Linux is one of the foundations of IT and Cybersecurity.
If you want to get into IT or Cybersecurity but aren’t quite sure where to start, then Linux is an excellent choice!
Learning Linux will teach you file system navigation, user/permission management, process management, scripting, networking, system monitoring, troubleshooting and more!
Not only that, Linux is a highly employable skill!
So regardless of what you want to do in IT or Cybersecurity, start with Linux!
Follow this FREE learning path:
Set up a lab
If you aren’t running Linux on your computer, then I highly recommend setting up a basic lab.
First download VirtualBox and then follow this guide to get a Linux operating system called Ubuntu installed.
*If you run into issues, try googling your error codes or using ChatGPT to work through your issues. This will be a skill you need to develop to be successful in tech, so you may as well start now!
Learn the basics:
- Linux Basics – https://edx.org/learn/linux/the-linux-foundation-introduction-to-linux
- Shell scripting – https://www.udemy.com/course/linux-shell-scripting-free/
- Networking – https://coursera.org/learn/computer-networking
- IT Support Basics – https://coursera.org/professional-certificates/google-it-support
- Fun Linux challenge – https://overthewire.org/wargames/bandit/
If you can afford it, pick up one of these books:
- Learn Linux Quickly
- Linux Cookbook: Essential Skills for Linux Users and System & Network Administrators
For more book recommendations check out my reading list!
Popular certifications (not required): LPIC-1 or Linux+ (study guide here!)
The Project
Completing a project on your own is a great way to get practical experience and reinforce your learning.
This is a project I would recommend you do when you have completed all of the courses and are feeling confident about your skills.
I know this may look challenging, but I know if you go through the content above, you can accomplish this project.
Plus it looks fantastic on a resume!
NOTE: these instructions are intentionally vague. IT and Cybersecurity professionals place a high emphasis on “figuring it out”. If you get stuck, Google or ChatGPT are your friends. Try not to follow a step by step guide. This is meant to test your practical knowledge. It’s supposed to challenge you!
Project Title: Nagios Network Monitoring and Alerting System Implementation
Project Description: Embark on a project to implement Nagios, an industry-standard network monitoring and alerting system, on a Linux server. Showcase your expertise in setting up Nagios to monitor critical infrastructure components, establish alerting mechanisms, and create a user-friendly dashboard for real-time insights into network health.
Key Tasks:
- Server Setup:
- Select a Linux distribution suitable for Nagios deployment.
- Install and configure the required dependencies for Nagios.
- Nagios Configuration:
- Define hosts (try to have a few different VMs/hosts) and services to be monitored (e.g., servers, network devices, services).
- Implement host and service checks to ensure continuous monitoring.
- Alerting Mechanisms:
- Configure Nagios to send alerts via email, SMS, or other notification channels.
- Fine-tune alert thresholds for optimal responsiveness.
- Dashboard Creation:
- Set up Nagios Core’s web interface for centralized monitoring.
- Customize the dashboard to display key performance indicators and status information.
- Performance Data Analysis:
- Enable performance data collection for monitored services.
- Implement tools or plugins to visualize and analyze performance metrics over time.
- Security Measures:
- Implement secure authentication for Nagios web interface access.
- Configure SSL/TLS for encrypted communication.
- Documentation:
- Create comprehensive documentation on the Nagios setup, configuration, and usage.
- Include troubleshooting tips and best practices for maintaining Nagios.
Skills Demonstrated:
- Linux server setup and configuration
- Nagios Core installation and configuration
- Host and service definition for monitoring
- Alerting configuration and optimization
- Web interface customization for dashboard creation
- Performance data analysis and visualization
- Security measures implementation
- Documentation for knowledge sharing
Project Outcome: Upon completion, you will have a fully functional Nagios monitoring system, providing real-time insights into the health of your network infrastructure. This project serves as a practical demonstration of your proficiency in deploying and configuring Nagios for effective network monitoring and alerting.
Wrap Up
Work your way through each of the free courses above. For extra credit, grab one of the books if you can. They aren’t necessary but will definitely help!
When you’re ready, do the project. Take pride in the project and use it as an opportunity to test the all work you have put in!
Feel free to reach out to me on social media if you have questions ✌️