A Single-Board Computing Constellation Supporting Integration of Hands-On Cybersecurity Laboratories into Operating Systems Courses

Abstract

Integration of relevant hands-on cybersecurity content into laboratories supporting our required operating systems course helps to provide all computing students a baseline level of cybersecurity knowledge, even if those students never enroll in a dedicated cybersecurity course. However, these hands-on laboratories often require rebuilding of kernels, capturing network traffic, running offensive cybersecurity tools, so that they either require dedicated computer infrastructure, thus increasing the costs in budget-strapped higher education institutions or frequent administrative actions in case of shared infrastructure. To address this problem, we have developed a low-cost single-board computing constellation and support infrastructure as a cost-effective means of delivering both instruction in traditional operating systems topics and related cybersecurity concepts, such as two-factor authentication and isolation via virtualization. Use of physical infrastructure instead of virtualized laboratory infrastructure has several advantages. The computing constellation offers simplified configuration and management, flexibility, isolation, deployment of diverse laboratory assignments, and uniformity of user experience. The use of physical infrastructure built upon a low-cost single board computer makes the computing constellation scalable to address rising enrollments. This paper includes an overview of the security-focused laboratories added to the operating systems course, and the construction and operation of the computing constellation infrastructure so that other educators may replicate the infrastructure and integrate similar hands-on cybersecurity laboratories into their existing computing curriculum.