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Server sysadmin Training

Introduction

Virginia Tech requires system administrators (sysadmins) to attend a security training course once per year to ensure they have a basic understanding of best practices for security at Virginia Tech. If you are interested in more training resources Virginia Tech offers, visit security.vt.edu.

Virginia Tech also offers a wide range of training options on the PageUp Learning Management System.

Virginia Tech Security Awareness Training

The Virginia Tech offers online IT security awareness training that can be requested through 4Help or found on PageUp.

These trainings are best suited for any faculty, staff, or graduate students that wish to know more about Virginia Tech’s data security policies and standards, as well as information about current security trends, common attack methods, and how to defend against those methods.

Additionally, previous security training materials are available at https://security.vt.edu/resources/trainings.html.

SANS Security Training

SANS is one of the largest cyber security training organizations in the world. SANS courses offer top-notch training and industry-recognized certifications.

Virginia Tech has hosted some of their courses on campus. To see the previously hosted courses, go to https://security.vt.edu/service/training.html and scroll down until you see a table with the year and the course offered.

Securing the Human Training

Approximate Duration: 55 minutes

All employees may take the online SANS course, Securing the Human IT Security Awareness Training. The training is valid for one year and can be renewed by taking an Annual Renewal version of the course.

Securing the Human training introduces people to the IT threats that the university faces, how to spot and avoid cyberattacks, and basic data security practices. This course is best suited for individuals who are unfamiliar with IT security concepts.

Secure Coding Practices Resources

To learn more about secure coding practices, please view the knowledge base (KB) article Application Secure Software Development.

TLOS Professional Development

Virginia Tech’s professional development website TLOS has a self-paced course on cybers ecurity. To enroll, click the link and click Enroll.

SANS Institute Resources

The SANS Institute has a great selection of cyber security resources that cover a wide range of topics. SANS also offers courses and workshops to ensure sysadmins are well versed in cyber security best practices. If you are interested in what SANS has to offer, go to sans.org/security-resources.

Windows Server

Windows Server is well documented and has lots of resources to ensure sysadmins can carry out any tasks needed on the server. Here are a few of the best sources of information on how to use Windows Server:

  • Windows Server Documentation - The official documentation provided by Microsoft is incredibly in depth and easy to understand. Whether you are looking for a specific task to complete, or are just looking for an introduction, the official Windows Server Documentation is a great place to start.
  • Windows Certifications - While documentation is a great place to start, certification can be a good way to ensure sysadmins are efficient in completing tasks. Whether it’s server fundamentals, or something more specific like security, Microsoft Certifications can be a great way of training sysadmins.

macOS

Apple has discontinued macOS server.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu Server is one of the most popular Linux Server distributions and is well documented. The following are a few good sources of training and information for Ubuntu server sysadmins.

  • Ubuntu Server Guide - The official Ubuntu Server guide is a great place to learn the fundamentals of using your Ubuntu server, whilst also providing in-depth information on how to carry out more complex tasks.
  • Linux Professional Institute Certifications - The Linux Professional Institute Certifications are a great way to learn how to use Linux as a server.

Debian

Debian is a very popular Linux distribution and therefore has a wide range of resources designed to help sysadmins learn how to better manage their systems.

  • Debian Users’ Manual - The official Debian Users’ Manual is a great place to learn the ins and outs of Debian.
  • The Debian Administrator’s Handbook - The Debian Administrator’s Handbook was written by two Debian developers and offers lots of great information on how sysadmins can manage their Debian System.

Fedora

Fedora has a wide range of resources for sysadmins to learn from.

  • Fedora Docs - The Fedora Docs offers a wide range of information, from beginner to advanced, and is therefore a great starting point for Fedora sysadmins.
  • Fedora System Administrators Guide - Another resource offered by Fedora, aimed more specifically at administrators.

Procedures

All system administrators of medium and high risk servers are required to attend a security training course once per year.

Below are procedures for requesting, enrolling, and renewing security trainings offered through 4Help, TLOS, and the PageUp Talent Management System.

Request an Awareness Training Session

  1. Log into 4Help.
  2. Go to Service Catalog > Security > Awareness Training.
  3. Click or tap Request this service.
  4. Fill out the request form and click Submit.

Enroll in Securing the Human Training

  1. Ensure you are logged in to PageUp Talent Management System. 
  2. Use this link, Securing the Human IT Security Awareness Training - New Employees / Initial Training, to access the training. 
  3. Click Learn now.

Renew Existing Securing the Human Training

  1. Ensure you are logged in to PageUp Talent Management System. 
  2. Use this link, Securing the Human Annual Renewal IT Security Awareness Training, to access the training. 
  3. Click Learn now.

Resources