CYSE 270, known as Linux System for Cybersecurity, is a course that introduces students to basic operations in Linux for cybersecurity practices. The class helps provide the necessary foundation to perform system admin functions within Linux which is necessary to execute appropriate security tasks and build scripts to automate these tasks. When practicing it is important that appropriate virtual machine software is used and add-ons are applied to create the appropriate training environment for practice.
The class was delivered as an online class when I took it and the virtual machine we used was Oracle VirtualBox. This was a fantastic system to employ into the coursework as it gave a virtual playground, essentially, for students to practice Linux without worry or causing issues on a live system. Each assignment built upon the last and the complexity of it all came together without being overwhelming. The class provided the tools I needed to build upon my technical knowledge and practice.
Command Line
Examples of the types of assignments are like this one, which was a simple project that guided us through the use of the command line in Linux. The assignment showed the basic commands that would be used to create accounts, create/copy files, move files, or change directories. For being such a simple assignment, there was still a lot of information gained from it as there are other commands that can be used to perform similar commands that were requested.
Shell Scripting
This assignment is to show that later on in the course, there is a complexity to the commands that are performed. Shell scripting was incorporated also into these commands and shows how to automate commands within the system. Adding this into the course and providing it as a way to perform in Linux shows how adaptive and flexible it can be, as well as allowing for execution of commands to become easier.