Homework 1

Due Date: 2026-07-06 23:59:59

• Homework 1
  • Introduction
  • Tasks
  • Submission

Introduction

This homework is intended for you to provide verification of a functional virtual machine. You will be using this environment for the rest of the term. In theory, you have already completed nearly all of this. However, I want to make sure that you have a working environment before we get too far into the term.

All work will be submitted via MarkDown documents within a gitlab repo. You will be using this repo for the rest of the term. This repo exists on the CECS intranet.

If you aren’t familiar with how to use git, please see the git page for some basic instructions. If you’re not familiar with markdown, please see the technical writing page for some basic instructions.

Tasks

1. Create a private GitLab repo called introsec-su26-<CECS> (replace <CECS> with your actual MCECS username) and clone it to your local machine. You will be using this repo for the rest of the term. This repo exists on the CECS intranet, and uses your CECS credentials for authentication.
2. Add dmcgrath as a member (developer or higher) of your repo. This will allow us to view your repo and provide feedback.
3. Create a folder within the repo called hw1. This is where you will add documentation regarding this assignment.
4. Now that you have your repo set up, we’ll be turning to the VM. Follow the macOS or Windows instructions to get a VM set up and configured. Use the pages linked here rather than the versions under other course directories — the Windows page in particular differs, because WSL will not work for what we do later in the term. I would suggest you document everything you did in a markdown file in your repo called hw1.md. And by suggest I mean require. I’m just being nice about it.
5. Take a screenshot of the Kali VM with the output of the command ip a s showing. Add this to your repo and include it in your hw1.md file.
6. Follow the instructions on this git repo page to configure the Kali VM. Document this in your hw1.md file.

7. Include a screenshot of the shell immediately after ssh login (or opening the terminal emulator if you’re using the GUI) showing the successful application of the required environment. Instructions on how to apply said environment are in the repo’s README.md.

   

8. HackTheBox is a widely-used security training site that focuses on developing practical, hands-on skills for its users. The site is organized in “modules” that contain lab content for users to complete to obtain (eventual) certificates. We will be using several of the site’s free modules as part of the course.

   Visit HTB Academy and create an account. Access to modules is metered in cubes, HTB Academy’s in-site currency; a free account is granted enough cubes to cover every module this course assigns, provided you finish each one rather than unlocking modules you do not complete. If you find the exercises useful, consider a subscription to continue your development after the course — HTB offers student pricing at a substantial discount over the standard annual rate.

9. Complete the Introduction to Information Security module. It covers fundamental security principles, terminology, access control models, and threat models.

   Take a screenshot showing completion of the module — all sections done, 100% — with your MCECS username visible on the page. Add the screenshot to your repo and reference it from hw1.md.

Submission

Once you have completed the above, you should have a markdown file in your repo called hw1/hw1.md that contains all the requested information. Commit and push this to your repo. Also commit and include the requested screenshots. Once you have done this, you can consider the assignment submitted.