News for and about the Internet2 community

[Brian Warkoczeski <>]

Merit Network Announces Online Class on SELinux Security, Jan. 19 & 26

Short course focuses on preventing malicious attacks

January 5, 2010

Ann Arbor, Mich. - Merit Network Inc. announced today that it is hosting 
"Hands-on SELinux: A Practical Introduction" in its series of online 
learning classes. The course, taught during two three-hour sessions, is 
provided through Merit's Professional Learning program and will be held 
on January 19 and 26, 2011, beginning at 6:00 p.m. EST each day. 
Registration is open to all.

The course's instructor is Charles Antonelli, a research computing 
specialist at the University of Michigan who has taught classes on many 
aspects of computer security. Dr. Antonelli says that SELinux is a 
security option that deserves attention from Linux system 
administrators, in part because it can stop zero-day attacks.

"SELinux--or Security-Enhanced Linux--is a set of modifications that 
adds mandatory access controls to Linux kernels. Administrators can use 
SELinux to help provide an additional layer of security that complements 
existing anti-virus and intrusion detection systems. As SELinux does not 
depend on pre-existing signatures, it can foil attacks that have not yet 
become known to the security industry."

The course will teach administrators about SELinux principles and 
components. Topics include installation and configuration, 
interpretation of log records, and how to secure applications by 
creating SELinux policies. Students will learn the SELinux skills to 
secure their own platforms running their own applications.

Andy Rosenzweig, manager of professional learning at Merit, says the 
course is a natural component in Merit's efforts to provide educational 
services to a wider audience.

"Charles has taught a number of security classes for Merit Members over 
the past three years. Those have typically been limited to a single 
classroom, and we are using technology to help make this learning 
available without the expense of travel. That benefits Merit's Members 
throughout the state as well as institutions nationwide."

The course is offered to Merit Members and the broader educational 
community for US$69, an introductory price made possible through the 
contributions of Merit's Community Supporter program. Others may 
register for US$89.

Registration and more information are available at:

http://www.merit.edu/learning/selinux


About Merit Network

Merit Network Inc., a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by 
Michigan's public universities, owns and operates America's 
longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, 
Michigan's public universities created Merit as a shared resource to 
help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its 
formation, Merit Network has remained on the forefront of research and 
education networking expertise and services. Merit provides 
high-performance networking solutions to public universities, colleges, 
K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other 
non-profit organizations.  Merit has been Michigan's Internet2 Network 
connector since 1999.