Linux Professional Institute Certification 303 (Enterprise Security) (303-500)

Overview

The LPIC-3 303 Enterprise Security certification, offered by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI), is an advanced, vendor-neutral credential that validates expertise in securing Linux systems at an enterprise level. As one of the LPIC-3 specialty certifications, it requires passing the LPIC-3 303 exam (exam code 303-500) and holding an active LPIC-2 certification. This course focuses on hardening Linux systems, monitoring for intrusions, and securing data both at rest and in transit. With the growing global cybersecurity threat landscape, this certification equips Linux administrators with specialized skills to meet the increasing demand for secure enterprise environments.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Experienced Linux administrators seeking advanced security expertise.
• IT professionals pursuing the LPIC-3 Enterprise Security certification.
• Security specialists managing Linux-based enterprise infrastructure.
• LPIC-2 certified individuals aiming to specialize in cybersecurity.

Prerequisites

To succeed in this course, participants should have:

• Active LPIC-2 certification (required to earn LPIC-3).
• Extensive experience with Linux system administration and networking.
• Basic knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and tools.

What You Will Learn

In this course, you will gain expertise in:

• Implementing cryptography for certificates, encryption, and DNS security.
• Hardening hosts and detecting intrusions using advanced tools.
• Managing access control with discretionary and mandatory systems like SELinux.
• Securing networks with packet filtering, VPNs, and vulnerability assessments.

Benefits of the Course

By completing this course, you will:

• Master advanced techniques to secure Linux systems against sophisticated threats.
• Be fully prepared to pass the LPIC-3 303-500 exam and earn a prestigious certification.
• Enhance your career in a high-demand field of enterprise cybersecurity.
• Gain practical skills to protect critical infrastructure in real-world scenarios.

Course Outline

• Topic 331: Cryptography
  • 331.1 X.509 Certificates and Public Key Infrastructures
    Candidates will understand X.509 certificates and public key infrastructure. They learn how to configure and use OpenSSL to implement certification authorities and issue SSL certificates for various purposes.
  • 331.2 X.509 Certificates for Encryption, Signing, and Authentication
    Candidates will learn to use X.509 certificates for both server and client authentication. This includes implementing user and server authentication for Apache HTTPD (version 2.4 or higher).
  • 331.3 Encrypted File Systems
    Candidates should be able to set up and configure encrypted file systems.
  • 331.4 DNS and Cryptography
    Candidates will gain knowledge and understanding of cryptography in the context of DNS and its implementation using BIND (version 9.7 or higher).
• Topic 332: Host Security
  • 332.1 Host Hardening
    Candidates will learn to secure computers running Linux against common threats.
  • 332.2 Host Intrusion Detection
    Candidates become familiar with the use and configuration of common host intrusion detection software. This includes managing the Linux Audit system and verifying a system's integrity.
  • 332.3 Resource Control
    Candidates will learn how to restrict the resources services and programs can consume.
• Topic 333: Access Control
  • 333.1 Discretionary Access Control
    Candidates will gain an understanding of discretionary access control (DAC) and know how to implement it using access control lists (ACLs). Additionally, candidates will understand and know how to use extended attributes.
  • 333.2 Mandatory Access Control
    Candidates will become familiar with mandatory access control (MAC) systems for Linux. Specifically, candidates will gain a thorough knowledge of SELinux and be aware of other MAC systems’ major features (without configuration details).
• Topic 334: Network Security
  • 334.1 Network Hardening
    Candidates should be able to secure networks against common threats. This includes analyzing network traffic of specific nodes and protocols.
  • 334.2 Network Intrusion Detection
    Candidates will become familiar with the use and configuration of network security scanning, monitoring, and intrusion detection software, including updating and maintaining security scanners.
  • 334.3 Packet Filtering
    Candidates should be familiar with the use and configuration of the netfilter Linux packet filter.
  • 334.4 Virtual Private Networks
    Candidates should be familiar with the use of OpenVPN, IPsec, and WireGuard to set up remote access and site-to-site VPNs.
• Topic 335: Threats and Vulnerability Assessment
  • 335.1 Common Security Vulnerabilities and Threats
    Candidates will gain an understanding of the principles of major types of security vulnerabilities and threats.
  • 335.2 Penetration Testing
    Candidates will gain an understanding of penetration testing concepts, including commonly used tools. Furthermore, candidates should be able to use nmap to verify the effectiveness of network security measures.