The Linux Hardening course provides hands-on instruction in securing Linux systems through policy enforcement, access control, service hardening, auditing, and system monitoring. Students learn to configure authentication mechanisms, enforce least privilege, harden boot and runtime environments, secure network services, and establish logging and auditing pipelines to support defensive operations. Emphasis is placed on practical configuration, validation, and operational sustainment rather than theoretical security concepts. By the end of the course, students will be able to implement layered hardening controls and evaluate system security posture in alignment with defined operational requirements. The course concludes with a Culmination Exercise (CULEX) that requires students to harden and assess a Linux system using structured defensive methodologies.
Intended Audience: Cyber defenders, system administrators, and security practitioners with foundational Linux knowledge who are responsible for securing, maintaining, or assessing Linux systems. This course is intended for students who have completed Linux Fundamentals or possess equivalent experience and are transitioning from basic system administration to defensive hardening and security enforcement roles.