Principles of Cybersecurity

This Laboratory Manual complements the Principles of Cybersecurity textbook and classroom-related studies. The laboratory activities in this manual help develop the valuable skills needed to pursue a career in the cybersecurity field. Laboratory activities should be an essential part of your training. They link the concepts presented in the textbook to hands-on performance. You should not expect to learn cybersecurity skills only through the textbook, lectures, and demonstrations. The activities in this manual correlate to the textbook chapters. Each chapter has at least four laboratory activities. Each laboratory activity begins with a brief overview of the activity. In some cases, this overview also sets up a scenario that will be used for the activity. Following the overview are learning outcomes. These are the objectives to meet by completing the activity.

After the learning outcomes is a list of the materials needed for the activity. Some activities can be completed with basic Internet access and word-processing software. Other activities are more involved and require a virtual machine and downloaded freeware or open-source software. The list of materials will indicate what is needed so you can be prepared prior to starting the activity.