Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), in collaboration with Thomas More University from Belgium, hosted a four-day cybersecurity workshop from December 2nd to 5th, 2024. This initiative, under the MUST IUC-UCoBS Sub-Project 6, provided hands-on training in advanced cybersecurity concepts for 15 participants, including ICT staff and postgraduate students.
Above :During the cyber security session on creating intelligence with Liesbeth and Gunther
The workshop commenced with an introduction by facilitators Mr. Gunther Van Landeghem and Ms. Liesbeth Kenens. Mr. Amos Baryashaba officially opened the session, welcoming participants and outlining the workshop objectives.
Key Highlights
- Networking Setup Review: The current network infrastructure at MUST’s Kihumuro campus was analyzed, with discussions on NAT-ing and IPv6.
- OPNsense Installation: Participants logged into OPNsense, a robust open-source firewall platform. They explored its console menu, plugins like CrowdSec and Ntopng, and practical use cases such as firewall rules, IP blocking, and alias creation.
- Network Configuration: Participants were introduced to Layer 2 and Layer 3 designs, including LAGG, VLAN configurations, and virtual IPs.
Advanced Topics
- Cyber Threat Intelligence: Liesbeth demonstrated techniques for intelligence creation using URLs and IPs.
- Firewalling and IDS/IPS: The session covered creating firewall aliases, implementing IP blocking with MaxMind accounts, and configuring intrusion detection/prevention systems tailored to organizational needs.
- High Availability (HA): Participants learned to configure HA clusters using CARP and monitor systems with Ntopng, an inbuilt OPNsense feature.
Integrating with Wazuh Manager
The session showcased Wazuh’s capabilities, including configuration assessments, malware detection, file integrity monitoring, and vulnerability detection using CVE databases. A tutorial on connecting OPNsense to the Wazuh Manager using its plugin system provided practical insights.
A Memorable Close
The training concluded with appreciation remarks from Amos Baryashaba, who thanked participants for their commitment and patience. A token of gratitude was presented to the facilitators, reflecting MUST IUC-UCoBS’s culture of valuing collaborations and partnerships.
Left , Mr. Amos Baryashaba hands out souvenirs , Right participants pose for a group photo
This workshop marked a significant step in strengthening the cybersecurity capabilities of MUST’s ICT team and students, fostering a more secure technological ecosystem for the university.
Sub-Project 6, which focuses on institutional and community ICT capacity to access and utilize information, is part of the six sub-projects under the MUST IUC-UCoBS titled “University as a Facilitator for Community-Based Sustainable Solutions to Demographic Challenges in South-Western Uganda,” funded by VLIR-UOS.
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