highrulez

Cybersecurity Journey: Free Training, Certification Tips, and Exam Success

highrulez — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:28:35 +0000

Are you aspiring to enter the dynamic field of cybersecurity? Here’s an excellent opportunity for you – free entry-level cybersecurity training coupled with a certification exam. This initiative serves as a stepping stone for those eager to forge a path into the cybersecurity realm.

The self-paced training offered by ISC2 is a commendable resource, providing a solid foundation. However, it’s important to note that additional resources are recommended for thorough exam preparation. The certification exam itself can be challenging, and relying solely on ISC2 study materials might not suffice. Having a background in IT, I dedicated 10 days to prepare for the exam and, despite the difficulty, successfully passed on my first attempt.

Key tips for success include a deep understanding of the methodology and ensuring comprehension rather than mere memorization. I found Linked-In Learning and Prabh Nair’s YouTube videos to be invaluable resources, especially for those tackling the exam for the first time. Engaging in Linked-In pre-exam assessments helps identify weaker domains that require focused attention.

Understanding the exam outline for each domain is crucial. Personally, I utilized flashcards to gauge my understanding in each domain and dedicated time to practice exams from various sources. It’s worth noting that most practice exams tend to be more manageable than the actual test, so thorough preparation is essential.

For an exam closely aligned with real-world scenarios, Prabh Nair’s YouTube video is highly recommended. His explanations provide valuable insights into tackling questions effectively. To those embarking on this journey or recently registered as candidates, I wish you the very best! Success awaits those who are well-prepared.

Plesk ClamAV Installation: 7 Steps to Enhanced Email Security

highrulez — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 02:03:16 +0000

ClamAV: Open-Source Antivirus Benefits

ClamAV is an open-source antivirus engine designed to detect various types of malicious software, including viruses, malware, and spyware.

Plesk ClamAV Installation: Enhancing Email Security

In this comprehensive guide, we will leverage the capabilities of ClamAV as a viable alternative to Plesk Premium Antivirus, entrusting ClamAV with the crucial task of scanning both incoming and outgoing mail for potential threats.

The steps detailed in this tutorial have been meticulously tested on a dedicated server powered by Ubuntu. Rest assured, this guide aims to provide a seamless transition for users seeking an effective solution for email security. However, should you encounter any challenges or have queries during the implementation process, please feel free to reach out for prompt and personalized assistance. Your success in implementing ClamAV is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth experience for every user.

To kick off the process, let’s install the required packages for our project in the terminal on the Plesk server:

sudo apt-get install clamav clamav-base clamav-daemon clamav-freshclam clamav-milter clamsmtp -y

Commend the MilterSocket line ( #MilterSocket /var/run/clamav/clamav-milter.ctl )in the /etc/clamav/clamav-milter.conf file and add the line provided below:

MilterSocket inet:3381@localhost

To enhance your file access experience and facilitate seamless editing, I recommend leveraging the nano editor. To do so, initiate the process by executing the command ‘sudo nano /your/path‘ in the terminal. Once the nano editor is open, proceed with making your desired edits. Upon completion, finalize the editing process by pressing CTRL+X to exit, followed by confirming your decision with CTRL+C.

Moving on, navigate to the /etc/postfix/main.cf file. Introduce the following lines above the directive beginning with smtpd_milters. Remove the existing smtpd_milters line or you can comment and add this:

milter_default_action = accept
milter_protocol = 6
smtpd_milters = inet:127.0.0.1:12768, inet:127.0.0.1:3381
non_smtpd_milters = inet:127.0.0.1:3381

Then you can check the file /etc/clamsmtpd.conf to verify whether a tag has been appended to the mail header. To accomplish this, we just need to eliminate the hash symbol at the beginning of the following line:

Header: X-AV-Checked: ClamAV using ClamSMTP

Alrighty then, we initiate the restart of the listed services, after which ClamAV is set to perform a scan on freshly arriving emails:

sudo systemctl restart postfix
sudo systemctl restart clamav-milter.service
sudo systemctl restart clamav-daemon.service

Now, whether you have received an email or are sending a new one, the following entries should be present in the mail header:

X-Virus-Scanned: clamav-milter 0.103.8 at your.serverhost.name
X-Virus-Status: Clean

If you encounter an error where you are unable to send or receive an email, simply restart the service again, and it should function properly as if it were new!

To ensure that the services initiate automatic operation upon restarting the server, I suggest inputting the following commands in the command line:

sudo systemctl enable clamav-milter.service
sudo systemctl enable clamav-daemon.service

Conclusion

As we wrap up this guide on Plesk ClamAV installation, you now possess a powerful tool to enhance your email security. Tested rigorously on my dedicated Ubuntu server, this tutorial aims to guide you seamlessly through the integration of ClamAV.

Your success is my priority. I’ve provided detailed steps for package installation, insights on optimizing file access, and key configurations. Anticipating challenges, I’m here to offer personalized assistance for a smooth experience.

Recapping, we covered package installation, file edits, and service restarts to activate ClamAV scanning. Appended mail headers now reflect successful scans, ensuring heightened security for your emails.

In case of errors, a simple service restart should resolve issues. To fortify your system, consider enabling automatic operation upon server restart.

As we conclude, trust in your ability to implement ClamAV successfully. You’ve got a robust email security solution at your fingertips. For any queries, I’m here to help.

Amazon SES Mastery: Supercharge Email Success with 7 Sensory Steps & Postfix

highrulez — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 09:02:40 +0000

Setting up an efficient email system is essential in today’s digital landscape. Whether you’re running marketing campaigns, sending transactional updates, confirmations, or simple thank-you messages, leveraging powerful tools like Amazon SES is paramount. In this context, configuring an email system on your shared hosting may seem straightforward, especially for newcomers or those less familiar with the technical aspects. However, to ensure that your emails reach their intended destination and avoid the dreaded spam folder, strategic implementation and the right tools, such as Amazon SES, are crucial.

The Pitfalls of Email Delivery

Setting up a shared hosting and configuring email might initially sound like a straightforward task, but the reality is often more complex. One of the main challenges is avoiding the spam folder, where emails risk being overlooked or disregarded by recipients. To overcome this hurdle, it’s essential to employ a reliable and trusted email service.

Why Amazon SES?

Amazon SES offers a reliable infrastructure, ensuring high deliverability rates for your emails. It provides a cost-effective solution, allowing you to pay only for the emails you send. Additionally, SES includes features like dedicated IP addresses, email analytics, and a straightforward API for seamless integration.

Amazon SES offers a generous free tier for its users, especially for those already on the AWS platform. With Amazon SES, you can send up to 50,000 emails per month (in my case) without incurring any charges. This makes it an ideal choice for small to medium-scale email operations.

However, it’s important to note that once you exceed 50,000 free emails, a nominal fee comes into play. For every additional 1,000 emails beyond the free tier, the cost is approximately $0.10. This pay-as-you-go pricing model ensures that users only pay for the volume of emails they send beyond the generous initial limit.

In summary, Amazon SES provides a cost-effective solution, especially for users with moderate email needs. The free tier allows for substantial usage, and the subsequent pay-per-use pricing ensures that you only pay for the services you consume beyond the initial allocation. This flexibility makes Amazon SES a scalable and budget-friendly choice for businesses of all sizes.

Verify a New Domain

Access the AWS SES Management Console by logging in.
Navigate to the Domains section in the left menu, and proceed to verify a new domain by clicking the “Verify Identities” button.
In the Identity details, choose the identity type, either Domain or Email. For this tutorial, I’ll be selecting the Domain.
In “verifying your domain”, click on Advanced DKIM settings. Choose EASY DKIM, and then proceed to click on “Create Identity.”

Create SMTP Credentials

To establish authentication between Postfix and Amazon SES, it is necessary to create SMTP credentials.

Navigate to the left menu, click on SMTP Settings, and then select the “Create SMTP Credentials” button.
Provide the IAM User Name and proceed by clicking the “Create User” button.
Copy and save the SMTP Username and SMTP Password for later usage.

Remove the domain from the sandbox.

If your account is still in the sandbox, make sure to follow the setup guide. This will allow you to request production access, as the sandbox is limited to 200 emails per 24 hours and only permits email verification instead of domain verification.

Postfix Configuration

The Amazon SES domain has been successfully verified, and we can now proceed with the Postfix configuration.

Open the postfix configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf

Remove the empty relayhost line and add the following lines at the end of the file:

relayhost = [email-smtp.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com]:587
smtp_sasl_auth_enable = yes
smtp_sasl_security_options = noanonymous
smtp_sasl_password_maps = hash:/etc/postfix/sasl_passwd
smtp_use_tls = yes
smtp_tls_security_level = encrypt
smtp_tls_note_starttls_offer = yes

Replace the relayhost based on the AWS region you are using. You can find the Server Name by clicking on SMTP Settings in the left menu.

Create the authentication file:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd

and add the SMTP Credentials in the following format:

[$SMTP_HOST]:587 $SMTP_USERNAME:$SMTP_PASSWORD

Hash the authentication file:

sudo postmap hash:/etc/postfix/sasl_passwd

Set the owner and file permissions:

sudo chown root:root /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd.db
sudo chmod 0600 /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd /etc/postfix/sasl_passwd.db
sudo chown -R root:root /etc/postfix/
sudo chmod -R 655 /etc/postfix/

Restart the Postfix service to apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart postfix

Following the configuration of Amazon SES for Postfix, it’s time to conduct testing to ensure the successful delivery of emails via SMTP.

42KL Game Jam: Lost in Code – A Weekend of Game Development Thrills

highrulez — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 12:13:00 +0000

What is 42KL?

In the realm of tech education, 42KL stands out as a revolutionary concept, originating from the prestigious 42 network in France. This article delves into 42KL’s unique approach, offerings, and impact on aspiring technologists.

Unlike traditional institutions, 42KL operates on a peer-to-peer learning model, fostering collaboration. It establishes strong ties with industry leaders, providing exposure to real-world projects and potential employers. This interaction enhances students’ employability, setting them on a path to successful careers.

42KL is more than an educational institution; it’s a transformative experience for tech enthusiasts. With its innovative approach, peer-to-peer learning, comprehensive curriculum, and industry connections, 42KL shapes the future of tech professionals. For those seeking dynamic and impactful tech education, 42KL is the epitome of excellence.

Explore Your Potential with 42KL: Join the Piscine Intake on January 8th!

If you’re in Malaysia and eager to join 42KL, seize the opportunity with the upcoming Piscine intake on January 8th. No coding knowledge? No problem! Take the logic and memory test – it’s your gateway to a transformative learning experience. Whether you’re a coding novice or a seasoned pro, play the game and await the results. Your coding journey starts here! #42KL #PiscineIntake #CodingJourney

For additional details, visit 42KL’s official website.

Game Jam Thrills: Coding, Creativity, and Industry Insights

Over the past weekend, my foray into the captivating realm of game development reached new heights as I took part in a Game Jam hackathon meticulously organized by 42KL. The challenge presented was straightforward yet daunting: construct a fully functional game within the tight time frame of 55 hours, utilizing either Gdevelop 5 or Godot engines. The central theme guiding our creative endeavors was the enigmatic and evocative ‘LOST.’ The clock commenced its relentless ticking at 3 PM on Friday, and the looming deadline for our final submission intensified the exhilaration, culminating on Sunday at 10 PM.

However, the narrative of this weekend extravaganza transcends the mere facets of coding and game design. In anticipation of the Game Jam kickoff, 42KL demonstrated its commitment to providing an immersive experience by orchestrating the presence of industry experts on our campus. Distinguished representatives from acclaimed entities such as PS Studio and EA, alongside other esteemed development companies, graced us with their wisdom. These seasoned professionals generously shared their rich experiences, offering illuminating insights into the nuanced world of game development and the intricacies of the game developer role within a company.

The forum session emerged as an invaluable opportunity for us budding game developers. Beyond the technical intricacies of game development, we delved into the broader perspectives that define success in this dynamic field. Learning about the real-world challenges and triumphs from professionals who have navigated these waters was not only instructive but also incredibly motivating.

As the Game Jam unfolded, the knowledge acquired from these industry experts became a guiding beacon, influencing our creative decisions and problem-solving approaches. It transcended the realm of a mere coding challenge; it evolved into a holistic experience, encapsulating the very essence of what it means to be a game developer.

The 55-hour journey unfolded in a whirlwind of caffeine-fueled coding sessions, collaborative brainstorming, and occasional adrenaline rushes as we confronted the challenges posed by the ‘LOST’ theme. The deadline approached with surprising swiftness, but the palpable sense of accomplishment accompanied our final submission.

Participating in the 42KL Game Jam proved to be a rigorous examination of our technical skills and provided an invaluable platform for networking and learning from the best in the industry. The weekend became a microcosm of passion, camaraderie, and the shared pursuit of a common goal — creating something meaningful within the confines of time and theme.

Reflecting on this whirlwind of a weekend, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the 42KL Game Jam. It transcended the boundaries of a mere coding competition, encapsulating experiences gained, lessons learned, and connections forged. Here’s to the next thrilling adventure in the ever-evolving world of game development!