4 Key Linux Skills to Master for a Cybersecurity Professional Career

Cybersecurity is not just a necessity but also a crucial factor in business success. In today’s era, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With new viruses and malware constantly emerging, professionals must clearly understand Linux systems and networks. Moreover, one of the best ways to learn this information is by using Linux-based software like Kali Linux. This software provides you with the skills to perform vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, forensic analysis, and more.

An IBM report shows how cybersecurity vulnerabilities increased in 2020-21 by 33%. Therefore, businesses need more robust security systems to ensure a secure experience for users. Securing the system requires skilled professionals. Especially if you want to improve the security of the specific operating system, access to talent becomes crucial.

Linux is a leading operating system that is popular for its security. As a result, businesses are looking to hire security professionals with specific Linux skills. In addition, it is an operating system used by 33.7% of websites worldwide, meaning companies need a secure Linux system. This is where learning professional skills can make all the difference if you want to build a career in cybersecurity.

Here are four essential Linux skills you can learn and make a career in cybersecurity.

1. Linux

Learning Linux is like opening a box of tools you can use to secure systems!

Cybersecurity professionals need to have proper knowledge of secure Linux systemsand networks. There are several types of Linux, but the most popular are Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, and OpenSUSE.

Each type of Linux has pros and cons- so research which is best for you before getting started. For example, if you are new to Linux, a basic understanding of UNIX might help you learn how to use Linux commands effectively. Additionally, familiarity with different network protocols can protect company data from cyberattacks.

Here are some of the fundamental Linux core essentials that you need to know for cybersecurity,

●              Understanding of crucial administration and networking functions

●              How to start and stop Linux service

●              Kernels and command line functions

●              Pen testing and vulnerability scanning commands

●              Security modules and regular expressions

●              Knowledge of Linux cybersecurity tools

2. Networking

Knowing the network at your fingertips makes you an attractive choice to businesses!

If you are a cybersecurity professional, networking is a crucial skill. You should know about starting and stopping services and processes. Understanding TCP/IP- basics such as interpreting IP address spaces, subnets, addresses, and routing is key to being productive on a network. Knowing how firewalls work- both commercial and open source options- will allow you to understand why attacks might occur when entering your network from the internet.

Furthermore, understanding common security threats that target networks are critical for mitigating potential damage or loss of data. Finally, cybersecurity professionals must be proficient in server administration tasks such as creating user accounts, setting password policies, and configuring email servers.

3. Regex

Learning Regex provides you with a powerful capability of finding malicious file content!

Regular expressions are a powerful Linux cybersecurity toolfor pattern-matching data. You can quickly identify malicious file content or configuration information by understanding how to use regular expressions.

For example, you could use regex to determine if a file is a malware based on its filename extension (e.g., “.exe,” “.bat,” etc.). Alternatively, you could match login credentials within specific files to gain access to an account on a server.

4. CVE

Knowing the vulnerability is half battle won for any cybersecurity professional!

From installing an SSL certificate on a Linux server to penetration testing, identifying the vulnerabilities is key to implementing security solutions. A Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) identifier is a unique name assigned to publicly known security vulnerabilities, exposures, attacks, or malicious code releases. Understanding and knowing CVEs is key to finding security solutions and tools for your Linux systems.

●  Installing an SSL certificate on a Linux server will secure your Linux server from cyber-attacks.

● Ethical Hacking- An ethical hacker will not just look for security loopholes; they will also test a target system’s security to ensure that all systems are working correctly and as intended.

●  Vulnerability Analysis- Knowing how to use a vulnerability analysis tool can help identify potential security holes in systems.

● Penetration Testing- A penetration tester will look for security vulnerabilities in web applications and other systems to find ways to breach and access confidential data.

●  Understand Cloud Computing- Linux can be used in conjunction with clouds to provide a secure server environment for remote users.

● Understanding Security Systems- Familiarity with common security systems will help you identify and mitigate any potential threats cyber-attackers pose before they can do damage.

●  Know various Linux cybersecurity tools- This will help you identify and mitigate cyber-attackers’ threats.

Conclusion

As a cybersecurity professional, you need to be proficient in using Linux. This blog has compiled a list of essential Linux skills to help you achieve this goal. From file management to security, we have covered everything you need to know to be a successful cybersecurity professional. So make sure to check out the blog and learn everything you need to know about Linux skills!