Course: ECU 507 Linux Networking & Security

Purpose of Class:

This course focuses on configuring a secure Linux network using command line and graphical utilities. Emphasis is placed on file sharing technologies such as the Network File System, NetWare’s NCP file sharing, and File Transfer Protocol. Additional topics include making data secure, user security, file security, and network intrusion detection. Students will be required to take on the role of problem solvers and apply the concepts presented to situations that might occur in a work environment.

Course Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

• Effectively use research to understand the fundamentals of Linux platform and analyze the file system.
• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.
• Based on research, examine various security mechanisms available for securing Linux hosts and networks, and frame policies, guidelines and best practices for information security in the organization.
• Understand the basic Linux networking concepts, examine various networking devices and protocols, and define relevant evidence used to determine strategies for implementing a secure Linux network.
• Compare and contrast various tools to protect, test and monitorthe security of Linux systems and implement appropriate level of security controls based on evidence, information, and research.

Required Reading:

• Red Hat Linux Security and Optimization, by Mohammed J. Kabir, John Wiley & Sons © 2002, ISBN:9780764547546.
• Hack Proofing Linux: A Guide to Open Source Security, by James Stanger, Patrick T. Lane and Edgar Danielyan, Syngress Publishing © 2001, ISBN:9781928994343.
• Linux: The Complete Reference, by Richard Petersen, McGraw-Hill/Osborne © 1998, ISBN:9780078824616.
• Linux Network Security, by Peter G. Smith, Cengage Charles River Media © 2005, ISBN:9781584503965.
• Open Source Security Tools for Linux. SkillSoft Press. © 2003.
• Linux Power Tools, by Roderick W. Smith, Sybex © 2003, ISBN:9780782142266.
• Mac for Linux Geeks, by Tony Steidler-Dennison, Apress © 2009, ISBN:9781430216506.

Week One:
Topics Covered:

• Module 01 - Introduction to Linux
• Module 02 - Threats and Attacks

Outcomes:

• Effectively use research to understand the fundamentals of Linux platform and analyze the file system.
• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.

Week Two:
Topics Covered:

• Module 03: Security Mechanisms

Outcomes:

• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.
• Based on research, examine various security mechanisms available for securing Linux hosts and networks, and frame policies, guidelines and best practices for information security in the organization.
• Compare and contrast various tools to protect, test and monitor the security of Linux systems and implement appropriate level of security controls based on evidence, information, and research.

Week Three:
Topics Covered:

• Module 04: Operating System security

Outcomes:

• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.
• Based on research, examine various security mechanisms available for securing Linux hosts and networks, and frame policies, guidelines and best practices for information security in the organization.
• Compare and contrast various tools to protect, test and monitor the security of Linux systems and implement appropriate level of security controls based on evidence, information, and research.

Week Four:
Topics Covered:

• Module 05: Networking Fundamentals
• Module 06: Firewalls and IDS

Outcomes:

• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.
• Based on research, examine various security mechanisms available for securing Linux hosts and networks, and frame policies, guidelines and best practices for information security in the organization.
• Understand the basic Linux networking concepts, examine various networking devices and protocols, and define relevant evidence used to determine strategies for implementing a secure Linux network.
• Compare and contrast various tools to protect, test and monitor the security of Linux systems and implement appropriate level of security controls based on evidence, information, and research.

Week Five:
Topics Covered:

• Module 07: Network Security
• Module 08: Network Service Security

Outcomes:

• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.
• Based on research, examine various security mechanisms available for securing Linux hosts and networks, and frame policies, guidelines and best practices for information security in the organization.
• Understand the basic Linux networking concepts, examine various networking devices and protocols, and define relevant evidence used to determine strategies for implementing a secure Linux network.
• Compare and contrast various tools to protect, test and monitor the security of Linux systems and implement appropriate level of security controls based on evidence, information, and research.

Week Six:
Topics Covered:

• Module 09: Data Backup and Recovery
• Module 10: System Monitoring and Auditing

Outcomes:

• Analyze different security vulnerabilities, threats and attacks on Linux systems and networks, and recommend the countermeasures for the same based on relevant research, evidence and references.
• Based on research, examine various security mechanisms available for securing Linux hosts and networks, and frame policies, guidelines and best practices for information security in the organization.
• Understand the basic Linux networking concepts, examine various networking devices and protocols, and define relevant evidence used to determine strategies for implementing a secure Linux network.
• Compare and contrast various tools to protect, test and monitor the security of Linux systems and implement appropriate level of security controls based on evidence, information, and research.

Weeks Seven and Eight: Summative Experiences

Introduction to Weeks: Weeks seven and eight are designed to provide cumulative experience while
faculty and students are given the opportunity to finalize uncompleted work. For this course,
students will engage in two summative assessments, a project and final examination.