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Hands-on Linux Security: Practical Tools and Methods - Merit Network, Inc.


Master the skills of securing Linux-based devices

Merit Network is pleased to present "Hands-on Linux Security: Practical Tools and Methods," a workshop on the essentials of securing Linux-based workstations and servers. The workshop will be taught in Ann Arbor on December 14-16, 2010, with additional classroom locations in Escanaba, Flint (just added) and Grand Rapids, linked via videoconference.

See below for information about a two-for-one registration offer for this class.
Register now to attend:
  In Ann Arbor Register to attend in Ann Arbor
  In Escanaba Register to attend in Escanaba
  In Flint Register to attend in Flint
  In Grand Rapids Register to attend in Grand Rapids
The workshop, taught over 2-1/2 days, is designed as an intensive, hands-on learning experience in how to assess and secure your Linux platform infrastructure using current open-source tools, techniques, and best practices. The focus will be on studying current attack methodologies, examining your platform for vulnerabilities, presenting recommended solutions and best practices for mitigation, and assessing the effectiveness of the tools and methods used.

The workshop is based on ITS101, Theory and Practice of Campus Computer Security, a course offered to system administrators at the University of Michigan that ultimately trained over 120 staff in network and platform security essentials. Instructor Charles Antonelli developed and taught the U-M course and is pleased to present its key Linux platform security contents to a broader audience to benefit other organizations. The course was presented to Merit Member groups with great success in October 2009. Charles updates the course material regularly with the latest attacks, defenses, and tools.

The course will be taught in a hands-on environment, emphasizing practical application of security principles and tools. It is appropriate for system administrators, advanced users, and others who need expertise in Linux platform security fundamentals and best practices. The course can serve either as a basic primer for novices or as a refresher course for experienced administrators.

Topics to be covered include:
  • Linux Architecture & Kernel Review
  • Authentication, Authorization & Audit Review
  • Reconnaissance Tool Review
  • File Systems (Linux ext4, NFS/NFSv4, SMB/CIFS)

  • Introduction to SELinux
  • Logging Infrastructures
  • Viruses & Worms
  • Phishing, Pharming, Users & URLs

  • Arbitrary Code Execution: Threats & Countermeasures
  • Application Security (sshd, SSL, IPsec & VPNs)
  • Platform Security (TripWire & Bastille Unix)
  • Introduction to Forensics

Course Prerequisites

Students should possess a working knowledge of Linux or UNIX , internetworking fundamentals, and the command line.

Laptop requirement

Students should bring an Intel-based laptop to class to participate in virtualized Live Linux experiments. The laptop may run a Windows, Linux/UNIX, or Mac OS X operating system and should be brought to class loaded with VMware Player, Server, or Fusion as well as the class virtual laboratory environment; the latter will be available to you a week before the class begins. The laptop should support wired and wireless network connectivity.

Dates and times

The workshop will be taught from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 14; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15 and 8:00 to noon on Thursday, December 16. The workshop will conclude with a lab session from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Tuesday afternoon session will cover Linux review and fundamentals; students proficient in these topics may skip the review session and attend beginning on Wednesday morning. The Thursday afternoon lab session is encouraged for an optimal learning experience.

Locations

Dr. Antonelli will instruct the class at Merit's offices in Ann Arbor. The class will be simultaneously connected via videoconference to locations in Escanaba and Grand Rapids. Displays at the Escanaba and Grand Rapids classrooms will display the instructor and his workstation throughout the class. Students at those locations will be able to ask questions and freely interact with the instructor and students at the other sites.
Ann Arbor Location
The class will be held at Merit's offices on the second floor at 1000 Oakbrook Drive, Suite 200, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104,
Get Directions to Merit's offices
Please note that some older map resources and GPS databases may not have correct information for the Oakbrook Drive address; please check directions from other sources against the page linked above. You may park in front or in back of the building, and parking is free.

Escanaba Location
The class will be held on the campus of Bay de Noc Community College, 2001 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba, Michigan 49829. The class will meet in Room 963 of the Joseph Heirman University Center. Free parking is available at the building.

Flint Location
The class will be held on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint, in Room 1103 of the William S. White building, 509 N. Harrison St. Free parking is available nearby.

Grand Rapids Location
The class will be held on the Lettinga campus of Davenport University, 6191 Kraft Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49512. The class will be held in Room 005 on the lower level of the Van Andel/DeVos academic building. Free parking is available at the building.

Two-for-one offer

This is a great class for colleagues to attend together. The Merit Community Supporter Program is making it possible for two attendees from the same organization to attend for the price of one. To use this option, please send email to with the names of the two people who will attend, and we will respond with registration instructions. The number of two-for-one attendees is limited. Update: Two-for-one discounts are no longer available to attend in Ann Arbor. Discounts are still available for Escanaba, Flint and Grand Rapids.

Course cost and registration

Registration for individuals from Merit Member organizations is $699 per attendee. Attendees from non-profit organizations that are not Merit Members may attend for $799. Others may register for $899. Registration at all locations includes continental breakfast, beverages and snacks. Lunch options are available nearby at each location.
Register now to attend:
  In Ann Arbor Register to attend in Ann Arbor
  In Escanaba Register to attend in Escanaba
  In Flint Register to attend in Flint
  In Grand Rapids Register to attend in Grand Rapids
Payment may be made by credit card, check or purchase order. Registration may be canceled up to 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, November 26, 2010, minus a processing fee of $35. Cancellations are not available after November 26; substitutions are allowed if necessary.

About the instructor

Charles Antonelli, Ph.D. is a research computing specialist affiliated with the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department and Information Technology Services at the University of Michigan. Charles created and taught the popular ITS 101 Campus Computer Security training course, and teaches regular courses and graduate seminars at the College of Engineering. His previous research efforts include the secure packet vault and a secure distributed network testing and performance tool based on Globus and GARA. He received his doctorate in Computer, Information, and Control Engineering from the University of Michigan, and has been a Member of Technical staff at Bell Laboratories.

For more information, please contact .



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Support for this course provided by
the Merit Community Supporters:

Merit Community Supporters: ADVA, Cisco and Data Strategy

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