Implementation of a parameterization framework for cybersecurity laboratories

Computer Science courses often include laboratory exercises to make sure certain concepts are experienced hands-on by the students. These courses sometimes are taken by a large number of students and each assignment needs to be graded. Instructors or teaching assistants responsible for grading assignments are presented with the tedious task of verifying students' work. Besides making sure that each student performs the assignment correctly, the assignment grader may also be concerned that students do not cheat on the assignment by copying and submitting work from other students. The objective of this thesis is to investigate and develop a framework for Linux-based cybersecurity laboratory exercises performed on individual student computers. The purpose of the framework is to provide the designer of laboratory exercises with tools to parameterize labs for each student, and automate some aspects of the grading of laboratory exercises. A prototype of this framework was implemented by making use of the Linux Containers, which provide an additional benefit of standardizing execution environments utilized by students and instructors.http://archive.org/details/implementationof1094552998Civilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited