Unlocking the Secrets of Linux Security: Essential Tips from the Experts

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Linux security. In this article, we will delve into the depths of Linux security practices, unveiling the essential tips and best practices recommended by industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned system administrator or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge needed to enhance the security of your Linux systems.

Understanding Linux Security

Linux, being an open-source operating system, boasts robust security features that make it a popular choice among enterprises, developers, and security-conscious individuals. However, it is crucial to implement proper security measures to protect your Linux systems from potential threats.

1. Regular System Updates

Keeping your Linux system up to date is the first step towards bolstering its security. Regularly update your system with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and software upgrades provided by the Linux distribution you're using. This ensures that your system is fortified against known vulnerabilities and exploits.

2. Strong User Authentication

Implementing strong user authentication mechanisms is pivotal in preventing unauthorized access to your Linux system. Enforce the use of complex passwords and consider utilizing multifactor authentication (MFA) for an additional layer of security. Furthermore, limit the number of privileged accounts and regularly review user access privileges.

3. Robust Firewall Configuration

Configuring a robust firewall is vital for safeguarding your Linux system against network-based attacks. Utilize tools like iptables or firewalld to define explicit rules for inbound and outbound traffic. By carefully defining these rules, you can control which services and ports are accessible from external networks, minimizing the attack surface.

4. File System Encryption

Protecting sensitive data stored on your Linux system is crucial, especially in scenarios where physical access to the system is compromised. Implementing file system encryption, such as Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS), provides an additional layer of defense by encrypting the entire disk or specific partitions.

5. Intrusion Detection and Prevention

Detecting and preventing intrusions is paramount to maintaining Linux system security. Deploy an intrusion detection system (IDS) such as Snort or Suricata, which can monitor network traffic for malicious activity. Combine this with an intrusion prevention system (IPS) like Fail2Ban to automatically block suspicious IP addresses.

6. Secure Remote Access

When accessing your Linux system remotely, it is crucial to establish secure connections to prevent unauthorized access. Utilize SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for secure remote access and disable remote login for the root account. Additionally, consider employing tools like VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure remote connections.

7. Application Whitelisting

Implementing application whitelisting allows you to control which software can run on your Linux system. By explicitly allowing only trusted applications, you reduce the risk of malware infections and unauthorized code execution. Tools like AppArmor and SELinux provide granular control over application permissions.

8. System Monitoring and Logging

Comprehensive system monitoring and logging play a pivotal role in identifying potential security breaches. Utilize tools like the Elastic Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) to centralize logs and gain insights into system activities. Regularly review logs for any suspicious events and promptly respond to potential threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing your Linux systems requires a multi-layered approach encompassing various security practices. By following the essential tips outlined in this guide, you can fortify your Linux environment against potential threats and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your critical data.

Remember, Linux security is an ongoing process that necessitates continuous monitoring, updating, and adapting to the evolving threat landscape. Stay vigilant and make security a top priority to safeguard your systems effectively.

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Linux Professional Institute Security Essentials: The Path to a Lucrative Cybersecurity Career!

In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats are constantly evolving, organizations around the world are seeking skilled professionals who can protect their sensitive data and systems from malicious attacks. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity experts has skyrocketed, offering a plethora of lucrative career opportunities. One certification that can pave the way to a successful cybersecurity career is the Linux Professional Institute Security Essentials (LPIC-1) certification. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits of obtaining this esteemed certification and how it can help you outrank other websites in the cybersecurity job market.

1. Understanding the LPIC-1 Certification:

The LPIC-1 certification is a globally recognized credential that validates the fundamental knowledge and skills required to secure Linux systems. Linux, being an open-source operating system, is widely used in various industries, making it a prime target for cyber attacks. By earning the LPIC-1 certification, you demonstrate your proficiency in securing Linux systems and gain a competitive edge in the cybersecurity field.

2. Building a Strong Foundation:

The LPIC-1 certification acts as a stepping stone for individuals aspiring to establish a successful career in cybersecurity. It equips you with a solid foundation in essential security concepts, such as access control, cryptography, network security, and vulnerability management. These foundational skills are highly sought after by employers, as they form the basis for advanced cybersecurity roles.

3. Enhancing Technical Expertise:

To become LPIC-1 certified, you must possess in-depth knowledge of Linux administration, which includes configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting Linux systems. This expertise not only makes you proficient in securing Linux environments but also strengthens your overall technical capabilities. Employers value professionals with hands-on experience in Linux, making LPIC-1 a valuable certification for career advancement.

4. Demonstrating Industry Recognition:

The LPIC-1 certification is vendor-neutral, which means it is not tied to any specific Linux distribution. This flexibility makes it universally recognized by organizations across different sectors. When employers see LPIC-1 on your resume, they understand that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard their critical assets effectively. This recognition can give you a significant advantage over other candidates in the competitive job market.

5. Expanding Career Opportunities:

With the LPIC-1 certification, you open the doors to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Cybersecurity roles such as Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, Penetration Tester, and Security Consultant are just a few examples of the diverse paths you can pursue. Furthermore, as the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, you can explore job prospects in industries like finance, healthcare, government, and technology, among others.

6. Staying Relevant in a Dynamic Field:

The field of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging regularly. To stay ahead of the curve, professionals must continually update their knowledge and skills. The LPIC-1 certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and showcases your ability to adapt to evolving security challenges. Employers value candidates who actively pursue certifications, as it reflects their dedication to staying current in the field.

7. Networking Opportunities:

Obtaining the LPIC-1 certification allows you to join a vast network of cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide valuable insights, career guidance, and potential job opportunities. Networking through industry events, forums, and social media platforms enables you to stay connected with the latest trends and build relationships with influential figures in the cybersecurity community.

8. Continued Learning and Growth:

The LPIC-1 certification is not the endpoint of your cybersecurity journey but rather the beginning. It serves as a foundation for further specialization and advanced certifications. Once you have mastered the essentials, you can explore advanced certifications such as LPIC-2 and LPIC-3, which delve deeper into specific areas of Linux security and administration. These advanced certifications demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and enable you to specialize in niche areas, making you an invaluable asset to organizations seeking highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.

9. Gaining a Competitive Edge:

In a competitive job market, setting yourself apart from other candidates is crucial. The LPIC-1 certification provides you with a distinct advantage by showcasing your dedication, expertise, and industry-recognized skills. Employers often prioritize certified professionals, as they can be confident in their ability to protect critical systems and data from cyber threats. By outranking other websites, you position yourself as a highly qualified candidate for coveted cybersecurity positions.

10. Practical Application of Knowledge:

The LPIC-1 certification not only equips you with theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes practical skills. Through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios, you gain practical experience in securing Linux systems, mitigating vulnerabilities, and responding to security incidents. This practical application of knowledge enhances your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and decision-making capabilities, all of which are highly valued in the cybersecurity field.

11. Contributing to Organizational Security:

Obtaining the LPIC-1 certification enables you to make a significant impact on organizational security. By implementing robust security measures, you can safeguard sensitive information, prevent data breaches, and protect against cyber attacks. Your expertise in Linux security will be instrumental in creating a robust defense infrastructure, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of vital resources. This ability to contribute to organizational security further strengthens your position as a valuable cybersecurity professional.

12. Staying Abreast of Industry Trends:

The field of cybersecurity is ever-evolving, with new threats and techniques emerging regularly. By pursuing the LPIC-1 certification, you commit to staying updated with the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. This knowledge enables you to adapt quickly to the changing threat landscape, identify vulnerabilities, and implement proactive security measures. Employers value professionals who can stay ahead of the curve, making the LPIC-1 certification an excellent investment in your long-term career growth.

In conclusion, the Linux Professional Institute Security Essentials (LPIC-1) certification offers a comprehensive pathway to a lucrative cybersecurity career. By obtaining this globally recognized certification, you establish a strong foundation in Linux security, enhance your technical expertise, and gain industry recognition. The LPIC-1 certification opens the doors to diverse career opportunities, allows for continued learning and growth, and positions you as a competitive candidate in the job market. With practical knowledge, a commitment to staying updated, and a dedication to organizational security, you can excel in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

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What is LPIC-3 Security?

Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) is a globally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive framework for Linux administration skills. The LPIC program is divided into three levels, with LPIC-3 being the highest level of certification available. Within LPIC-3, there are two different specialties: LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Security and LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Networking.

LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Security Overview

LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Security is designed for experienced Linux professionals who are responsible for securing Linux systems. The certification program validates a candidate’s ability to secure Linux systems and applications, as well as their knowledge of compliance and auditing processes.

LPIC-3 Security Prerequisites

Before attempting the LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Security exam, candidates must have a valid LPIC-2 certification. Additionally, they must have a minimum of five years of experience working with Linux systems, with at least two years in a security-related role.

LPIC-3 Security Exam Details

The LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Security exam is a two-part exam that requires candidates to pass both parts to earn certification. The first part is a multiple-choice exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of security concepts, tools, and techniques. The second part is a hands-on exam that requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to secure Linux systems and applications.

LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Networking Overview

LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Networking is designed for experienced Linux professionals who are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Linux-based networks. The certification program validates a candidate’s ability to design and implement advanced Linux-based networking solutions.

LPIC-3 Networking Prerequisites

Before attempting the LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Networking exam, candidates must have a valid LPIC-2 certification. Additionally, they must have a minimum of five years of experience working with Linux systems, with at least two years in a networking-related role.

LPIC-3 Networking Exam Details

The LPIC-3 Enterprise Linux Networking exam is a single exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of advanced networking topics, including routing, switching, and virtualization.

Benefits of LPIC-3 Security Certification

LPIC-3 Security certification validates a candidate’s ability to secure Linux systems and applications, making them an asset to any organization that uses Linux systems. Additionally, LPIC-3 Security certification demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to their profession, which can lead to career advancement opportunities.

Benefits of LPIC-3 Networking Certification

LPIC-3 Networking certification validates a candidate’s ability to design and implement advanced Linux-based networking solutions, making them an asset to any organization that relies on Linux-based networks. Additionally, LPIC-3 Networking certification demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to their profession, which can lead to career advancement opportunities.

LPIC-3 Security vs. LPIC-3 Networking

While both LPIC-3 Security and LPIC-3 Networking are advanced certifications for Linux professionals, they focus on different areas of expertise. LPIC-3 Security focuses on securing Linux systems and applications, while LPIC-3 Networking focuses on designing and implementing advanced Linux-based networking solutions.

LPIC-3 Security and Networking Study Resources

The Linux Professional Institute offers a variety of study resources for candidates preparing for the LPIC-3 Security and Networking exams, including study guides, practice exams, and online training courses. Additionally, there are a number of third-party study resources available, including books, online courses, and study groups.

How to Prepare for LPIC-3 Security and Networking Exams

To prepare for the LPIC-3 Security and Networking exams, candidates should start by reviewing the exam objectives and identifying areas where they need to improve their knowledge. From there, they can continue their studies using the resources provided by the Linux Professional Institute and other third-party providers. It is also recommended that candidates gain hands-on experience working with Linux systems and applications, as well as networking solutions, to reinforce their knowledge and skills.

LPIC-3 Security and Networking Exam Tips

When taking the LPIC-3 Security and Networking exams, it is important to read the questions carefully and thoroughly before answering. Candidates should also manage their time effectively to ensure they have enough time to complete all of the questions. Additionally, it is important to have hands-on experience working with Linux systems and networking solutions, as this can help candidates apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

LPIC-3 Security and Networking Exam Retake Policy

If a candidate does not pass an LPIC-3 Security or Networking exam on their first attempt, they may retake the exam after a waiting period of 14 days. If they do not pass on their second attempt, they must wait 60 days before attempting the exam again. If they do not pass on their third attempt, they must wait 365 days before attempting the exam again.

Conclusion

LPIC-3 Security and Networking are advanced certifications for Linux professionals, offering a validation of skills and knowledge in securing Linux systems and designing and implementing advanced networking solutions. By preparing effectively and gaining hands-on experience, candidates can improve their chances of passing the exams and advancing their careers in the Linux field.

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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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A Sysadmin Takes the LPI Security Essentials Exam

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) officially launched its newest certificate, LPI Security Essentials. As an official training partner, I had the opportunity to participate in the beta phase of the exam, and thus get to know it better and contribute my impressions.

I was never a cybersecurity specialist. In my career of more than 20 years, I have worked mainly in the support and administration of Linux servers and open source solutions. I also teach these subjects. 

Therefore, I was familiar with some subjects in the exam program through professional work. I knew other topics more superficially through readings, conversations, videos, and lectures that I came across day to day.

The topics in the exam seek to ensure that the professional or student has a good understanding of the main concepts of security in its most diverse aspects. Extremely technical knowledge, such as tool configuration or the use of commands, is not required.

In the first topic, “Security Concepts,” as the name implies, the candidate will find questions related to the most common IT security concepts, the main terms used, the types of attacks and vulnerabilities, how incidents are named and reported, and what types of action to take when faults are detected.

In the “Encryption” topic, the main concepts of cryptography are discussed, including public, private, symmetric, and asymmetric keys You’ll encounter these concepts often when you work with remote connections, such as when using SSH. This topic also encompasses a good understanding of security in web connections with the use of certificates over HTTPS, and the secure use of email, mainly using S/MIME and OpenPGP. In addition, the topic addresses data encryption on personal devices and in the cloud.

The third topic, “Device and Storage Security,” addresses security in hardware devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and their interconnections such as USB and Bluetooth. Security in software applications is also covered, describing the main types of vulnerabilities and malware.

The topic “Network and Service Security” turns out to be very familiar to anyone who already works with technology on a daily basis. The topic addresses the main concepts in network operation, such as the main protocols, interface types, and components, along with cloud concepts. The safe use of a wireless network, including the main risks and ways of mitigating vulnerabilities, is also discussed.

Finally, “Identity and Privacy” covers concepts such as authentication, authorization, confidentiality, and privacy. Sample concepts include the secure use of passwords, social engineering, and the main types of attacks on identity and privacy. This topic also included subjects that are currently very critical in our current digital environment, especially stalking and cybermobbing.

As I said, I didn't previously know all the content covered, and I had to prepare myself somewhat for the exam.

Usually, LPI itself makes great study material available at its Learning Materials site, but at the time of the beta phase, such material was not yet available.

In this case, my study strategy was basically to search the Web for each area of ​​knowledge and the main terms mentioned in each subtopic. For example, I’d ask “What is Advanced Persistent Threats (APT)” or “What is the difference between black hat hacking and white hat hacking.”

It is not necessary to dive deeply into topics; just a general understanding of each subject is enough. At the end you might ask yourself: “Do I know the main features of Bitlocker?” or “Do I understand the main concepts about HTTPS?” If you're comfortable with your answers, move on to learn another topic.

After taking the exam and then finalizing the whole process, I now understand clearly how relevant the subjects covered in Security Essentials are. The program covers the knowledge of security that every professional who works or intends to work computer ​​technology should have. Going further, these are very relevant subjects for anyone who handles data and sensitive information in their daily life, whether personally or professionally.

In short, Security Essentials perfectly delivers what it promises: to validate and even stimulate knowledge about information security at many levels.

Source: lpi.org

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Why Everyone Should Know Security Essentials

LPI has just released the Security Essentials certificate. Our interest in this topic is not arbitrary: These days, IT security news is ubiquitous. Every day, someone’s data is encrypted for ransom, personal information is copied, and new security vulnerabilities are discovered.  Even though this all sounds technical, cryptic, and somehow far away, many of these attacks may personally affect you and me.

Some IT security attacks are very sophisticated, and far too professional for us as individuals to deal with. But not every attack is as elaborate as, for example, the SolarWinds hack (do some research, there is a lot to learn!). While some of the attacks seem trivial –  they still may be effective. That is because people do quickly confirm their personal data on a new online portal allegedly put by their bank. People do thoughtlessly open the attachment to the cancellation email from their employer. And people do share some vacation photos publicly in social media; even that innocent-seeming act gives potential attackers an opening to call your office, ask for information on behalf of the person on vacation, and cause havoc.

These are everyday mistakes that can have severe consequences. Anyone using digital devices will be exposed to these kinds of threats sooner than later. Sometimes it just takes a single moment of distraction. I myself once had my credit card blocked the day before Christmas holidays, because I didn't notice that I was using a compromised ATM. When I found out, I questioned myself how I possibly could not have noticed that the machine was unsafe, especially considering myself a security aware person. Luckily, I was covered by my bank. But certainly, no one wants to be the person who opens  an email attachment that  triggers encryption across  all servers in their company.

With Security Essentials, we want not only to create awareness for these dangers, but also provide guidance for the right ways to deal with them. We want to enable everyone to understand the basics of IT security. Beyond learning the right way to deal with personal data, email attachments, and phishing attempts, a good security education also includes general knowledge. For example, what does it mean when a web browser indicates that a connection is not secure? What constitutes such a secure connection anyway? Two simple questions whose answers require the concepts of private keys, public keys, and certificates.

These basic concepts are also part of the exam, but only as far as they are absolutely necessary to understand threats and countermeasures. Candidates will understand what's behind news reports about companies losing access to all of their data, customer data being stolen from online shops, email servers all over the world becoming vulnerable, and botnets marauding against IT infrastructure of everykind. Candidates will recognize common security threats and know how to mitigate them.

This knowledge can be the beginning on which a whole career in IT security is built. But this knowledge is first and foremost the foundation on which we can all protect ourselves and our environment. Sometimes, the people we don't ususally associate with IT security are the ones who benefit the most from special expertise in it. Security attacks do not necessarily come through the networking infrastructure. In the form of emails, lost USB drives, phone calls, or alleged new colleagues asking for the WiFi password, attacks can show up at every company’s reception desk.

This knowledge is included in Security Essentials. We also delve under the surface to cover a broad list of topics beyond typical introductions to security. We offer theoretical basics where they are needed to really understand a topic.

Security Essentials, even more than our other Essentials exams, addresses beginners with no prior knowledge of computing except the routine use of their devices. The required knowledge can be acquired with reasonable effort, and the exam objectives are transparent and of practical relevance. Learning Materials and translations are in the works.

In addition, we try to keep the costs of the exam as low as possible. We explicitly address learners in an academic environment, such as schools and universities, but also companies and individuals who need a thorough introduction to a topic.

Personally, I am excited about the new certificate. If the exam preparation helps some of our candidates to mitigate attacks against their devices, data, or accounts, the work has been worth it.

However, we are not done yet. We are still looking for help with the Learning Materials for Security Essentials. If anyone feels called upon, please be sure to contact us. IT security is an exciting topic, whether you're preparing for your exam, writing a lesson for the learning materials or, as your knowledge grows, advancing your career.

We will be reading more about Security Essentials in the LPI blog in the upcoming posts, with some folks from LPI partners sharing their insights. In the meantime, I wish all candidates an enjoyable preparation and much success in the exam.

Source: lpi.org

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LPI Announces Security Essentials Beta Exams

Linux Professional Institute (LPI) is entering the last phase of development of the new Security Essentials program. This phase includes public beta exams to which we invite selected candidates.

Security Essentials covers basic knowledge of IT security. The focus is the digital self-defense of an individual user. This includes a general understanding of the main threats directed against individual computing systems, networks, services, and identity, as well as approaches to prevent and mitigate them. The complete exam objectives are available on the LPI wiki.

The beta exams will be delivered in December 2022. Interested candidates can find more information about the beta exams as well as the sign-up form at the LPI website.

“Beta exam takers are the first candidates to ever take a look at the new Security Essentials exam. Their feedback is considered in the finalization of the exam and their results help to ensure that our exams are psychometrically valid,” says Fabian Thorns, Director of Product Development at LPI. “We expect our beta candidates to have prior knowledge in the field of IT security. Our exam objectives provide clear guidance on the topics covered in the exam. Candidates applying for a beta exam should consider themselves proficient enough in these topics to pass the exam.” Thorns continues, “Upon passing the exam, beta exam takers will also be the first candidates who are awarded the Security Essentials certificate.

The final version of the exam, as well as Learning Materials covering all of its topics, will be released a few weeks after the beta exam period ends.

Source: lpi.org

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303-300: LPIC-3 Security

The LPIC-3 certification is the culmination of the multi-level professional certification program of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). LPIC-3 is designed for the enterprise-level Linux professional and represents the highest level of professional, distribution-neutral Linux certification within the industry. Four separate LPIC-3 specialty certifications are available. Passing any one of the four exams will grant the LPIC-3 certification for that specialty.

The LPIC-3 Security certification covers the administration of Linux systems enterprise-wide with an emphasis on security.

Current version: 3.0 (Exam code 303-300)

Previous version: 2.0 (Exam code 303-200)

Available until April 4th, 2022

Objectives: 303-300

Prerequisites: The candidate must have an active LPIC-2 certification to receive the LPIC-3 certification.

Requirements: Passing the 303 exam. The 90-minute exam is 60 multiple-choice and fill in the blank questions.

Validity period: 5 years

Cost: Click here for exam pricing in your country.

Languages for exam available in VUE test centers: English (Japanese coming soon)

Languages for exam available online via OnVUE: English

About Objective Weights: Each objective is assigned a weighting value. The weights indicate the relative importance of each objective on the exam. Objectives with higher weights will be covered in the exam with more questions.

Read More: 303-300: LPIC-3 Security (LPIC-3 303)

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Linux Professional Institute LPIC-3 Enterprise Security

The LPIC-3 certification is the culmination of the multi-level professional certification program of the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). LPIC-3 is designed for the enterprise-level Linux professional and represents the highest level of professional, distribution-neutral Linux certification within the industry. Three separate LPIC-3 specialty certifications are available. Passing any one of the three exams will grant the LPIC-3 certification for that specialty.

The LPIC-3 Enterprise Security certification covers the administration of Linux systems enterprise-wide with an emphasis on security.

Current version: 2.0 (Exam code 303-200)

Objectives: 303-200

Prerequisites: The candidate must have an active LPIC-2 certification to receive the LPIC-3 certification.

Requirements: Passing the 303 exam. The 90-minute exam is 60 multiple-choice and fill in the blank questions.

Validity period: 5 years

Cost: Click here for exam pricing in your country.

Languages for exam available in VUE test centers: English, Japanese

LPIC-3 Enterprise Security exam topics

◉ Cryptography

◉ Access Control

◉ Application Security

◉ Operations Security

◉ Network Security

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LPIC-3 303 – Linux Enterprise Professional – Security

As the name suggests, the certification emphasis the security of the enterprise-wide Linux administration. Its areas of coverage span across Cryptography, Access Control, Operations Security, Applications Security, and Network Security.

Exam Objectives Version: Version 2.0

Exam Code: 303-200

About Objective Weights: Each objective is assigned a weighting value. The weights indicate the relative importance of each objective on the exam. Objectives with higher weights will be covered in the exam with more questions.

LPIC-3 Enterprise Security exam topics

1. Cryptography

2. Access Control

3. Application Security

4. Operations Security

5. Network Security

Read More:

LPIC-3 303: Linux Enterprise Professional Security

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LPIC-3 303: Security

The LPIC-3 certification is the culmination of LPI’s multi-level professional certification program. LPIC-3 is designed for the enterprise-level Linux professional and represents the highest level of professional, distribution-neutral Linux certification within the industry. Three separate LPIC-3 specialty certifications are available. Passing any one of the three exams will grant the LPIC-3 certification for that specialty.

The LPIC-3 303: Security certification covers the administration of Linux systems enterprise-wide with an emphasis on security.

Current Version: 2.0 (Exam code 303-200)

Prerequisites: The candidate must have an active LPIC-2 certification to receive LPIC-3 certification, but the LPIC-2 and LPIC-3 exams may be taken in any order

Requirements: Passing the 303 exam

Validity Period: 5 years

Languages: English, Japanese

Exam Objectives Version: Version 2.0

Exam Code: 303-200

About Objective Weights: Each objective is assigned a weighting value. The weights indicate the relative importance of each objective on the exam. Objectives with higher weights will be covered in the exam with more questions.

LPIC-3 Exam 303: Security

Topic 325: Cryptography

325.1 X.509 Certificates and Public Key Infrastructures

Weight: 5

Description: Candidates should understand X.509 certificates and public key infrastructures. They should know how to configure and use OpenSSL to implement certification authorities and issue SSL certificates for various purposes.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand X.509 certificates, X.509 certificate lifecycle, X.509 certificate fields and X.509v3 certificate extensions

◈ Understand trust chains and public key infrastructures

◈ Generate and manage public and private keys

◈ Create, operate and secure a certification authority

◈ Request, sign and manage server and client certificates

◈ Revoke certificates and certification authorities

The following is a partial list of the used files, terms and utilities:

◈ openssl, including relevant subcommands

◈ OpenSSL configuration

◈ PEM, DER, PKCS

◈ CSR

◈ CRL

◈ OCSP

325.2 X.509 Certificates for Encryption, Signing and Authentication

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should know how to use X.509 certificates for both server and client authentication. Candidates should be able to implement user and server authentication for Apache HTTPD. The version of Apache HTTPD covered is 2.4 or higher.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand SSL, TLS and protocol versions

◈ Understand common transport layer security threats, for example Man-in-the-Middle

◈ Configure Apache HTTPD with mod_ssl to provide HTTPS service, including SNI and HSTS

◈ Configure Apache HTTPD with mod_ssl to authenticate users using certificates

◈ Configure Apache HTTPD with mod_ssl to provide OCSP stapling

◈ Use OpenSSL for SSL/TLS client and server tests

Terms and Utilities:

◈ Intermediate certification authorities

◈ Cipher configuration (no cipher-specific knowledge)

◈ httpd.conf

◈ mod_ssl

◈ openssl

325.3 Encrypted File Systems

Weight: 3

Description: Candidates should be able to setup and configure encrypted file systems.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand block device and file system encryption

◈ Use dm-crypt with LUKS to encrypt block devices

◈ Use eCryptfs to encrypt file systems, including home directories and

◈ PAM integration

◈ Be aware of plain dm-crypt and EncFS

Terms and Utilities:

◈ cryptsetup

◈ cryptmount

◈ /etc/crypttab

◈ ecryptfsd

◈ ecryptfs-* commands

◈ mount.ecryptfs, umount.ecryptfs

◈ pam_ecryptfs

325.4 DNS and Cryptography

Weight: 5

Description: Candidates should have experience and knowledge of cryptography in the context of DNS and its implementation using BIND. The version of BIND covered is 9.7 or higher.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understanding of DNSSEC and DANE

◈ Configure and troubleshoot BIND as an authoritative name server serving DNSSEC secured zones

◈ Configure BIND as an recursive name server that performs DNSSEC validation on behalf of its clients

◈ Key Signing Key, Zone Signing Key, Key Tag

◈ Key generation, key storage, key management and key rollover

◈ Maintenance and re-signing of zones

◈ Use DANE to publish X.509 certificate information in DNS

◈ Use TSIG for secure communication with BIND

Terms and Utilities:

◈ DNS, EDNS, Zones, Resource Records

◈ DNS resource records: DS, DNSKEY, RRSIG, NSEC, NSEC3, NSEC3PARAM, TLSA

◈ DO-Bit, AD-Bit

◈ TSIG

◈ named.conf

◈ dnssec-keygen

◈ dnssec-signzone

◈ dnssec-settime

◈ dnssec-dsfromkey

◈ rndc

◈ dig

◈ delv

◈ openssl

Topic 326: Host Security

326.1 Host Hardening

Weight: 3

Description: Candidates should be able to secure computers running Linux against common threats. This includes kernel and software configuration.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Configure BIOS and boot loader (GRUB 2) security

◈ Disable useless software and services

◈ Use sysctl for security related kernel configuration, particularly ASLR, Exec-Shield and IP / ICMP configuration

◈ Exec-Shield and IP / ICMP configuration

◈ Limit resource usage

◈ Work with chroot environments

◈ Drop unnecessary capabilities

◈ Be aware of the security advantages of virtualization

Terms and Utilities:

◈ grub.cfg

◈ chkconfig, systemctl

◈ ulimit

◈ /etc/security/limits.conf

◈ pam_limits.so

◈ chroot

◈ sysctl

◈ /etc/sysctl.conf

326.2 Host Intrusion Detection

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should be familiar with the use and configuration of common host intrusion detection software. This includes updates and maintenance as well as automated host scans.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Use and configure the Linux Audit system

◈ Use chkrootkit

◈ Use and configure rkhunter, including updates

◈ Use Linux Malware Detect

◈ Automate host scans using cron

◈ Configure and use AIDE, including rule management

◈ Be aware of OpenSCAP

Terms and Utilities:

◈ auditd

◈ auditctl

◈ ausearch, aureport

◈ auditd.conf

◈ auditd.rules

◈ pam_tty_audit.so

◈ chkrootkit

◈ rkhunter

◈ /etc/rkhunter.conf

◈ maldet

◈ conf.maldet

◈ aide

◈ /etc/aide/aide.conf

326.3 User Management and Authentication

Weight: 5

Description: Candidates should be familiar with management and authentication of user accounts. This includes configuration and use of NSS, PAM, SSSD and Kerberos for both local and remote directories and authentication mechanisms as well as enforcing a password policy.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand and configure NSS

◈ Understand and configure PAM

◈ Enforce password complexity policies and periodic password changes

◈ Lock accounts automatically after failed login attempts

◈ Configure and use SSSD

◈ Configure NSS and PAM for use with SSSD

◈ Configure SSSD authentication against Active Directory, IPA, LDAP, Kerberos and local domains

◈ Kerberos and local domains

◈ Obtain and manage Kerberos tickets

Terms and Utilities:

◈ nsswitch.conf

◈ /etc/login.defs

◈ pam_cracklib.so

◈ chage

◈ pam_tally.so, pam_tally2.so

◈ faillog

◈ pam_sss.so

◈ sssd

◈ sssd.conf

◈ sss_* commands

◈ krb5.conf

◈ kinit, klist, kdestroy

326.4 FreeIPA Installation and Samba Integration

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should be familiar with FreeIPA v4.x. This includes installation and maintenance of a server instance with a FreeIPA domain as well as integration of FreeIPA with Active Directory.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand FreeIPA, including its architecture and components

◈ Understand system and configuration prerequisites for installing FreeIPA

◈ Install and manage a FreeIPA server and domain

◈ Understand and configure Active Directory replication and Kerberos cross-realm trusts

◈ Be aware of sudo, autofs, SSH and SELinux integration in FreeIPA

Terms and Utilities:

◈ 389 Directory Server, MIT Kerberos, Dogtag Certificate System, NTP, DNS, SSSD, certmonger

◈ ipa, including relevant subcommands

◈ ipa-server-install, ipa-client-install, ipa-replica-install

◈ ipa-replica-prepare, ipa-replica-manage

Topic 327: Access Control

327.1 Discretionary Access Control

Weight: 3

Description: Candidates are required to understand Discretionary Access Control and know how to implement it using Access Control Lists. Additionally, candidates are required to understand and know how to use Extended Attributes.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand and manage file ownership and permissions, including SUID and SGID

◈ Understand and manage access control lists

◈ Understand and manage extended attributes and attribute classes

Terms and Utilities:

◈ getfacl

◈ setfacl

◈ getfattr

◈ setfattr

327.2 Mandatory Access Control

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should be familiar with Mandatory Access Control systems for Linux. Specifically, candidates should have a thorough knowledge of SELinux. Also, candidates should be aware of other Mandatory Access Control systems for Linux. This includes major features of these systems but not configuration and use.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand the concepts of TE, RBAC, MAC and DAC

◈ Configure, manage and use SELinux

◈ Be aware of AppArmor and Smack

Terms and Utilities:

◈ getenforce, setenforce, selinuxenabled

◈ getsebool, setsebool, togglesebool

◈ fixfiles, restorecon, setfiles

◈ newrole, runcon

◈ semanage

◈ sestatus, seinfo

◈ apol

◈ seaudit, seaudit-report, audit2why, audit2allow

◈ /etc/selinux/*

327.3 Network File Systems

Weight: 3

Description: Candidates should have experience and knowledge of security issues in use and configuration of NFSv4 clients and servers as well as CIFS client services. Earlier versions of NFS are not required knowledge.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand NFSv4 security issues and improvements

◈ Configure NFSv4 server and clients

◈ Understand and configure NFSv4 authentication mechanisms (LIPKEY, SPKM, Kerberos)

◈ Understand and use NFSv4 pseudo file system

◈ Understand and use NFSv4 ACLs

◈ Configure CIFS clients

◈ Understand and use CIFS Unix Extensions

◈ Understand and configure CIFS security modes (NTLM, Kerberos)

◈ Understand and manage mapping and handling of CIFS ACLs and SIDs in a Linux system

Terms and Utilities:

◈ /etc/exports

◈ /etc/idmap.conf

◈ nfs4acl

◈ mount.cifs parameters related to ownership, permissions and security modes

winbind

◈ getcifsacl, setcifsacl

Topic 328: Network Security

328.1 Network Hardening

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should be able to secure networks against common threats. This includes verification of the effectiveness of security measures.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Configure FreeRADIUS to authenticate network nodes

◈ Use nmap to scan networks and hosts, including different scan methods

◈ Use Wireshark to analyze network traffic, including filters and statistics

◈ Identify and deal with rogue router advertisements and DHCP messages

Terms and Utilities:

◈ radiusd

◈ radmin

◈ radtest, radclient

◈ radlast, radwho

◈ radiusd.conf

◈ /etc/raddb/*

◈ nmap

◈ wireshark

◈ tshark

◈ tcpdump

◈ ndpmon

328.2 Network Intrusion Detection

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should be familiar with the use and configuration of network security scanning, network monitoring and network intrusion detection software. This includes updating and maintaining the security scanners.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Implement bandwidth usage monitoring

◈ Configure and use Snort, including rule management

◈ Configure and use OpenVAS, including NASL

Terms and Utilities:

◈ ntop

◈ Cacti

◈ snort

◈ snort-stat

◈ /etc/snort/*

◈ openvas-adduser, openvas-rmuser

◈ openvas-nvt-sync

◈ openvassd

◈ openvas-mkcert

◈ /etc/openvas/*

328.3 Packet Filtering

Weight: 5

Description: Candidates should be familiar with the use and configuration of packet filters. This includes netfilter, iptables and ip6tables as well as basic knowledge of nftables, nft and ebtables.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Understand common firewall architectures, including DMZ

◈ Understand and use netfilter, iptables and ip6tables, including standard modules, tests and targets

◈ Implement packet filtering for both IPv4 and IPv6

◈ Implement connection tracking and network address translation

◈ Define IP sets and use them in netfilter rules

◈ Have basic knowledge of nftables and nft

◈ Have basic knowledge of ebtables

◈ Be aware of conntrackd

Terms and Utilities:

◈ iptables

◈ ip6tables

◈ iptables-save, iptables-restore

◈ ip6tables-save, ip6tables-restore

◈ ipset

◈ nft

◈ ebtables

328.4 Virtual Private Networks

Weight: 4

Description: Candidates should be familiar with the use of OpenVPN and IPsec.

Key Knowledge Areas:

◈ Configure and operate OpenVPN server and clients for both bridged and routed VPN networks

◈ Configure and operate IPsec server and clients for routed VPN networks using IPsec-Tools / racoon

◈ Awareness of L2TP

Terms and Utilities:

◈ /etc/openvpn/*

◈ openvpn server and client

◈ setkey

◈ /etc/ipsec-tools.conf

◈ /etc/racoon/racoon.conf

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How OpenBSD and Linux Mitigate Security Bugs

At Open Source Summit in Prague, Giovanni Bechis will discuss tools that improve software security by blocking unwanted syscalls.

Bechis is CEO and DevOps engineer at SNB s.r.l., a hosting provider and develops web applications based on Linux/BSD operating systems that is mainly focused on integrating web applications with legacy softwares. In this interview, Bechis explained more about his approach to software security.

Linux.com: What’s the focus of your talk?

The talk will focus on two similar solutions implemented in Linux and OpenBSD kernels, designed to prevent a program from calling syscalls they should not call to improve security of software.

In both kernels (Linux and OpenBSD), unwanted syscalls can be blocked and the offending program terminated, but there are some differences between Linux and OpenBSD’s solution of the problem.

During my talk, I will analyze the differences between two similar techniques that are present in Linux and OpenBSD kernels that are used to mitigate security bugs (that could be used to attack  software and escalate privileges on a machine).

Linux.com: Who should attend?

The scope of the talk is to teach developers how they can develop better and more secure software by adding just few lines to their code. The target audience is mainly developers interested in securing applications.

Linux.com: Can you please explain both solutions and what problems they actually solve?

The main problem that these solutions are trying to solve is that bugs can be exploited to let software do something that it is not designed to do. For example, with some crafty parameters or some crafty TCP/IP packet, it could be possible to let a program read a password file; it should not read or delete some files that it should not delete.

This is more dangerous if the program is running as root instead of a dedicated user because it will have access to all files of the machine if proper security techniques have not been applied.

With these solutions, if a program tries to do something it is not designed for, it will be killed by the kernel and the execution of the program will terminate.

To do that, the source code of the program should be modified with some “more or less” simple lines of code that will “describe” which system calls the program is allowed to request.

A system call is the programmatic way in which a computer program requests a service from the kernel of the operating system it is executed on, by allowing only a subset of the system calls we can mitigate security bugs.

Last year, for example, memcached, a popular application designed to speed up dynamic web applications, has suffered by a remote code execution bug that could be exploited to remotely run arbitrary code on the targeted system, thereby compromising the many websites that expose Memcache servers accessible over the Internet.

With a solution like seccomp(2) or pledge(2), a similar bug could be mitigated, the remote code would never be executed, and the memcached process would be terminated.

Linux.com: What’s the main difference between the two solutions?

The main difference (at least the more visible one without viewing under the hood) between Linux and OpenBSD implementation is that, with Linux seccomp(2), you can instruct the program in a very granular way, and you can create very complex policies, while on OpenBSD pledge(2) permitted syscalls have been grouped so policies will be simpler.

On the other hand, using seccomp(2) in Linux could be difficult, while OpenBSD pledge(2) is far easier to use.

On both operating systems, every program should be studied in order to decide which system call the application could use, and there are some facilities that can help understand how a program is operating, what it is doing, and which operations it should be allowed to do.

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