This page will be dedicated to my reflections of coursework and material during my time in CYSE270 LINUX SYSTEM FOR CYBERSECURITY. While currently blank, this page will be updated weekly with reflections on course material.

Labs Reflections

Lab 1 – Installing Linux VM
This was the introductory lab tasking me with installing a Kali Linux VM on my computer.

I did not run into any challenges. I simply installed the default Kali Linux UI package.

Lab 2 – Working with Command Line
This lab had me work through navigating directories, displaying contents of directories, and how to copy and move files to other directories. My current roles as a Security Analyst requires me to be familiar with Linux so I had already known the various commands and requirements needed to complete this assignment.

I did not experience any challenges completing the assignment. I did run into issues with saving all of my work on the file uploaded for grading.

Lab 3 – VI Editor
This lab had me become familiar with VI Editor. The assignment required me to navigate files, delete certain lines using shortcuts, and search through longer files. I was not very familiar with the shortcuts of VI Editor before this assignment. I always install and use nano when using Linux machines as it’s natively more friendly and easier to use.

The only challenge I faced with this assignment was learning the shortcuts for VI Editor. As stated previously I avoid using it as it’s not a efficient (to me) as nano.

Lab 4 – User and Group Accounts
This lab had me work through and understand group accounts and membership permissions. While I am used to creating accounts and groups, I was not aware of the various ways to grant and revoke permissions in Linux.

A challenge I faced in this lab was jumping ahead of steps (accidentally) and having to redo the assignment due to either giving the wrong permissions to the wrong group, or assigning the wrong users to the wrong group. This was fixed by slowing down and following the instructions properly.

Lab 5 – Password Cracking
This lab was focused showcasing a password cracker named “Jack the Ripper”. Essentially I had to create six passwords with increasing strength requirements and see how long it would take to crack them. This probably my favorite lab. I have never cracked a password before. It was a fun experience.

This one was very straightforward, I did not run into any problems. I would like to see more hacking and/or ethical hacking labs in the future.

Lab 6 – File Permissions
This lab was solely focused on file permissions. I was tasked with creating a couple of accounts and applying permissions to relative to said users on specific files to test who could see the contents.

I ran into a few problems when using umask. I had never used permissions separate from the typical conventions (using numbers chmod 777 or rwxrwxrwx) and had to redo a few steps from using the improper values in said commands.

Lab 7 – Store Management
This lab was focused on creating partitions, mounting/unmounting storage, and the commands around performing said tasks. My past roles as an engineer and analyst have made me very familiar with adding and provisioning storage on servers. I was very familiar with the curriculum in this lab.

A challenge I did run into with this lab, was that I did not have the option to manipulate the VM in the cyber range. I had to create a Kali instance on my home computer to complete this lab. While frustrating, it wasn’t difficult to achieve.

Lab 8 – Shell Script
This lab was focused on creating shell scripts. I was tasked with creating a script to copy and create various scripts to check conditional inputs like “Is this number greater or lower than X” and a script to check if a directory exists, if it’s a file or directory, and depending on the answer create the file/directory.

My current job has me frequently use and create scripts. I was not very familiar with shell/bash scripting as I primarily use Python, but learning the syntax was very straightforward.

Lab 9 – Task Automation
This lab required me to create a script that takes input from a user on their name and date then creates a backup of their home directory, then creating a crontab rule to run the script for three minutes.

A challenge I faced in this lab was getting the cron job to run as the lab required. I could not get the cron tab to run for three minutes but run every three minutes. I had to re-read the chapter/module reading to see what I was doing wrong and eventually fixed it.

Lab 10 – Network Basics
This lab tasked me with completing a spreadsheet of various different aspects of subnetting given an specific subnet.

My job and previous jobs have burned subnetting into my mind. I absolutely loathe manually subnetting. The biggest challenge I faced during this lab was to do the work required.

Lab 11 – Basic Network Configuration
This lab tasked me with testing various network commands (ping, netstat, host, etc.), manipulating host files, and showcasing the differences of network commands results after altering the VM’s network adapter settings.

I did not run into any issues or challenges with this lab. This was very straightforward of what was required.

Resume

Professional Goals

I am already well established in my career. I have been in IT for 7 years. I am working towards my bachelor’s in Cybersecurity to progress further in my current field. While it is not required, it will only help with moving up the ladder. My goal is transfer back to an engineer role. My ideal job/work life is to work primarily on projects within cybersecurity.

Certifications

CompTIA Security+
CompTIA A+
MTA: Beginner HTML5 and CSS3 Certification by Microsoft
MTA: Development Fundamentals with JavaScript and HTML5 Certification by Microsoft

Final Reflection

Overall this course was very helpful in solidifying my Linux fundamentals. While my current role has me frequently use and configure Linux machines, this course has shown me several functions, practices, and commands within Linux that I was not familiar. This directly benefits my work as I will use them on a daily basis.