petabytes) this would take days, as opposed to imaging the disks holding the data and giving the images to the new customer.

Development, training, and support for a new project (as opposed to converting an already existing project to FOSS) are typically the same whether you are using FOSS or proprietary software, but you don't have to pay up-front license fees for the software if you use FOSS. So consider using FOSS for new projects.

Likewise, if your existing project is not working properly, or is coming up for an expensive license renewal, consider re-implementing it with FOSS.

Another issue that isn't considered often enough is equipment reuse or redeployment. One of the early uses of Linux was to redeploy older equipment that was "retired" from the desktop or mainstream server to be used as routers, firewalls, switches, etc. This gave value to hardware that otherwise would be sent to the dump. These cost savings also fit into total cost of ownership.

Read More: Open source myth: That intruders can more easily find flaws

Source: lpi.org

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LPI Security Essentials Certification?

In today's digital age, security is of utmost importance, and individuals who possess the right security skills are in high demand. One of the most respected security certifications in the industry is the LPI Security Essentials Certification.

Introduction:

Security is essential in today's digital world, where cyber threats are a constant concern. Organizations are looking for skilled professionals who can secure their networks, systems, and data against cyber threats. One way to demonstrate these skills is by obtaining security certifications, and the LPI Security Essentials Certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the industry.

This certification validates the candidate's understanding of basic security concepts, including risk management, cryptography, network security, access controls, and more. This article will provide an overview of the LPI Security Essentials Certification, including its benefits, exam details, and study resources.

LPI Security Essentials Certification

The LPI Security Essentials Certification is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's understanding of basic security concepts. This certification is an excellent choice for individuals who are looking to start their career in cybersecurity or are interested in expanding their knowledge of security concepts.

Benefits of LPI Security Essentials Certification

There are many benefits to obtaining the LPI Security Essentials Certification. Some of these benefits include:

1. Recognition: The LPI Security Essentials Certification is globally recognized and respected, making it an excellent addition to your resume.

2. Career advancement: This certification can help you advance your career in the cybersecurity field by demonstrating your knowledge of basic security concepts.

3. Enhanced skills: Preparing for this certification will enhance your understanding of security concepts and make you a more valuable asset to your organization.

Exam details

The LPI Security Essentials Certification exam is a multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as risk management, cryptography, network security, access controls, and more. The exam consists of 60 questions, and candidates have 90 minutes to complete it. The passing score for this exam is 500 out of 800.

To register for the exam, candidates must create an account on the LPI website and purchase an exam voucher. The exam voucher is valid for one year from the date of purchase, and candidates can schedule the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

Study resources

Preparing for the LPI Security Essentials Certification exam requires a significant amount of effort and dedication. However, there are many study resources available that can help you prepare for the exam. Some of these resources include:

1. LPI study guide: The LPI study guide provides an in-depth overview of the exam objectives and includes practice questions and exercises.

2. Online courses: There are many online courses available that cover the topics included in the exam. These courses can provide an interactive learning experience and may include hands-on labs.

3. Practice exams: Taking practice exams can help you assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need to improve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LPI Security Essentials Certification is an excellent choice for individuals who are looking to start their career in cybersecurity or expand their knowledge of security concepts. This certification is globally recognized and respected, and obtaining it can enhance your career and make you a more valuable asset to your organization. If you are interested in obtaining this certification, be sure to take advantage of the study resources available and prepare thoroughly for the exam.

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Why Seek an LPI Security Essentials Certification?

IT security is more important than ever. We are all, as individuals and as organizations, exposed to IT security threats. Therefore, every computer user needs information about protecting computers and data.

This goal prompted LPI to create the Security Essentials certificate to explain IT security. Having this certification is critical for anyone who wants to develop their general IT competence in order to protect their computer, smartphone, data, and digital identity, as well as for companies and organizations that want to secure their operations.

Security Essentials is designed for students who want to learn the basics of IT security, get started in this field, and get a certificate that will help them find a job. It is also made for teachers, schools, and universities who want to teach these basics. Companies can also encourage their staff to get the certificate, to improve their overall IT security.

The current version of the certificate is 1.0 (identification code 020-100), an exam of 40 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. The objectives lay out what you need to know to obtain certification. Topics include security concepts, encryption, device and memory security, network and service security, identity, and privacy. As a prerequisite, you must pass the Linux Essentials 020 exam.

Individuals and institutions can approach Linux Security Essentials as follows:

◉ Students and other individuals: Please view the objectives to see what you need to know to obtain the certification. Test-takers can also form groups to share resources, explain study methods, and experiment. Also use available tools, such as practical tasks, quizzes, exercises and simulators, to better understand the topics discussed.

◉ Teachers and school administrators: Compare the certification objectives with your school or university course listings to check for coverage and gaps. 

◉ IT security teaching institutions: Become an LPI partner to give students access to educational and examination materials. Partnering with LPI can also help you gain new customers.

The Security Essentials certificate is the perfect tool for those who want to learn or teach the basics of IT security. Because of the wide recognition of IT security’s importance, this certificate can be helpful when looking for a job in the IT industry or when strengthening IT standards in organizations.

Read More: A Sysadmin Takes the LPI Security Essentials Exam

Source: lpi.org

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Community Event Creates a Vision for Empowerment

Jumping Bean, a computer consulting firm located in a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa, received an unusual phone call in late 2022. Parents of students at a local high school, consisting predominantly of previously disadvantaged students, asked the organization to run an educational day.

Jumping Bean took up this unusual opportunity and decided to focus on open source software as an enabler for under-represented demographics entering the computer field. Staff offered short lectures on open source, highlighting the value of certifications granted by Linux Professional Institute (LPI), with which Jumping Bean is a partner. The staff also ran some games and handed out Linux Career Guides.

Mark Clarke, whose job title at Jumping Bean is Technology Sensei, said that the event drew 50 students headed toward graduation (“matric”) and their parents, along with a few teachers who could find time to get away from their seasonal work on final exams.

The Importance of Offering a Career Path

Clarke laid out difficult conditions for education in South Africa. Funding is uncertain, and the general quality of secondary education is declining. Universities are out of reach for many qualified students, and youth unemployment has been rising at an alarming rate. As an example of the infrastructure problems South Africans face, Clarke warned me that his electrical power might be turned off soon.

Jumping Bean offers a range of courses on a wide range of computing topics, aimed at college students aiming at professional careers as well as professionals in computing or other fields who want to improve their skills. Courses are offered both at their Ferndale site and online.

Jumping Bean values its partnership with LPI because their certifications have international recognition. At the high school student event, staff explained the reasons for getting certified. They explained what careers are like in web programming and computer security, both of which now have certs from LPI.

The staff also opened students up to a broader understanding of computing infrastructure and open source: for instance, that Linux runs most of the computers in cloud services such as AWS. The staff also discussed the online games loved by students, describing the networks and data centers that supported these games and the role of open source software.

Opportunities for Reaching Out to Youth

It appears, from Clarke's description, that the career day they ran had an even deeper influence on the presenters than on the students. Jumping Bean, which has focused on professional development, is interested in reaching out to beginners with less background and fewer resources. They'd like to do something to address youth unemployment.

Discussions at Jumping Bean have started with plans for more such events. They may create a code camp, both in-person and online. Other ideas include study programs with online meetings. Their marketing department plans to contact the high school to discuss follow-up activities.

Eventually, Jumping Bean would like to offer programs to the kinds of high school students who attended the December event. But because few students can afford this kind of professional training, such a program would depend either on government funding—which is unlikely to be forthcoming—or private grants.

The success of this recent student event, and its impact on the hosts, show the great social value–and eventually, the business value–of holding community events and looking behind the horizon of one’s current business model. Congratulations to Jumping Bean for rising to meet the request of local citizens.

Source: lpi.org

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Open source myth: That intruders can more easily find flaws

People who think that open source suffers from poor quality often air this myth as well. It seems superficially to make sense, because malicious attackers can read open code and find bugs they can exploit. These bugs are often called “zero-day vulnerabilities”because they exist in software when it is first released, and the intruder might find the flaw before legitimate developers and security researchers.

But consider this: Why are modern security tools (such as the encryption methods used to send data securely over the Web) open source?

Read More: LPI Certification

In fact, security researchers prefer tools that are open source. This allows a wide range of experts to review the code. Proprietary tools generally are insufficiently reviewed by security experts, and therefore have flaws.

Yes, open source tools still have security flaws. But the rate is about the same as proprietary software. Malicious attackers can use disassemblers and other tools to slice through the obscurity of proprietary code and discover its flaws.

There is a practice in the computer field called "security through obscurity." This practice is based on the hope that nobody will break into your system because they won't find it or won't know where its weaknesses lie.

For instance, because many tools such as Google Docs assign URLs or file names containing long strings of random characters, many people think they don't have to protect the documents any further. Security through obscurity is the principle behind hiding source code.

Security through obscurity is sometimes useful in conjunction with other, more robust practices such as encryption. But the principle is generally disparaged by security experts because sophisticated attackers can find ways around obscurity. In this age of fast, massive calculations that can analyze terabytes of data quickly, it becomes less and less feasible to hide what you're doing just by keeping it secret.

Read the Previous Post of this series

1. Examining myths that hold people back from open source software

2. Open source myth: That open source has poor quality

3. Open source myth: That it will be incompatible with the software colleagues use

Source: lpi.org

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