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Introduction
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to surge as organizations prioritize digital security. Google offers free, industry-recognized courses to help aspiring and experienced professionals gain essential cybersecurity skills. This article explores key cybersecurity learning resources, verified commands, and best practices to secure systems effectively.
Learning Objectives
- Understand fundamental cybersecurity concepts and threats.
- Learn practical Linux and Windows security commands.
- Explore cloud security and vulnerability mitigation techniques.
You Should Know
1. Essential Linux Security Commands
Command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
What it does:
Updates the package list and upgrades installed packages to patch vulnerabilities.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Open a terminal.
- Run the command to fetch the latest updates.
- Apply upgrades to secure your system against known exploits.
2. Windows Security Hardening
Command (PowerShell):
Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled True
What it does:
Enables Windows Firewall for all network profiles to block unauthorized access.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Execute the command to activate firewall protection.
3. Verify status using `Get-NetFirewallProfile`.
3. Detecting Open Ports with Nmap
Command:
nmap -sV <target_IP>
What it does:
Scans a target system for open ports and service versions, aiding vulnerability assessment.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Install Nmap (`sudo apt install nmap`).
2. Run the scan to identify exposed services.
3. Analyze results and close unnecessary ports.
4. Securing SSH Access
Command:
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
What it does:
Modifies SSH configuration to disable root login and enforce key-based authentication.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Open the SSH config file.
2. Set `PermitRootLogin no` and `PasswordAuthentication no`.
3. Restart SSH (`sudo systemctl restart sshd`).
5. Cloud Security: AWS IAM Policy Hardening
Command (AWS CLI):
aws iam create-policy --policy-name LeastPrivilege --policy-document file://policy.json
What it does:
Creates a minimal-permission IAM policy to reduce attack surfaces.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Define a JSON policy with least-privilege access.
2. Apply the policy via AWS CLI.
3. Audit permissions regularly.
6. Vulnerability Scanning with OpenVAS
Command:
openvas-start
What it does:
Launches OpenVAS for automated vulnerability scanning and reporting.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Install OpenVAS (`sudo apt install openvas`).
- Start the service and access the web interface.
3. Schedule scans for critical systems.
7. API Security: OAuth 2.0 Token Validation
Command (cURL):
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer <token>" https://api.example.com/data
What it does:
Tests API endpoint security by validating OAuth 2.0 tokens.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Generate a valid token from your IdP.
2. Use cURL to authenticate API requests.
3. Monitor logs for unauthorized access attempts.
What Undercode Say
- Key Takeaway 1: Proactive system hardening reduces breach risks by 70%.
- Key Takeaway 2: Automated scanning tools like Nmap and OpenVAS are critical for continuous security monitoring.
Analysis:
With cyberattacks growing in sophistication, mastering foundational security practices is non-negotiable. Google’s free courses provide accessible training, but hands-on implementation—such as firewall hardening and SSH security—is essential. Organizations must prioritize zero-trust frameworks and least-privilege access to mitigate insider threats and external exploits.
Prediction
By 2026, AI-driven threat detection will dominate cybersecurity, but human expertise in manual penetration testing and policy enforcement will remain indispensable. Professionals who combine certification knowledge with practical skills will lead the industry.
Explore Google’s Free Cybersecurity Course Here: Google Cybersecurity Course
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IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Rahul Kumar – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
