Linux servers now account for 33% of all networks servers running worldwide (Source: IDC). The top 3 market share holders in the network server space (IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell) all use Linux as their standard operating system. This book teaches Linux system administrators how to protect their servers from malicious threats.As with any technologies, increased usage results in increased attention from malicious hackers. For years a myth existed that Windows was inherently less secure than Linux, because there were significantly more attacks against Windows machines than Linux. This was a fallacy. There were more attacks against Windows machines because there were simply so many more Windows machines to attack. Now, the numbers tell the exact opposite story. Linux servers account for 1/3 of all servers worldwide, but in 2005 there were 3 times as many high-severity security vulnerabilities discovered on Linux servers (Source: IDC).This book covers Open Source security, implementing an intrusion detection system, unearthing Rootkits, defending against malware, creating Virtual Private Networks, and much more.The Perfect Reference for the Multitasked SysAdmin* Discover Why "Measure Twice, Cut Once" Applies to Securing Linux* Complete Coverage of Hardening the Operating System, Implementing an Intrusion Detection System, and Defending Databases* Short on Theory, History, and Technical Data that Is Not Helpful in Performing Your Job

With more than 600 security tools in its arsenal, the Kali Linux distribution can be overwhelming. Experienced and aspiring security professionals alike may find it challenging to select the most appropriate tool for conducting a given test. This practical book covers Kaliâ??s expansive security capabilities and helps you identify the tools you need to conduct a wide range of security tests and penetration tests. Youâ??ll also explore the vulnerabilities that make those tests necessary. Author Ric Messier takes you through the foundations of Kali Linux and explains methods for conducting tests on networks, web applications, wireless security, password vulnerability, and more. Youâ??ll discover different techniques for extending Kali tools and creating your own toolset. Learn tools for stress testing network stacks and applications Perform network reconnaissance to determine whatâ??s available to attackers Execute penetration tests using automated exploit tools such as Metasploit Use cracking tools to see if passwords meet complexity requirements Test wireless capabilities by injecting frames and cracking passwords Assess web application vulnerabilities with automated or proxy-based tools Create advanced attack techniques by extending Kali tools or developing your own Use Kali Linux to generate reports once testing is complete

The Perfect Reference for the Multitasked SysAdminThis is the perfect guide if network security tools is not your specialty. It is the perfect introduction to managing an infrastructure with freely available, and powerful, Open Source tools. Learn how to test and audit your systems using products like Snort and Wireshark and some of the add-ons available for both. In addition, learn handy techniques for network troubleshooting and protecting the perimeter.* Take InventorySee how taking an inventory of the devices on your network must be repeated regularly to ensure that the inventory remains accurate.* Use NmapLearn how Nmap has more features and options than any other free scanner.* Implement FirewallsUse netfilter to perform firewall logic and see how SmoothWall can turn a PC into a dedicated firewall appliance that is completely configurable.* Perform Basic HardeningPut an IT security policy in place so that you have a concrete set of standards against which to measure. * Install and Configure Snort and WiresharkExplore the feature set of these powerful tools, as well as their pitfalls and other security considerations.* Explore Snort Add-OnsUse tools like Oinkmaster to automatically keep Snort signature files current.* Troubleshoot Network ProblemsSee how to reporting on bandwidth usage and other metrics and to use data collection methods like sniffing, NetFlow, and SNMP.* Learn Defensive Monitoring ConsiderationsSee how to define your wireless network boundaries, and monitor to know if they're being exceeded and watch for unauthorized traffic on your network. - Covers the top 10 most popular open source security tools including Snort, Nessus, Wireshark, Nmap, and Kismet - Follows Syngress' proven "How to Cheat" pedagogy providing readers with everything they need and nothing they don't

Wireless connectivity is now a reality in most businesses. Yet by its nature, wireless networks are the most difficult to secure and are often the favorite target of intruders. This book provides the busy network administrator with best-practice solutions to securing the wireless networkWith the increased demand for mobile connectivity and the decrease in cost and in the time required for installation, wireless network connections will make up 20% of all corporate network connections by the end of 2006. With this increase in usage comes a commensurate increase in the network's vulnerability to intrusion. This book provides the typical network administrator with the basic tools and instruction they need to maintain a secure network while allowing acceptable access to users.· A practical product and technology specific guideline to securing a wireless networks for the busy System Administrator· Takes a simplified multi-layered approach into easily deployed plans for a straight forward understanding· Does not bog you down with history, but offers practical useful information for today

Most Systems Administrators are not security specialists. Keeping the network secure is one of many responsibilities, and it is usually not a priority until disaster strikes. How to Cheat at Securing Your Network is the perfect book for this audience. The book takes the huge amount of information available on network security and distils it into concise recommendations and instructions, using real world, step-by-step instruction. The latest addition to the best selling "How to Cheat..." series of IT handbooks, this book clearly identifies the primary vulnerabilities of most computer networks, including user access, remote access, messaging, wireless hacking, media, email threats, storage devices, and web applications. Solutions are provided for each type of threat, with emphasis on intrusion detection, prevention, and disaster recovery.* A concise information source - perfect for busy System Administrators with little spare time* Details what to do when disaster strikes your network* Covers the most likely threats to small to medium sized networks

This practical, tutorial-style book uses the Kali Linux distribution to teach Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. Topics include Linux command line basics, filesystems, networking, BASH basics, package management, logging, and the Linux kernel and drivers. If you're getting started along the exciting path of hacking, cybersecurity, and pentesting, Linux Basics for Hackers is an excellent first step. Using Kali Linux, an advanced penetration testing distribution of Linux, you'll learn the basics of using the Linux operating system and acquire the tools and techniques you'll need to take control of a Linux environment. First, you'll learn how to install Kali on a virtual machine and get an introduction to basic Linux concepts. Next, you'll tackle broader Linux topics like manipulating text, controlling file and directory permissions, and managing user environment variables. You'll then focus in on foundational hacking concepts like security and anonymity and learn scripting skills with bash and Python. Practical tutorials and exercises throughout will reinforce and test your skills as you learn how to: - Cover your tracks by changing your network information and manipulating the rsyslog logging utility - Write a tool to scan for network connections, and connect and listen to wireless networks - Keep your internet activity stealthy using Tor, proxy servers, VPNs, and encrypted email - Write a bash script to scan open ports for potential targets - Use and abuse services like MySQL, Apache web server, and OpenSSH - Build your own hacking tools, such as a remote video spy camera and a password cracker Hacking is complex, and there is no single way in. Why not start at the beginning with Linux Basics for Hackers?

Linux servers now account for 33% of all networks servers running worldwide (Source: IDC). The top 3 market share holders in the network server space (IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell) all use Linux as their standard operating system. This book teaches Linux system administrators how to protect their servers from malicious threats. As with any technologies, increased usage results in increased attention from malicious hackers. For years a myth existed that Windows was inherently less secure than Linux, because there were significantly more attacks against Windows machines than Linux. This was a fallacy. There were more attacks against Windows machines because there were simply so many more Windows machines to attack. Now, the numbers tell the exact opposite story. Linux servers account for 1/3 of all servers worldwide, but in 2005 there were 3 times as many high-severity security vulnerabilities discovered on Linux servers (Source: IDC). This book covers Open Source security, implementing an intrusion detection system, unearthing Rootkits, defending against malware, creating Virtual Private Networks, and much more. The Perfect Reference for the Multitasked SysAdmin * Discover Why "Measure Twice, Cut Once" Applies to Securing Linux * Complete Coverage of Hardening the Operating System, Implementing an Intrusion Detection System, and Defending Databases * Short on Theory, History, and Technical Data that Is Not Helpful in Performing Your Job.