Cyber Threat Hunting and Detection Lab

Introduction

Welcome to the Cybersecurity Threat Hunting and Detection Lab!

In this engaging and hands-on lab, I am excited to guide you through the world of cyber threat hunting and detection. Before we dive into the exciting world of identifying and mitigating digital threats, let’s ensure you’re all set up for success. Below are the lab requirements and prerequisites, providing you a clear roadmap to get started:

Lab Requirements:

1. Hardware:
   • A computer with sufficient hardware resources to comfortably run virtual machines.
   • A compatible operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Software:
   • VMware Workstation: A virtualization platform that will serve as the foundation for our lab environment. It allows you to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. VMware

Prerequisites:

1. Basic Computer Skills:
   • Comfort with basic computer operations, file management, and software installation.
2. VMware Workstation Installed:
   • Ensure you have VMware Workstation installed on your computer.
3. Lab-Specific Software:
   • Downloaded virtual machine images for:
     • PfSense: A powerful firewall and router platform that will be a cornerstone of our lab’s network security. Pfsense
     • Splunk: A leading data analysis and visualization tool for exploring and monitoring data from various sources. Splunk
     • Ubuntu: A versatile Linux distribution that we’ll use for certain cybersecurity exercises. Ubuntu Server
     • Windows 10: Microsoft’s popular operating system that’s essential for hands-on threat detection scenarios. Windows10
     • Windows Server 2019: A server operating system that plays a vital role in our lab’s network environment. Windows Server
     • Security Onion: An open-source network security monitoring and intrusion detection system. Security Onion
     • Kali Linux: A powerful and versatile penetration testing and ethical hacking Linux distribution, essential for various security-related tasks. Kali
4. Lab Documentation:
   • Be sure to have access to any lab-specific documentation or guides provided. This will ensure you can follow along seamlessly and make the most of your learning experience.

Setting Up Your Lab:

1. Install VMware Workstation:
   • If you haven’t already, install VMware Workstation on your computer. You can find installation instructions on the VMware website.
2. Import Virtual Machines:
   • Using the provided virtual machine images, import PfSense, Splunk, Ubuntu, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2019 into VMware Workstation.
3. Configure Networking:
   • Set up networking within VMware Workstation to ensure communication between virtual machines and with your host machine.
4. Start Exploring:
   • With your lab environment up and running, you’re ready to delve into the exciting world of threat hunting and detection. Follow the lab documentation to embark on various exercises and challenges designed to enhance your cybersecurity skills.