Course 7: Secure Systems Administration

The system security administrator is the focal point for planning security in the installation and the "front line" when defending systems from cyber attack. Typically systems come with security features turned off to facilitate initial operation and must be tailored to the security needs of the organization. The only thing between a new system and a cyber attacker is the knowledge of the system administrator. The system administrator not only assures that user IDs and an initial password are set robustly, but also configures firewalls, intrusion detection systems, etc. and facilitates the development and enforcement of effective security policy for the organization.

The system security administrator plays an integral role in the system security testing, certification, accreditation, and operation of complex cyber systems, as well as operationally defending the system against real-time attacks.

The course provides students with hands on experience in the field of security administration. The student will learn how a security professional fulfills various Information Assurance requirements using the Linux operating system (the same principles apply to other operating systems). Topics include an examination of server, workstation and network vulnerabilities; procedures and tools for security assessment; development of security policies, procedures and standards; firewalls, logging and audit tools, hardening scripts as well as other tools and techniques used to implement secure computing environments.

"Secure System Administration" Full Course Description

"CSE007: Secure System Administration" courseware is to be available here soon...