Re: Startup security lab setup

[David Schekaiban <david () codigoverde com>]

Abo,

First try to evaluate what the lab's main purpose would be, is it to offer 
services internally or externally (scan and protect your services or help 
other companies), to train people or to "test" random stuff. I'd suggest you 
get some Linux boxes on there, I can strongly recommend Debian and 
openSUSE, they both behave well. Maybe what you could do is get 2 physical 
machines, one that acts as a "main" and other that works as a "client", then 
install your nifty tools on one and strip the other one up. This would be a 
VERY simple and basic and cheap setting.

Then get some virtual machine technology, Sun xVM Virtualbox works like a 
charm, that way you can emulate machines in the lab to basically screw 
around, infect them with trojans, install malware or whatever you need. This 
way you can try different types of Windows, Linux and so on.

Some interesting tools are included in Backtrack, its a live Linux distro that 
integrates a lot of tools like Metasploit, Nessus, Paros and SO MANY others.

If you need more details contact me. Best regards from Mexico.


David Schekaiban, CISA, CISSP
david () codigoverde com
twitter.com/codigoverde
 
> Hello All,
>
> i've been asked to start a lab setup for my company, with a focus on
> vulnerability assessments. So far, what i have in mind includes: a
> firewall unit, a couple of PCs with different OS flavors, some VA
> applications (Nessus, metasploit...)
> What else should i look for? what applications would you deem
> indispensable in such a lab?
>
> thanks in advance,
> -AS.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> This list is sponsored by: InfoSec Institute
>
> Learn all of the latest penetration testing techniques in InfoSec
> Institute's Ethical Hacking class. Totally hands-on course with evening
> Capture The Flag (CTF) exercises, Certified Ethical Hacker and Certified
> Penetration Tester exams, taught by an expert with years of real pen
> testing experience.
>
> http://www.infosecinstitute.com/courses/ethical_hacking_training.html
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment: signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part.