Advanced Linux Networking and Security

Overview

Updated in May 2025. This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. Take a deep dive into advanced Linux networking, security, and automation with this hands-on course designed for IT professionals and system administrators. You’ll learn to master containerized applications, streamline workflows with automation tools, secure Linux environments, and manage complex networking configurations. The course begins with containerization and automation, introducing Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, and Terraform to deploy, scale, and manage applications and Linux hosts efficiently. Next, you’ll explore the Linux boot process, gaining the skills to monitor, control, and troubleshoot boot-related issues using tools like grub, systemd, and journalctl. The networking module focuses on configuring adapters, DNS services, and secure remote access with SSH. You’ll also tackle network troubleshooting using tools like tcpdump, netstat, and Wireshark while mastering file transfers and diagnostics. Finally, you’ll enhance your Linux security knowledge by implementing SELinux, AppArmor, firewalls, and SSL/TLS encryption. You’ll also learn about advanced authentication methods like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and LDAP to ensure a robust and secure environment. This course is ideal for IT professionals and system administrators with basic Linux knowledge

Syllabus

Containers and Automation

In this module, we will explore containers and automation in Linux. You’ll learn how to deploy and manage containerized applications with Docker, automate workflows with Kubernetes and Ansible, and control large-scale deployments with Git for version tracking and configuration management.

Linux Boot Process

In this module, we will focus on understanding and managing the Linux boot process. You’ll learn the step-by-step boot sequence, explore kernel activity, and troubleshoot common boot issues using essential tools. This knowledge ensures systems are booted and configured effectively.

Linux Networking

In this module, we will delve into Linux networking essentials. You’ll learn how to configure network adapters, manage DNS lookups, troubleshoot connectivity, and perform secure file transfers. Additionally, you’ll explore SSH for secure remote server access and management.

Linux Security

In this module, we will focus on securing Linux systems. You’ll learn to enforce access controls with SELinux and AppArmor, configure firewalls, and secure SSH with certificate-based authentication. Advanced topics like web server encryption and multi-factor authentication ensure comprehensive Linux security coverage.