the_information_nexus/docs/tech_docs/cybersecurity_getting_started.md

Using Docker and Docker Compose is an excellent choice for building out your cybersecurity lab capabilities. It allows you to create portable, isolated environments for each learning path, making it easy to deploy, manage, and scale your lab setup. Here's how you can structure your lab using Docker and Docker Compose:

1. Create a directory structure for your Docker-based lab:

cybersecurity-lab/
├── network-security/
│   ├── docker-compose.yml
│   └── Dockerfile
├── web-app-security/
│   ├── docker-compose.yml
│   └── Dockerfile
├── incident-response/
│   ├── docker-compose.yml
│   └── Dockerfile
└── malware-analysis/
    ├── docker-compose.yml
    └── Dockerfile

2. For each learning path, create a Dockerfile that includes the necessary tools and dependencies. Here's an example Dockerfile for the network-security path:

FROM ubuntu:20.04

RUN apt-get update && apt-get install -y \
    wireshark \
    gns3-server \
    gns3-gui \
    openvpn \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

CMD ["bash"]

3. Create a docker-compose.yml file for each learning path to define the services, networks, and volumes. Here's an example for the network-security path:

version: '3'
services:
  network-security:
    build: .
    container_name: network-security
    volumes:
      - ./shared:/shared
    networks:
      - lab-network
    tty: true

networks:
  lab-network:
    driver: bridge

volumes:
  shared:
    driver: local

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each learning path, customizing the Dockerfile and docker-compose.yml files as needed.

5. To start a specific learning path environment, navigate to the corresponding directory and run:

docker-compose up -d

This command will build the Docker image and start the container in detached mode.

6. To access the container, use:

docker exec -it network-security bash

Replace network-security with the appropriate container name for each learning path.

7. You can share files between the host and containers using the mapped volumes defined in the docker-compose.yml files.

8. To stop and remove the containers, networks, and volumes, run:

docker-compose down -v

Mermaid Diagram

graph TD;
A[cybersecurity-lab] --> B[network-security]
A --> C[web-app-security]
A --> D[incident-response]
A --> E[malware-analysis]
B --> F[Dockerfile]
B --> G[docker-compose.yml]
C --> H[Dockerfile]
C --> I[docker-compose.yml]
D --> J[Dockerfile]
D --> K[docker-compose.yml]
E --> L[Dockerfile]
E --> M[docker-compose.yml]

By using Docker and Docker Compose, you can create a flexible and modular cybersecurity lab environment that allows you to focus on specific learning paths. This approach makes it easy to manage dependencies, share resources, and maintain isolated environments for each area of study.

---

I'm glad you found the Docker and Docker Compose based lab setup helpful! Let's brainstorm some ideas to further enhance and expand your cybersecurity lab:

1. Centralized Lab Management:

   • Create a central docker-compose.yml file at the root level to manage all learning path environments.
   • Use a tool like Portainer to provide a web-based GUI for managing Docker containers, images, networks, and volumes.

2. Persistent Storage:

   • Use named volumes or bind mounts to persist data generated within the containers.
   • This allows you to retain important files, such as configuration settings, logs, and project files, even if the containers are removed or recreated.

3. Network Simulation:

   • Create a more complex network topology using Docker networks to simulate real-world scenarios.
   • Use tools like GNS3 or EVE-NG to create virtual networks and integrate them with your Docker-based lab.

4. Automated Lab Provisioning:

   • Develop a script or use a configuration management tool like Ansible to automate the provisioning of your lab environment.
   • This can include setting up the directory structure, creating Dockerfiles and Docker Compose files, and starting the containers.

5. Vulnerability Scanning:

   • Integrate vulnerability scanning tools like Nessus or OpenVAS into your lab environment.
   • Create dedicated containers for vulnerability scanning and automate the scanning process using scripts or CI/CD pipelines.

6. Security Monitoring:

   • Implement a centralized security monitoring solution like ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) or Splunk.
   • Configure your lab containers to send logs and metrics to the monitoring solution for analysis and alerting.

7. Collaborative Learning:

   • Set up a shared Git repository to store lab configurations, Dockerfiles, and project files.
   • Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members by using version control and documentation.

8. Integration with Cloud Platforms:

   • Explore options to integrate your Docker-based lab with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
   • Use cloud-based services for scalability, high availability, and cost-effectiveness.

9. Continuous Learning:

   • Regularly update your lab environment with the latest tools, vulnerabilities, and security techniques.
   • Participate in online communities, attend conferences, and engage in CTF (Capture The Flag) events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.

10. Automated Builds and Updates:

    • Utilize a CI/CD pipeline to automatically build and update your Docker images when changes are made to the Dockerfiles or source code.
    • Integrate tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or GitHub Actions to streamline the build and deployment process.

Mermaid Diagram

graph TD;
A[cybersecurity-lab] --> B[Centralized Lab Management]
A --> C[Persistent Storage]
A --> D[Network Simulation]
A --> E[Automated Lab Provisioning]
A --> F[Vulnerability Scanning]
A --> G[Security Monitoring]
A --> H[Collaborative Learning]
A --> I[Integration with Cloud Platforms]
A --> J[Continuous Learning]
A --> K[Automated Builds and Updates]

By implementing these ideas, you can create a robust, scalable, and comprehensive cybersecurity lab environment using Docker and Docker Compose. This setup will allow you to explore various security concepts, collaborate with others, and continuously improve your skills in a practical and hands-on manner.

---

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.