2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Designing a Multi-VMs Platform for Infosec Students

Presented at Computing and Information Technology Division (CIT) Technical Session 1

Learning information security can be challenging, regardless of one's background. Various factors contribute to the complexity of the field. Information security is often filled with technical terminology and acronyms that can be difficult for new students to understand. Additionally, understanding computer networking, software execution, and operating systems is crucial for comprehending information security concepts. Information security is constantly evolving, and new threats and technologies continuously emerge. Therefore, continuous learning and adaptability are essential to keep up with the changes. Mastering information security can be daunting for all students, and concepts such as networking and software execution pose significant challenges that require much effort.
A virtual machine (VM) is a technology that allows building a model computer within the actual computer. It enables the simultaneous use of multiple operating systems on a single computer. For instance, if your main computer runs Windows, you may use a virtual machine (VM) to run Linux or another operating system on the same hardware. This virtualization technology provides flexibility and agility for various tasks, including software testing, without requiring separate physical machines.
Online virtual machines offer a secure and efficient way to work with different operating systems, regardless of the locally installed operating system. This enables students to perform complex tasks and run software that may not be compatible with their primary operating system without the risk of exposing the underlying system to cyber threats. Moreover, virtual machines provide a safe environment for conducting experiments and testing applications without affecting the integrity of university lab computers.
We propose designing a platform with multiple virtual machines for information security students to gain practical experience and necessary skills. In information security education, this platform is a valuable tool for students to enrich their learning experience. Providing a practical learning environment enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, effectively preparing them for a career in cybersecurity. This platform facilitates a comprehensive approach to learning, encompassing theoretical concepts and practical skills, ultimately ensuring a well-rounded education in information security.

Authors

Dr. Tarik Eltaeib Farmingdale State College [biography]

Professor Tarik Eltaeib is a well-rounded, enthusiastic, highly accomplished, well-loved, natural leader and educator specializing in Computer Security, Operating systems and Security, and Computer Forensics.
Professor Eltaib obtained his PhD in Computer Science and Engineering in May 2019 from the University of Bridgeport. His PhD thesis comprised “Largescale Evolutionary Optimization using Multilayer Strategy Differential Evolution with AI and image processing application”.
He obtained his Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Garyounis (Benghazi) in 1999 and completed a Master of Computer Science and Information Technology Science in May 2010 from the same institution, completing a thesis on “Health Informatics: Health Architecture based on SOA and Mobile Agents”.
A great believer in continuing education and professional development for faculty members, he has earned new certifications and attended conferences, focusing on how to improve the learning experience for his students, as it can improve student outcomes by as much as 21%.He obtained the following relevant and important qualifications to strengthen his knowledge and skills in his chosen field:

Cisco Academy Accredited Instructor (CCNA, IT Essential I, IT Essential II)
MCSA and MCSE certifications, making him officially Microsoft certified.
Engaging Online Learners
Grant Writing with Farmingdale Qualtrics
CircleIn Application and Software

Professor Eltaeib has been invited as a Judge for Poster Presentations and is part of the IESC 2021 Organizing Committee: International Energy & Sustainability Conference 2021 (IESC 2021). This honor is a feather in his cap, acknowledging his skill and mastery of the subject and provides exposure to the broader academic community, not only for himself but also his department and school.
He enhanced his career whilst studying by working in the private sector as a software developer in several companies and the Enterprise Application Administrator at a Mitsubishi Power Systems, where he built state-of-the-art Enterprise and Machine Learning Applications.
Academic positions include Adjunct Professor at the University of Bridgeport, CT, and Assistant Professor – Computer Security where he is tenured at the School of Engineering Technology, Farmingdale State College - State University of New York. He has 6 years of higher education experience, and a total of 14 years. He has presented and published numerous conference papers, journal articles and contributed to a book chapter on Large-scale Evolutionary Optimization.
He has excelled at going the extra mile, teaching not only his own classes but an additional Capstone projects, doing cybersecurity research, counseling students, assisting with open days for new students, contributing to curriculum enhancements, and proposing a new club to support women in the industry, SWCSI (Supporting Women in the Computer Security Industry). He excels at guiding students in subject choices based on interest, ability and skills.
His continual quest for knowledge and broadening his skills has proven beneficial to his students and his professional evaluations reflect this in perfect teaching scores.
Additional awards, societies and honor groups include:

2018 Expert Level Instructor Excellence Award – Cisco Networking Academy.
2017 Instructor 5 Years of Service Award – Cisco Networking Academy.
2017 Excellence in CCNA Curriculum Specialization Award – Cisco Networking Academy.
2017 Expert Level Instructor Award – Cisco Networking Academy.
2016 Expert Level Instructor Excellence Award – Cisco Networking Academy.
2015 Expert Level Instructor Excellence Award – Cisco Networking Academy.
Member of the IEEE Computer Society since 2015.
Dr. M. Nazrul Islam State University of New York [biography]

Dr. M. Nazrul Islam is a Professor at SUNY Farmingdale, where he is also serving as the Chairman of the Security Systems and Law Enforcement Technology Department. He has been in the academia since 1991 and worked at several renowned institutions, inc
Dr. Qinghai Gao [biography]

Dr. Gao is a Professor in the Department of Computer Security at Farmingdale State College. Before joining Farmingdale in 2009, Dr. Gao taught full-time in China University of Petroleum for a few years. From 1998 to 2007 he taught as Adjunct in Brooklyn College, Lehman College, NYC College of Technology, College of Staten Island, and York College. Since 2001 he held various positions as Software Developer, DBA, Network Engineer, and Information Security Specialist. Dr. Gao has extensive research experience with fingerprint recognition, Computer Security, and Cryptography. He has published one book and numerous articles. His present research interests include Biometrics and Cryptography.

Download paper (1.95 MB)

Are you a researcher? Would you like to cite this paper? Visit the ASEE document repository at peer.asee.org for more tools and easy citations.

» Download paper

« View session