Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/endpoints-and-systems
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, understanding the fundamentals of endpoint operating systems is paramount. The Coursera course, ‘Endpoints and Systems,’ delivers precisely that, focusing on the three most prevalent OSs: Windows, Linux, and Mac. While it touches upon all three, this review will highlight its exceptional coverage of Windows and Linux, making it an invaluable resource for associate-level cybersecurity analysts.
For anyone working in a Security Operations Center (SOC), encountering diverse operating systems is a daily reality. This course breaks down the complexities of Windows and Linux into digestible modules, equipping you with the foundational knowledge needed to navigate security incidents effectively.
**Windows Deep Dive:** The Windows section is incredibly comprehensive. It starts with a historical overview and delves into the core architecture, explaining processes, threads, and memory allocation. You’ll learn about essential components like services, NTFS file system functionality and structure, and user account management. The course doesn’t shy away from practical application, covering both the graphical user interface (GUI) and the command-line interface (CLI), including PowerShell and the `net` command. Managing startup services, shutting down systems, monitoring resources with Task Manager, understanding the boot process, configuring networking, and utilizing the Windows Registry and Event Viewer are all thoroughly explained. The inclusion of Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and common third-party tools further enhances its practical value.
**Linux Essentials:** Similarly, the Linux module provides a robust introduction. It covers the history and benefits of Linux, its architecture, and the file system, including essential navigation and management commands, file properties, and permissions. Crucially, it explains `root` and `sudo` privileges, storage, the boot process, and safe shutdown procedures. The course explores system processes, shell usage, piping, and other command-line tools. Network management, including Secure Shell (SSH), and the SysV service management model are well-covered. You’ll also learn about DNS, name resolution, network traffic viewing, remote syslog, and package managers for software installation. The overview of LDAP and system applications used to serve clients rounds out this comprehensive section.
**Endpoint Security Technologies:** The final module bridges the gap between OS knowledge and practical security. It explains host-based firewalls, antivirus, HIPS, application whitelisting/blacklisting, and malware protection. Sandboxing and file integrity checking are discussed in the context of network security. The course even explores Windows Defender and Windows Firewall, providing hands-on understanding of built-in security tools.
**Recommendation:**
‘Endpoints and Systems’ is a must-take for aspiring cybersecurity analysts. Its clear explanations, practical examples, and broad coverage of both Windows and Linux make it an excellent foundation. While prior familiarity with CCNA, TCP/IP networking, and basic security concepts is recommended, the course is structured to build upon these fundamentals effectively. If you’re looking to strengthen your understanding of the operating systems you’ll be defending, this course is an outstanding choice.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/endpoints-and-systems