Essential Cybersecurity Commands and Techniques for IT Professionals

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Introduction

Cybersecurity is a critical field requiring hands-on expertise in tools, commands, and mitigation strategies. This article covers verified Linux/Windows commands, cloud security configurations, and vulnerability management techniques to enhance your defensive and offensive security skills.

Learning Objectives

  • Master key Linux/Windows commands for system hardening and monitoring.
  • Implement cloud security best practices for AWS and Azure.
  • Detect and mitigate common vulnerabilities using command-line tools.

1. Linux System Hardening with `chmod` and `chown`

Command:

chmod 600 /etc/shadow 
chown root:root /etc/passwd

Step-by-Step Guide:

– `chmod 600` restricts read/write access to the `/etc/shadow` file (stores password hashes) to the root user only.
– `chown root:root` ensures the `/etc/passwd` file is owned by the root user and group, preventing unauthorized modifications.

2. Windows Event Log Analysis with `wevtutil`

Command:

wevtutil qe Security /f:text /rd:true

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Queries the Security event log (qe Security) in readable text format (/f:text).
    – `/rd:true` displays logs in reverse chronological order for efficient forensic analysis.

3. AWS S3 Bucket Hardening

Command:

aws s3api put-bucket-acl --bucket my-bucket --acl private

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Sets the S3 bucket ACL to “private,” restricting public access.
  • Always audit bucket policies using aws s3api get-bucket-policy.

4. Detecting Open Ports with `nmap`

Command:

nmap -sV -p 1-65535 192.168.1.1

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Scans all ports (-p 1-65535) on the target IP.
    – `-sV` identifies service versions running on open ports for vulnerability assessment.

5. Mitigating SQL Injection with Input Sanitization

Code Snippet (Python):

import sqlite3 
from flask import Flask, request

app = Flask(<strong>name</strong>) 
@app.route('/search') 
def search(): 
query = request.args.get('q') 
conn = sqlite3.connect('db.sqlite') 
cursor = conn.cursor() 
cursor.execute("SELECT  FROM products WHERE name = ?", (query,))

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Uses parameterized queries (?) to prevent SQL injection.
  • Never concatenate user input directly into SQL statements.

6. Azure VM Security with `az cli`

Command:

az vm update --resource-group MyRG --name MyVM --set identity.type='SystemAssigned'

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Enables System-Assigned Managed Identity for the VM, allowing secure access to Azure AD-protected resources.

7. Exploiting/Mitigating CVE-2021-44228 (Log4j)

Exploit Detection Command:

grep -r "jndi:ldap" /var/log/

Mitigation Command:

java -Dlog4j2.formatMsgNoLookups=true -jar app.jar

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Scans logs for Log4j exploitation attempts.
  • Mitigates by disabling JNDI lookups in vulnerable Java applications.

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: Command-line proficiency is non-negotiable for effective cybersecurity operations.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Cloud security requires continuous auditing via CLI tools like `aws` and az cli.

Analysis:

The intersection of automation (e.g., scripting) and manual command execution forms the backbone of modern security practices. As AI-driven attacks rise, mastering these commands ensures proactive defense. Future trends will demand tighter integration of these techniques into DevSecOps pipelines.

Prediction:

By 2025, 70% of cybersecurity workflows will rely on AI-augmented command-line tools, blending traditional scripting with machine learning for threat detection.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Thomas Cain – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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