This Specialization will show you the ins and outs of Linux security, from protecting your Linux server environment from attacks to working with services and systems, securing SSH, and more. Learn how to use Linux as a server while also exploring how to cover client-side Linux security. The course has dozens of hand-on demonstrations so you can practice your skills as you learn.
Linux Security Basics and Beyond Specialization
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Linux Security Basics and Beyond Specialization
Learn the ins and outs of Linux security. Use Linux as a server and learn how to secure it against attacks.
Instructor: Pearson
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 month at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
1 month at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Gain expertise in securing Linux systems by learning to update, patch, and lock down various Linux distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu & CentOS.
Develop practical skills in configuring firewalls and securing SSH to protect individual Linux servers and entire networks from potential threats.
Enhance your knowledge of Linux file security by understanding how to safeguard storage drives, files, and access.
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Information Systems Security
- Remote Access Systems
- System Monitoring
- Linux Commands
- Zero Trust Network Access
- Linux Administration
- File Management
- IT Security Architecture
- Hardening
- OS Process Management
- Authentications
- Network Security
- Linux Servers
- User Accounts
- Data Security
- Security Strategy
- Application Security
Tools you'll learn
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
Recently updated!
July 2025
19 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
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Specialization - 4 course series
What you'll learn
Master user authentication methods, including GUI, CLI, and SSH for local and cloud systems.
Implement best practices for password security and management in Linux environments.
Understand and apply the principle of least privilege to enhance system security.
Differentiate and manage user privileges using su, sudo, and sudoers files.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Authentications
Category: User Accounts
Category: Linux
Category: Identity and Access Management
Category: Remote Access Systems
Category: Authorization (Computing)
Category: Linux Administration
Category: Linux Commands
Category: Command-Line Interface
What you'll learn
Understand and apply the principles of in-depth defense strategies and the CIA triad to Linux security.
Efficiently update and manage Linux systems to enhance security and performance.
Harden Linux distributions by configuring services and implementing best practices.
Secure applications using Linux security modules like AppArmor and SELinux.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Information Systems Security
Category: Hardening
Category: Linux
Category: Systems Administration
Category: Patch Management
Category: Service Management
Category: Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Category: Application Security
Category: Infrastructure Security
Category: Security Controls
Category: Linux Administration
Category: Network Security
What you'll learn
Understand and implement various Linux-based firewall technologies, including UFW, firewalld, and nftables.
Configure and manage firewalls to control network traffic and enhance system security.
Secure SSH connections using keys and advanced configuration techniques.
Develop a comprehensive security strategy with a focus on zero trust principles.
Skills you'll gain
Category: Firewall
Category: Zero Trust Network Access
Category: Hardening
Category: Network Security
Category: System Configuration
Category: Systems Administration
Category: Security Controls
Category: Security Strategy
Category: Remote Access Systems
Category: Linux
Category: Linux Administration
What you'll learn
Implement RAID systems and backup solutions to enhance data redundancy and availability.
Master file permissions, ownership, and encryption to secure sensitive information.
Analyze and manage Linux processes to optimize system performance.
Utilize advanced logging and auditing tools to maintain vigilant security monitoring.
Skills you'll gain
Category: OS Process Management
Category: Data Security
Category: File Management
Category: Encryption
Category: Linux Commands
Category: Information Systems Security
Category: Linux Servers
Category: Network Analysis
Category: Linux
Category: Network Security
Category: Data Storage
Category: Vulnerability Scanning
Category: Data Storage Technologies
Category: Linux Administration
Category: System Monitoring
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Frequently asked questions
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
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Financial aid available,