RTFM Red Team Field Manual PDF

I'm excited to share the RTFM (Red Team Field Manual) PDF! This resource is a fantastic quick reference for red team tactics, techniques, and procedures. It's invaluable for both beginners and seasoned pros in our field. If you're looking to enhance your toolkit, definitely check it out!


Leveraging CompTIA DataX for Data-Driven Security Strategies

As industries increasingly rely on data to inform decision-making, CompTIA’s DataX certification seems poised to become a crucial part of the cybersecurity landscape. I'm particularly interested in how this certification might bridge the gap between data analytics and security. Are any of you planning to introduce DataX in your teaching, especially for students aiming to specialize in data security and analysis? Would love to hear how others see this fitting into current learning pathways!

Engaging Students with Cryptography Labs

Teaching cryptography can be a challenge due to the complex math involved. I recently designed a lab where students use OpenSSL to encrypt and decrypt files with different algorithms. It really helped them grasp the concepts. Does anyone have similar exercises or labs they'd recommend?

CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Instructor Wanted

Certified CompTIA Network+ N10-009 instructor wanted to create and deliver a pre recorded instructional video designed to prepare the student for the exam. Also accepting material already built. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume/CV along with copies of relevant certifications to [email protected] or [email protected]

CEU's for other certifications earned

I don't know if anybody has ever thought of this. When we certify, CompTIA has certain paths and order of certifications that allows you to cover a whole set of certifications if you take an upper level exam. Like for example: you have A+, Network+ and Security+, you pass CySA+and all three certs are renewed. Cool. But not everyone do the certs in order and (please correct me if I'm wrong) CompTIA doesn't give you the chance of earning CEU's for other certs taken.

I have A+, Network+, Security+, Server+, CySA+, Pentest+ and CASP+..... We all know that CASP+ renews all the previous certs. What I find strange is that I took Linux+ and I can't get CEU's to apply to CASP+. The next cert I'm studying for is Cloud+ and it's the same deal. If we look at those 2 certs and how they can enhance my skill set as a CASP+ I can think of:
  • Comprehensive Security Architecture: Both Cloud+ and Linux+ provide practical skills for designing, implementing, and managing secure environments across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups, directly supporting CASP+'s focus on enterprise security.
  • Improved Risk Management: The combined knowledge from these certifications equips a CASP+ professional with a holistic view of potential risks in cloud and Linux environments, enabling more effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
  • Enhanced Incident Response and Automation: Proficiency in Linux and cloud automation tools enables the creation of efficient incident response mechanisms, aligning with CASP+'s emphasis on response strategies and automation to enhance security operations.
  • Interoperability and Integration: Mastery of cloud and Linux systems supports CASP+ professionals in integrating various security solutions, ensuring interoperability while maintaining a strong security posture.
So, why doesn't CompTIA give us CEU's no matter in what order you take the certifications? In the end every test we take enhances our knowledge base. If you just have CASP+ we all know that CySA+, Linux+, etc will help us to be better prepared. I'm not talking about 50 CEU's here, I think 15-25 CEU's depending on the cert will be more than fair. Like for example, you are a CASP+ and pass Network+ or Security+ you get 15 CEU's each, you are a CASP+ and pass CySA+ or Cloud+ you get 25 CEU's each.

Any thoughts?

Is Creativity at Risk? The Fight for Intellectual Property in an AI-Driven World!

Intellectual property is still relevant​

Last week, I argued intellectual property was no longer relevant. This week, I argue the opposite. Despite the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, intellectual property (IP) rights continue to play a crucial role in fostering innovation and protecting creative works. In case you've already read, https://cybersafetynet.net/does-int...rtificial-intelligence-generating-content-no/, fasten your seat belt. I am making the opposite argument here.

AI Shaking Brain.gif

Human creativity remains central​

While AI can generate content, human creativity and ingenuity are still at the core of innovation. Humans design, develop, and refine AI systems, making critical decisions about their architecture, training data, and application. The creative process often involves human-AI collaboration, where AI serves as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. Therefore, traditional intellectual property protections remain relevant for human contributions to AI-assisted works.

Legal frameworks are adapting​

IP laws are not static. They are dynamic. They evolve to address technological advancements. Courts and policymakers worldwide are actively working to modernize intellectual property laws to account for AI's impact. For instance, some jurisdictions are considering new categories of IP rights specifically for AI-generated works, ensuring that valuable innovations receive appropriate protection while maintaining the integrity of existing IP frameworks.

Economic incentives are still necessary​

The fundamental purpose of IP rights - to incentivize innovation and creativity - remains relevant in the AI era. Companies and individuals investing significant resources in developing AI technologies and AI-generated works need assurance that their investments will be protected. Without IP protections, cutting-edge AI research and development will decline.

Attribution and ownership challenges still exist​

While AI complicates issues of authorship and inventorship, solutions are emerging. For example, some propose attributing AI-generated works to the individuals or companies responsible for creating and deploying the AI system. This approach maintains the concept of human authorship while acknowledging AI's role.

IP rights help manage AI ethics and accountability​

As AI systems become more sophisticated, IP rights can serve as a mechanism for ensuring accountability and ethical use. By attributing ownership and responsibility for AI-generated works, intellectual property frameworks can help address concerns about the potential misuse of AI technologies.

Protection against infringement remains critical​

Even in an AI-driven world, the need to protect against unauthorized use or reproduction of creative works and inventions persists. IP rights provide a legal framework for creators and innovators to defend their work against infringement, whether by humans or other AI systems[2].

International cooperation is strengthening IP protections​

Global efforts to harmonize IP laws and address AI-related challenges are underway. International organizations and treaties are working to establish consistent approaches to AI and IP, ensuring that intellectual property rights remain enforceable across borders[2].

Summary​

In case your brain is melting, let me summarize here. AI presents unique challenges to traditional IP concepts. It does not negate the need for intellectual property protection. Instead, it underscores the importance of adapting and strengthening IP frameworks to address the complexities of AI-generated works. By evolving alongside technological advancements, IP laws can continue to foster innovation, protect creative endeavors, and provide essential economic incentives in the age of artificial intelligence.

  • Question
AI Essentials and AI+ expansions

Had a student of mine ask about AI Essentials and if it would be offered in the future. I was not aware of any such things until he showed me this article:


And now I am curious, what is the latest with these expansions? Is this going to be a new pathway or what is going on with them. The article mentions a July 24 release, but I am not finding anything about them on CIN or other places. just curious.

Penetration testing tools

I've found that students often struggle with practical applications of pentesting tools. One way I make this easier is by using Kali Linux labs to demonstrate real-world scenarios. For example, I set up a vulnerable machine using Metasploitable and have students practice using Nmap for network discovery and Metasploit for exploitation. I also encourage them to experiment with EvilPDF for embedding payloads into PDFs, which ties in nicely with social engineering topics. Does anyone have tips on simulating phishing attacks for teaching purposes?

  • Question
Help for Student re: Request for Accommodation due to English as a Second Language

Hello everyone.

I have been in a Zoom call with one of my students for almost two hours (insane!!!!). She is in my Canadian cohort in Calgary. I am in the USA. This woman clearly has a language barrier. English is not her first language; however, she studies hard, and she understands English and can talk in conversations. She has a heavy accent, and it takes her some time to get through the reading, but she just takes more time to read. We are trying to book her for the Core 1 CompTIA A+. We went to the special accommodations website as they directed, but when we get there, the only options available to request special accommodations for are if you have a cognitive or learning disability. I know they have allowed for it in the past. I had some students request and receive it for their AWS certifications and received it. I would think it would be the same scenario as well. It says so on the website for Pearson Vue.

Is it possible that someone who knows the rules can assist? How do we request accommodations for her? I fear without the accommodation, she will not pass. She is now a citizen of Canada, but she is from Pakistan. She received her Canadian citizenship two years ago. Can someone help me figure this out? The accommodations office is now closed. I have another possible student who has the same language barrier issues as well.

By the way, they said it could take 10 days. When my students did it, they got almost immediate approval once they proved English was not their first language. Is it really going to take them 10 days to figure out these women don't speak English well?

Thanks,

D Ross

  • Question
Routing Issues

I recently dealt with a client’s network outage caused by a misconfigured router. I had to dig into the routing tables and found that one static route was pointing to the wrong gateway. Once corrected, the network was restored. Have you encountered similar routing issues in your teaching, and how do you explain routing table troubleshooting to your students?

Certified Instructors Wanted in Minnesota

We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable instructor to teach a variety of CompTIA certification courses starting this Fall. This is a 10-month contract teaching position with synchronous online and face to face course delivery. This position will be part time, teaching two classes per session. There is a possibility of full time hours moving forward, but is not guaranteed at this time.

Courses to be taught include:
  • CompTIA A+ (Core 1 and Core 2)
  • CompTIA Network+ (N+)
  • CompTIA Security+ (S+)
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
  • CompTIA PenTest+

Responsibilities:
  • Teach classes covering the objectives for the respective CompTIA certification exams
  • Develop engaging course materials, lectures, labs, and assignments aligned with certification objectives
  • Provide interactive instruction, answer student questions, and facilitate discussions
  • Grade assignments, exams, and provide constructive feedback to students
  • Hold regular online office hours for student support
  • Maintain accurate student records and submit grades on time

Position Qualifications​

  • Current CompTIA certifications in the areas you will be teaching (A+, N+, S+, CySA+, PenTest+)
  • Minimum of 3 years' experience in IT roles related to the certification subject areas
  • Proven experience teaching CompTIA certification courses, preferably in an online environment
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and instructional skills
  • Ability to create an engaging, interactive virtual classroom experience
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities
  • Basic proficiency with online teaching platforms and tools (training provided)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field
  • Industry certifications beyond CompTIA (Cisco, Microsoft, cloud, etc.)
  • Prior curriculum development experience for certification courses
  • Experience with virtual lab environments for hands-on exercises

Competitive compensation based on courses taught and experience.


Please submit your resume/CV along with copies of relevant certifications if interested in this opportunity.

AI: The Intellectual Property Assassin – Is Human Creativity Obsolete?

Traditional intellectual property thinking no longer applies​

In the era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, the concept of intellectual property (IP) faces unprecedented challenges. As AI systems become increasingly capable of generating creative works and innovations, the traditional notions of IP become obsolete.
AI Face.jpg

Has AI nullified intellectual property?​

Here are three reasons why I think intellectual property no longer exists in its current form in the AI era:

1. Blurred lines of authorship and inventorship in intellectual property​

AI systems can now create content and develop solutions that rival human-generated works. This capability blurs the lines between human and machine-generated content, creating significant challenges to traditional concepts of authorship and inventorship. When an AI system creates a piece of art or develops a new formula, determining ownership becomes complex. Is it the AI itself, the developers who created the AI, or the company that owns the system? But wait there’s more. AI systems often rely on vast datasets for training, which may include copyrighted materials. The process of machine learning involves analyzing and learning from these datasets, potentially creating derivative works in the process. This further complicates the issue of authorship and ownership, as it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between human-created content and AI-generated works influenced by existing intellectual property.

2. Rapid pace of innovation outstrips intellectual property’s legal frameworks​

The speed at which AI technology is advancing far outpaces the development of legal frameworks designed to protect intellectual property. AI systems can generate new ideas, solutions, and creative works super fast, often iterating and improving upon existing concepts in ways that blur the lines between incremental improvements and major inventions. This rapid pace of AI-driven innovation creates several challenges for the existing IP system:

Not enough room here. Please see https://cybersafetynet.net/does-int...rtificial-intelligence-generating-content-no/.
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