the_information_nexus/docs/tech_docs/cybersecurity_getting_started.md

Based on the learning paths and skill development areas you've outlined, here's a detailed guide on how to incorporate these into your homelab.local Active Directory domain:

Path 1: Network Security Specialist

1. Create a dedicated Network Security sub-OU under the CyberLab OU.
2. Set up a virtual machine (VM) with the following configuration:
   • Name: NetworkSec01
   • OS: Ubuntu Server 20.04 LTS
   • IP Address: 192.168.10.20
   • Tools:
     • Wireshark: Network protocol analyzer
     • GNS3: Network simulation software
     • pfSense: Open-source firewall and VPN solution
3. Configure a virtual network in GNS3 to practice network security concepts and test firewall rules.
4. Use pfSense to set up a VPN connection between the CyberLab and HomeDevices VLANs for secure remote access.
5. Create a shared folder named NetworkSec in the Lab Data share on the NAS for storing network captures, configuration files, and documentation.

Path 2: Web Application Security Expert

1. Create a dedicated WebAppSec sub-OU under the CyberLab OU.
2. Set up a VM with the following configuration:
   • Name: WebAppSec01
   • OS: Kali Linux 2021.1
   • IP Address: 192.168.10.30
   • Tools:
     • OWASP ZAP: Web application security testing tool
     • Burp Suite: Integrated platform for web application security testing
     • Docker: Containerization platform for deploying vulnerable web applications
3. Use Docker to deploy intentionally vulnerable web applications like OWASP Juice Shop and DVWA for practicing web application security testing.
4. Create a shared folder named WebAppSec in the Lab Data share on the NAS for storing web application security testing reports and findings.

Path 3: Incident Response and Digital Forensics Analyst

1. Create a dedicated IncidentResponse sub-OU under the CyberLab OU.
2. Set up a VM with the following configuration:
   • Name: IncidentResp01
   • OS: Windows 10 Pro
   • IP Address: 192.168.10.40
   • Tools:
     • The Sleuth Kit: Digital forensics toolkit
     • Volatility: Memory forensics framework
     • Security Onion: Intrusion detection and network security monitoring platform
3. Configure Security Onion to monitor network traffic on the CyberLab VLAN and generate alerts for suspicious activities.
4. Create a shared folder named IncidentResp in the Lab Data share on the NAS for storing incident response reports, digital evidence, and case documentation.

Path 4: Malware Analyst and Reverse Engineering

1. Create a dedicated MalwareAnalysis sub-OU under the CyberLab OU.
2. Set up a VM with the following configuration:
   • Name: MalwareAnalysis01
   • OS: Windows 10 Pro
   • IP Address: 192.168.10.50
   • Tools:
     • Ghidra: Software reverse engineering tool
     • Malwarebytes: Anti-malware software
     • REMnux: Linux toolkit for reverse-engineering and analyzing malware
3. Use Ghidra and REMnux to analyze malware samples and develop defense strategies.
4. Create a shared folder named MalwareAnalysis in the Lab Data share on the NAS for storing malware samples, analysis reports, and reverse engineering projects.

Mermaid Diagram

graph TD;
A[CyberLab] --> B[Network Security]
A --> C[WebAppSec]
A --> D[IncidentResponse]
A --> E[MalwareAnalysis]
B --> F[NetworkSec01 VM]
C --> G[WebAppSec01 VM]
D --> H[IncidentResp01 VM]
E --> I[MalwareAnalysis01 VM]
J[NAS] --> K[Lab Data]
K --> L[NetworkSec]
K --> M[WebAppSec]
K --> N[IncidentResp]
K --> O[MalwareAnalysis]

Conclusion

By incorporating these learning paths and skill development areas into your homelab.local Active Directory domain, you can create a comprehensive and structured environment for enhancing your cybersecurity skills. The dedicated VMs, tools, and shared folders for each path will facilitate focused learning and practical experience in network security, web application security, incident response, digital forensics, malware analysis, and reverse engineering.