IT-Security Training for Administrators

Minimize attack risks with hands-on hacking e-learning.

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Customers boosting their security with Cyber LABs

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Amadeus
Audi
Munich Airport
Lufthansa
Osram
RS

Better admins with security know-how than attackers with domain rights

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50% faster learning successes
With the Cyber Labs, we achieve a time saving of 50% compared to live events without compromising the learning success. In the past, on-site trainers needed 8 hours for the same content. Why? Mainly because of regular breaks and waiting times until all participants had started the LABs and typed the commands correctly. In the Cyber Lab, 2 virtual trainers now provide varied training in a "capture the flag" approach and each participant can complete the LABs at "their" own pace.
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Made by IT pros for IT pros
The content comes from security specialists, the pentesters and incident responders at HvS-Consulting. The preparation comes from the IS-FOX learning specialists. The result is an IT security training course that conveys complex topics in an understandable and varied way. No marketing blah-blah, but concrete tips and assistance for more security. Prepared in such a way that security beginners can follow along easily, but even security experts won't be bored. That's why we often read "Best training course ever" in participant feedback.
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Safe behaviour guaranteed
The main problem with security awareness in IT is a lack of knowledge and/or understanding. Secure behaviour in IT changes everyday working life, sometimes making it more complicated. Without an understanding of the "why" and the context, there is a lack of acceptance, even if there are policies in place. Only the change of perspective (attacker's point of view) with the execution of attacks in the LAB creates a very high level of personal involvement and understanding. This understanding plus the specific tips create security-conscious behaviour and therefore significantly more security.

Module 1: Secure Administration

Administrators learn the security basics and recognise potential threats. Our content, developed by incident response experts, has been perfected over years of successful classroom training. They are based on real-life APT attack scenarios, which ensures their relevance and effectiveness.

Intro

Introduction & basics:

  • How does the training work?
  • How do professional APT attackers operate?
  • Why are they so dangerous?
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Die APT-Kill-Chain

Reconnaissance: Reconnaissance of the target area through research and scans.
LAB exercise Scan of the environment with nmap and construction of the infrastructure map of the LAB.

Analysis: Detection of weak points with Nessus Report and development of the attack strategy.

Exploit Linux: Intrusion into Linux systems.
LAB exercise SSH Brute-Force with Hydra.

Exploit Windows: Intrusion into Windows systems.
LAB exercise Eternalblue (NSA Tool) with Metaspoit.

Lateral Movement: Take over of further systems and extension of rights up to Domain Admin.
LAB exercise 'Pass the Hash' with mimikatz and access to domain controllers with psexec.

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Resilience

Patching & Hardening:

LAB exercise exploitation of Shellshock with meterpreter on Linux.

  • Patch your systems promptly
  • Harden your systems

Secure Administration:

LAB exercise usage of captured Linux passwords on other systems.

  • Use different passwords
  • Stick to RBAC and the principle of least privileges
  • End RDP sessions properly (with explanation of RDP hopping)
  • Use Password Manager, avoid hardcoded passwords
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Detection & Response

Detection / Vulnerability Management: 'Detection is a must nowadays'.

  • Introduction of the different detection instruments (NIDS, SIEM, EDR).
  • Explanation SOC / CERT.
  • Fix detected vulnerabilities promptly.
  • Be vigilant yourself and watch out for anomalies.

In an emergency: correct behavior in an emergency with/without CERT.

  • Isolate the systems
  • Do not change system status
  • Clearly document what you are doing.
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Social Engineering

Phishing & Social Engineering: "You can be manipulated too, you just need a different bait."

  • Do not click on unknown attachments
  • Do not surf with administrative rights
  • Avoid dubious pages
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Test

Final test with multiple choice questions:

If you pass, you will receive a certificate for download

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Cyber Security training for IT admins with Capture the flag approach
Cyber Security Training for IT admins LAB environment in Azure
Cyber Security training for IT admins interactive exercise for NMAP scan
Screenshot from Eternal Blue Hacking
Cyber Security Training for IT admins LAB exercise with Mimikatz and Eternal Blue
Screenshot of the explanation of the TIER model from Microsoft

Module 2: Cloud and AD Security

The second Admin LAB module "Cloud and AD Security" covers hot security topics such as Cloud Security, Defence in Depth and Active Directory Security and offers a unique learning experience with a real trainer and an AI avatar.

Intro

Introduction & basics:

  • How does the training work?
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Security concepts part 1

Cloud security: The operating models in the cloud

Shared responsibility: the role of the admin and the cloud provider

Tips in the cloud: Clean account separation. PIM/PAM solutions / Jump Server. Various multi-factor methods. Private networks and IP restrictions
LAB exercise: Access to poorly configured cloud database through OSINT research

Defence in Depth: Attack vectors of modern ransomware gangs. Defence in depth based on various layers such as user awareness, perimeter security, network security, IAM, secure administration, secure software development, detection & response
LAB exercise: Linux SSH Bruteforce with and without MFA

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Security concepts part 2

Importance of EDR: Differences to antivirus solutions. Use of EDR tools. Coexistence with antivirus software. Dealing with exclusions
LAB exercise: Effects of antivirus exclusions

Backup: Deadly sins in backup from a security perspective. The right backup strategy. Cloud exit and restore tests.

Logging in the cloud: Meaningful logs in the cloud

Patching & lifecycle management: The importance of patching: response time depending on criticality. Security tips for end-of-life systems.

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Active Directory Security

Active Directory:
LAB exercise: Evaluation of an Active Directory security scan

  • The security of cloud AD versus on-premise AD
  • Possible solution options for secure ADs
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Security tips

Authorisations on shares:
LAB exercise: Capturing privileged accounts through poorly set authorisations

  • Awareness for assigning authorisations
  • Inconsiderate share authorisations can create major security holes

NTFS and NFS: Setting permissions correctly
LAB exercise: Reading Linux shares

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Test

Final test with multiple-choice questions:

If you pass, you will receive a certificate to download.

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Cyber Security Training for IT admins with two virtual trainer human and AI
Cyber Security Training for IT admins explanation cloud security and cloud models
Cyber Security Training for IT admins interactive exercise cloud security
Cyber Security Training for IT admins LAB environment in Azure
Cyber Security Training for IT admins LAB exercise SQL shell
Cyber Security Training for IT admins interactive decision path

Participant Feedback

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Prices? Demo? Advice?

Nothing is more convincing than trying it out for yourself. Get free access and test our Cyber LABs.
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Cyber LABs - perfect for companies of all sizes

The challenges
  • SMEs do not have security specialists. Their service providers (system houses) also have a limited view and sell the products of their manufacturers.
  • If individual security products are only used selectively, without a strategy and sometimes inadequately configured, then the risk of a successful attack is not sufficiently reduced. Such companies have no adequate defence against a professional attack.
  • Successful attacks can be life-threatening for the companies affected. Numerous companies have already had to file for insolvency due to cyber attacks.
The solution: Cyber LABs
  • IT managers learn how to turn individual security layers into an effective strategy. Many effective measures do not cost any additional money, they just need to be activated and properly configured.
  • If companies take the tips and measures from the Cyber LABs to heart, they significantly reduce the risk of an attack threatening their existence.
  • The cost/benefit ratio is excellent because companies are able to make a big leap in their cyber security with simple means.
The challenges
  • The measures defined by security are not implemented or are only implemented inadequately because there is a lack of understanding.
  • Branches, national subsidiaries and branch offices in particular often have a significantly lower level of cyber security maturity and serve as a gateway for attackers.
  • Many IT tasks are outsourced to external service providers that cannot be reached by the security teams.
The solution: Cyber LABs
  • Cyber LABs can be used to sensitise and train system administrators internationally on the topic of cyber security, regardless of location, time or company affiliation.
  • Existing security guidelines (e.g. hardening, patching, secure administration) are implemented better and faster, and resistance to security measures disappears.
  • The level of security increases, especially in decentralised units and with IT service providers. This significantly reduces the risk of a successful attack.

A lot of good reasons

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Internationally applicable
The Security Training for Administrators is available in German and English. It is Scorm compatible and can therefore either be integrated into your own learning management system (LMS) or provided by us as a cloud service. The Security LAB for Administrators simulates a company network with several prepared Windows and Linux systems and contains up-to-date attack tools. There, the participants put the acquired knowledge into practice.
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Policies can be integrated
In principle, no individual customizations are necessary. However, we have provided numerous places where you can integrate your relevant documents and policies (hardening guides, emergency processes, etc.) on demand. As part of this customizing, we will of course also integrate your company logo and name your security contacts (SOC, CERT, Defense Center, ISO, etc.).
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Fair pricing model
The Cyber Security LAB e-learning for administrators is licensed by training participants. The price for a training participant (including e-learning course, LAB infrastructure, operation, licenses, etc.) is between 80,- and 250,- EUR net plus VAT depending on the number of participants and thus costs a fraction of a comparable classroom training... but delivers practically the same learning success.

Frequently asked questions

The Cyber LABs are aimed at internal and external people who design, develop or operate IT infrastructure, i.e. IT managers, IT architects, application owners, software developers, system managers, administrators and support staff.

All "hacking scenarios" in the Cyber LAB are based on real APT attacks by current hacker groups and are therefore highly relevant. In the e-learning part of the Cyber LAB, we impart the knowledge of how professional attackers proceed - in the LAB environment, the participants are allowed to implement the knowledge they have learnt in the LAB themselves. They slip into the role of the attacker and work through a typical "kill chain". This change of perspective trains security awareness for potential vulnerabilities and promotes secure behaviour.

IT administrators understand the approach of modern attackers and learn to see cyber security as a concept and not as a collection of security products. Numerous practical tips enable them to significantly strengthen the security of their infrastructure through configuration, the use of on-board tools and security-conscious behaviour.

IT decision-makers in small and medium-sized companies will understand how cyber security works as a concept, which measures have priority and why the mere use of individual security products does not lead to the desired protection. This enables them to make better and more efficient decisions about the use of security tools and to better categorise the marketing promises of individual manufacturers.

Decentralised IT administrators understand the approach of modern attackers and learn why the cyber security guidelines of central IT are sensible and useful. They develop an understanding of the measures and no longer perceive them as annoying additional work from the head office. Security findings from audits and assessments are resolved faster and better, and the security level in the decentralised units increases considerably thanks to security-conscious behaviour.

HvS-Consulting, the company behind the IS-FOX brand, combines the expertise of a cyber security specialist and a learning specialist in a unique and special way. The technical security consultants and incident responders at HvS-Consulting are among the best in their field and experience attacks on companies on a daily basis, how the attackers proceed and which technical and human vulnerabilities they exploit.

The IS-FOX Security Awareness Team takes this special knowledge, reduces complexity and prepares it in a learning didactic way so that the training courses set the right priorities, are understandable, contain practical and realisable tips and are fun to attend.

Traditional, non-specialist learning specialists do not understand the complex content of cyber security and therefore cannot prepare the content optimally. Security specialists are too deep in the subject matter and are usually unable to convey this expertise in a simple way. The "magic" of the courses is created by this unique combination of security and learning specialists in one company.

In the LAB, participants can put the knowledge they have learnt into practice. The LAB for administrators simulates a company network with several prepared Windows and Linux systems, totalling 8 server systems. It contains up-to-date attack tools and assistance.

Option "Shared LAB environment"

You get access to one of our shared LAB environments in Microsoft Azure. Your participants share the LAB with other customers. Each customer can access the shared LAB environment with a maximum of 2 simultaneous users. A shared LAB environment is ideal if you want to train a small number of participants over a longer period of time (e.g. 50 participants in 1 year). Typical scenarios are smaller companies with few IT employees and larger companies that want to offer training to new employees on a permanent basis.

Option "Own LAB environment"

You receive one (or more) exclusive LAB environments in Microsoft Azure for your participants. They access the LAB environment(s) together. You can choose between 2 LAB sizes: "Standard" with 5 or "Enterprise" with 25 simultaneous users in the LAB. A dedicated LAB environment is ideal if you want to train a large number of participants in a short space of time (e.g. 200 participants in 3 months). A typical scenario is the initial training of all IT colleagues.

As standard, the learning units (the courses) are offered fully synchronised in German and English. On request, the learning units can be subtitled in other languages for an additional charge. The LAB environment is always in English.

You can use the Cyber LABs as a rental licence and choose between a term of six and twelve months. A six-month extension is possible.

Yes, the learning units can be integrated into your own LMS via "SCORM Streaming". As a customer, you will receive a learning package in SCORM format for your LMS. Although the content is retrieved ("streamed") via the IS-FOX Cloud, the course behaves identically to an "internal course", i.e. course administration, invitation management, booking of success, etc. takes place in your LMS.

The LABs and the associated administration (the "LAB Portal") contain a great deal of technology and logic and therefore cannot be operated in a customer's own Azure tenant. However, you can store the link to your internal LMS in the LAB Portal in order to establish a transparent connection.

Yes, that is possible. In order to better map your maturity level and your internal processes, we have created various jumping-off points where you can choose from ready-made modules or refer to your internal guidelines.

Yes, all courses include a follow-up test in multiple-choice form. After successfully passing the test, participants can download a certificate as a PDF.

The tracking dashboard is a matter for the learning management system. Our LMS naturally offers invitation management, participation tracking and corresponding statistics.

Yes, thanks to our expertise in incident response and forensics, we are always up to date with the latest technology, security vulnerabilities and attack vectors. We regularly pour this expertise into new content for your awareness target groups.

Yes, thanks to the many, sometimes optional, explanations and assistance in e-learning and in the LAB environment, we offer support where it is needed and avoid unnecessary explanations where they are not required. In addition, we offer a support service that provides your participants with help and advice should something not work.