Skip to content

Cybersecurity Tools Setup

This guide will help you set up the necessary tools needed during the cybersecurity class.

We suggest running all class activities in a virtual environment, which will be provided for you when you start the first class. However, if you prefer to run the tools locally on your machine, you can do so by following the instructions below.

Provided software environment

  • Linux Ubuntu 24.04 LTS operating system
  • Basic installed packages like openssh-server, git, gpg, etc as require by each class.
  • QEMU - machine emulator and virtualizer

Hosted Platform Access

To get you started we have prepared for each student a virtual environment in our server infrastructure that you will need to access remotely. When class starts you will have received a personal email with details on how to access your personal environment. Read below for instructions on how to access your environment.

Make sure you recieved your welcome email with login instructions. Please open your browser to tools.futures.academany.org to access your environment.

Setup VPN access

We have put all virtual machines in a special network that is only accessible through our VPN (WireGuard). 1. Download the offical Wireguard app: wireguard.com 2. Import your personal configuration key we provided to you (ie. FFVPN.conf) 3. Click connect to connect to our network.

Access via SSH

You can also access your virtual machine via SSH using the IP address and login credentials we provided to you in the email.

  1. Use your terminal to connect via SSH: 
    ssh ubuntu@ip_address

Access via VNC to view desktop

  1. Download a VNC viewer app: (we suggest TigerVNC)
  2. Connect to your virtual machine using the IP address and port number we provided to you in the email
  3. Enter your password to access the desktop

You should see your desktop to your enviroment, where you can lauch apps like the Terminal to write commands

Local Setup

For those who prefer to run the tools locally on their machine, we suggest setting up a virtual environment;

  1. You need a Virtual Enviorment Manager (We suggest Virtual Box but you can use any you feel comfortable with, even docker containers).

  2. With VirtualBox, you need to download the installation CD/ISO of an OS (we suggest Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for those getting started, ubuntu.com/download/server).

  3. Create a new Virtual enviroment (ie. in Virutal Box) and go through the Linux installation process.

    ** TODO**: Add screenshots or steps for this process!!

  4. Once installed you can acess and install apps as we listed above as we go through the course.