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Free Cybersecurity Training Resources

One of the goals of this forum is to provide suggestions for available resources that can be used in the classroom. Listed below are resources you might consider using. The individual providing the resources to me and others at the National University "program advisory committee" meeting yesterday was Professor Chris Simpson. Hopefully, you will find them valuable:

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Check out the following that is free for students having a .edu email address:
https://www.immersivelabs.com/digital-cyber-academies/

Cyber Ranges
https://github.com/Cyb3rWard0g/mordor
https://github.com/clong/DetectionLab
https://github.com/secdevops-cuse/CyberRange

Some CTF’s NU students built. Please note the links use self-signed certs. Feel free to send feedback too:

https://13.57.56.130
http://cyberstrategyctf.com/

The New Cloud Essentials+ Exam

Earlier this year I took the beta exam for this somewhat neglected certification. I thought it was very useful, particularly for that segment of our world that do not necessarily need to be quite as geekish as some of us are, but need to understand cloud basics so they can be effective in making business decisions relative to how the cloud is going to be effectively implemented in their company. I'm looking at championing a grant driven effort that will do much the same as we have done for the ITF+ certification. Along those lines, the effort may well include the development of learning resources that will be public domain and available in a Canvas LMS importable file.

Where I see this "non-geekish" certification fit is for students receiving the ITF+ certification, the Cloud Essentials+ certification, and the AWS Practitioner certification. These three certifications I think would be valuable for that cloud salesperson who needs to have a general understanding of what the Cloud is all about, but not necessarily the depth of understanding required for someone in a technician role. Additionally, it would be valuable for someone in a cloud consumer decision-maker role. I'd appreciate your thoughts......
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How is everyone teaching log analysis?

Hello all,

Given that understanding and interpreting logs is a critical skill needed to pass the CySA+ exam, I was curious how others are teaching log analysis. I tend to use GNS3 and/or stand-along Virtual Machines and have some activities where I have folks interact with server processes (http, mail, ssh, etc.) and watch the logs. I also like to have my students run basic attacks from one appliance and watch the logs in real-time on the target appliance as the attacks play out. What is everyone else doing in this area? :)

Learning Linux for Pentesting

Here is a link for a Linux tutorial for those interested in Pentesting. This tutorial was originally posted by a participant in the Linux Huddle Slack Channel so it it looks familiar that is why. The tutorial focuses on installing a virtual machine, Kali Linux and working at the command line. It is a good primer to Linux, though someone would not be a pentester once you complete the tutorial. But a good set up to those going through the PenTest+ course that need a little help with Linux.

Linux for Ethical Hackers (Kali Linux Tutorial)

Seeking Advice on Updating Learning Content

In conjunction with a grant funded project I administer, we had two community college full-time faculty members and one high school teacher create learning content that relates to the CompTIA ITF+ exam objectives (FC0-U61). The content is accessible in the form of a Canvas LMS file that can be imported into Canvas. Since this is grant-funded it is open-source relative to public use. The problem that we recently encountered is having content that needs to be corrected. We are looking at ways to do it. My thought, and I'd like feedback is to create an errata (sheet of errors) that would identify the date of listing and information relating to the change that needs to be made (e.g. correct an answer on a quiz). The errata document would be on the web page where the content file would be downloaded.

While we would periodically update the master Canvas file, those using the file would need to periodically check the errata sheet to see if they need to make changes to the course content they are using or reusing.

If you want to look at the learning content, use it, or help us identify issues, you can download the file at the following site:

Once on the site, scroll down near the bottom to the area identified as "Descriptions and Links" and open the plus (+) sign next to "Open Source Dual Enrollment Canvas Package." You will then be able to download the file by clicking on the link. If you need a free Canvas teacher account where you can upload the course for use, set up a Canvas account at:

What is Cisco Doing With Its Certifications and Academy

I know many academic institutions utilize the Cisco Academy as a resource for content for the CompTIA A+ certification. As many of you are aware, Cisco made some changes to its certification program, eliminating the CCENT certification, and changing its CCNA certifications, as detailed in its website. As an instructor, I believe we need to be well versed in having an understanding of different certification paths so we can answer student questions. I know I have unanswered questions relative to the program changes that become effective February 24, 2020. I wanted to let you know that a webinar is currently scheduled for September 6th. Information about the webinar, coupled with a link to the registration page, is provided below. It should be interesting and I'd encourage attendance.

Cisco Update: A New Streamlined Certification Program
Have you heard about the changes to the Cisco Certification Program? Greg Coté, Product Manager at Cisco will discuss the updates in detail and Richard Grotegut, ICT-DM Regional Director will share how the new CCNA ties in with the CCC curriculum.
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An Opportunity to Direct Curriculum Towards Industry Recognized Certifications

Below is a link that relates specifically to a meeting where faculty and industry will be at the table discussing where IT learning content should be directed. I'd encourage both industry and educators to participate in the discussion, as I think it centers on where we are today, and where we will need to be in the future. I will be attending the California session. There is also one in Texas. Travel and lodging reimbursement is available as detailed in the registration form. Please consider attending or spreading the word, particularly to potential key industry representatives.

IT Skill Standards 2020 and Beyond (https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eghhuyd4038902be&oseq=&c=&ch=)

P.S. Yes, Stephen, Tazeen, and other CompTIAites. CompTIA should be represented at the discussions.

Are Certification Exams a Three or Four Course Meal?

I wanted to share with you the content of an email I sent to a group of students I had the pleasure of teaching last week, as I drove forward the idea of not being afraid to take the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. While content knowledge is important, my experience is students stand a better chance of success if they are relaxed during the exam, adopting an approach that includes both time management and "intelligent guessing" as detailed in a posting on my blog. Here is the email content:

SUBJECT: Comparison: Certification Exams and Eating Dinner

When you go to a good restaurant and look at the menu, you are basically planning for the next 90 minutes. A quality meal will have an appetizer, main course, and a dessert. All this, if you so desire, can be followed up with an after-dinner drink. How about, based upon the information provided below, you approach your exam in the same manner?

The appetizer is that first pass through the questions. Those performance-based questions are more challenging to digest so they will be part of the main course and will be skipped. Eat only those questions that are your favorites, leaving the less tasteful for dinner (your second pass). Where you sense that an item is could either be an appetizer or could be eaten with the main course (you are reasonably sure you know the correct answer but might change your mind), don't be afraid to give it a bite (answer the question), but be sure to keep it at the table (mark it) because you might want to eat it later.

On to the main course. Here you are relaxed, cruising through the meal. It is where, with the exception of the PBQs which should be saved for dessert, you answer those questions that you have not answered.

Dessert is a pleasure. Pleasure starts with those tasteful and satisfying PBQs. Make sure that you have plenty of time for the PBQs. That will only happen if you have moved through the appetizer and main course in a fairly rapid manner. Take as much time as is available for the PBQs, not rushing but savoring their taste.

When you are done it is time to consider having an after-dinner drink. Me, I don't drink so it is time to signal that I'm done and get up from the table. Some of you may choose to drink, and that's OK as long as you remember at the end of the meal, blood flow is directed away from your brain and distributed to your digestive system to deal with what you've eaten. So be careful changing your mind (and answers to questions).

That's pretty much it. Enjoy the meal and remember, if you don't know an answer, guess intelligently.

Pentest+ vs. CEH

Wanted to share with you a comment I made to the president of an educational institution that relates to the CompTIA Pentest+ certification. As you might expect, I'm of the opinion "Certified Ethical Hacker" gets a boost because of the certification title. But I think that is where the advantage ends. In today's email to him I said, "we need to talk about Pentest+ as an alternative to CEH. For background, see: https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/pentest-plus-vs-ceh/#gref".

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CompTIA CertMaster Linux

I'm curious about the CompTIA CertMaster Linux product. In my undergraduate courses, I often get questions like, "What's the best tool to use to prep for the certification exam?", or "Can you recommend a good 'test simulation' product?". One would logically reason that the "best" prep tool is the one offered by the certifying body responsible for the examination. That said, I didn't actually use the product when I obtained the Linux+ certification. Thus, I don't feel comfortable recommending the tool to my students based on my lack of first-hand knowledge.

Have you used the CertMaster product? If so, do you recommend CertMaster as a good prep tool? What did you like about CertMaster?

Project Management: Critical Skills Every Cybersecurity Specialist Needs

Did you know out of the 129,397 total U.S. Cybersecurity job postings during Q1 2019, Project Management was rated #4 as a top specialized skill? In your opinion, why is project management so important?

We've recently asked a panel of experts to join us for a webinar (Thursday, September 19th at 11 am CST) to explore this question.

Joining us for this event:
Juan Fernandez
VP Managed IT Services​
Imagenet Consulting​
Pamela McComas
Program Manager​
General Dynamics Information Technology​
Richard Rieben
Director of Audit Operations​
KirkpatrickPrice​

Moderated by Tazneen Kasem, CompTIA​
Register to join us, or access the post-event recording.​

Please share your thoughts on this topic. We will be exploring the importance of project management skills within IT rob roles.

CIN at CompTIA Partner Summit 2019

CompTIA Partner Summit 2019 is in the books! It was a busy week for CIN. CIN sponsored the Instructor Day sessions on the first day, August 6th with really good sessions covering the Big 3 certs as well as, CySA+, PenTest+, Cloud+ and Linux+. The new CIN platform was launched and announced on Wednesday, August 7th. The CIN Booth was busy the rest of the time with folks interested in the platform and asking questions about the community. We are growing!

Were you there? Share your experience and/or pictures with the group.


PS19_CIN1.jpgPS19_CIN2.jpg

Welcome to the new CIN platform!

Hello everyone! :) I hope everyone is as excited about the new CIN platform as I am. It is my sincere hope that we will have the same level of interaction, idea sharing, and community in these new forums as we have had in our past Train the Trainers and other series. Please help us get the word out about the new platform and encourage your colleagues to get signed up. This is going to be a great resource and I truly look forward to working with you all to help CIN continue to grow and better serve you. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any help in getting up to speed with the new system. Feel free to post any questions, input, and/or feedback to this thread or drop me a note directly. Thanks,
Lee

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Mentorship in IT

Having a mentor can help you navigate your career and explore new opportunities. It's also great to be a mentor so you can give back and continue learning as well. So with that said, I'd like to help pair anyone up who is interested in being a mentor or mentee. Please send me a message and let me know what specifically you are interested in mentoring or being mentored in. Excited to hear from people!

Linux+ Huddle

Anyone from the Linux+ TTT preparing for the exam? Check out the Linux+ Huddle, a Slack based study group that is a group preparing for the Linux+ cert. It is headed by by Du'An Lightfoot who is streaming live sessions on his YouTube channel every Sunday and Wednesday. Discussion happens in Slack! Great group right now.

Linux+ Huddle Slack Channel sign up.
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