Building Your First Security Lab: Virtual Machines and To...

Hands-on practice is essential for cybersecurity learning, but practicing on real systems is dangerous and illegal. Security labs provide safe environments to learn hacking, defense, and security tools without legal or ethical concerns. According to cybersecurity education research, professionals with hands-on lab experience are 40% more effective in real-world scenarios. This guide shows you how to build your first security lab in 2026—from virtual machine setup to vulnerable systems and security tools.

Table of Contents

1. Why Build a Security Lab?
2. Lab Architecture Overview
3. Hardware Requirements
4. Virtualization Software Setup
5. Installing Kali Linux
6. Setting Up Vulnerable Systems
7. Essential Security Tools
8. Network Configuration
9. Lab Safety and Best Practices
10. Real-World Case Study
11. FAQ
12. Conclusion

TL;DR

• Security labs provide safe environments for hands-on security practice
• Virtual machines isolate lab environments from your main system
• Kali Linux is the standard penetration testing distribution
• Vulnerable systems (DVWA, Metasploitable) provide safe practice targets
• Network isolation prevents lab traffic from affecting your network
• Essential tools: Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark, and more

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Key Takeaways

• Lab benefits: Safe practice, skill development, certification preparation, portfolio building
• Hardware: 16GB+ RAM recommended, multi-core CPU, 100GB+ storage
• Virtualization: VirtualBox (free) or VMware (paid, better performance)
• Kali Linux: Standard penetration testing OS with 600+ security tools
• Vulnerable systems: DVWA, Metasploitable, WebGoat for safe practice
• Network isolation: Use host-only or NAT networks to isolate lab
• Safety: Never connect lab to production networks, always use isolated networks

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Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Understanding of virtualization concepts (helpful but not required)
• 16GB+ RAM computer (recommended)
• 100GB+ free disk space
• Administrator/root access to your computer

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Safety & Legal

• Educational purpose only: This lab is for learning cybersecurity concepts
• Isolated network: Never connect lab to production networks or internet
• Legal boundaries: Only test systems you own or have written permission to test
• Ethical use: Use lab knowledge responsibly and legally
• No malicious use: Do not use lab skills for unauthorized access
• Responsible disclosure: Report vulnerabilities through proper channels

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Why Build a Security Lab?

Benefits of Hands-On Practice

Skill Development:

• Learn security tools through practice
• Understand attacks and defenses firsthand
• Develop troubleshooting skills
• Build confidence in security techniques

Certification Preparation:

• Practice for CEH, OSCP, and other certifications
• Hands-on experience required for many exams
• Build practical skills beyond theory
• Prepare for certification labs

Portfolio Building:

• Document lab projects for portfolio
• Demonstrate practical skills to employers
• Show commitment to learning
• Build GitHub repository of security projects

Career Advancement:

• Practical experience differentiates candidates
• Hands-on skills are highly valued
• Demonstrates initiative and learning ability
• Prepares for real-world security work

Lab vs. Real Systems

Lab Advantages:

• Safe to break and experiment
• No legal or ethical concerns
• Can reset and start over
• Isolated from production systems

Real System Risks:

• Legal consequences of unauthorized access
• Ethical concerns with testing
• Risk of breaking systems
• Production system impact

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Lab Architecture Overview

Typical Lab Setup

Host Machine (Your Computer)
├── VirtualBox/VMware (Virtualization)
│   ├── Kali Linux VM (Attacker)
│   ├── Windows 10 VM (Target)
│   ├── Metasploitable VM (Vulnerable Linux)
│   └── DVWA VM (Vulnerable Web App)
└── Isolated Network (Host-Only or NAT)

Lab Components

1. Host Machine:

• Your physical computer
• Runs virtualization software
• Manages VMs and networking

2. Virtualization Software:

• VirtualBox (free, cross-platform)
• VMware Workstation/Player (paid, better performance)
• Hyper-V (Windows Pro/Enterprise)

3. Attacker VM:

• Kali Linux (standard penetration testing OS)
• Contains security tools
• Used for testing and attacks

4. Target VMs:

• Vulnerable systems for practice
• Windows, Linux, web applications
• Intentionally vulnerable for learning

5. Network:

• Isolated network (host-only or NAT)
• Prevents lab traffic from affecting real network
• Allows VMs to communicate

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Hardware Requirements

Minimum Requirements

CPU:

• Multi-core processor (2+ cores)
• 64-bit architecture
• Virtualization support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V)

RAM:

• 8GB minimum (16GB recommended)
• Allocation: 4GB for host, 2-4GB per VM
• More RAM = better performance

Storage:

• 100GB+ free space
• SSD recommended for better performance
• Space for multiple VMs and tools

Network:

• Network adapter for host-only networking
• Internet connection for downloading VMs and tools

Recommended Setup

CPU: 4+ cores, 3.0GHz+ RAM: 16GB+ (32GB ideal) Storage: 500GB+ SSD Network: Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi

Budget Considerations

Low Budget ($0-500):

• Use existing computer
• VirtualBox (free)
• Free vulnerable VMs
• Free security tools

Medium Budget ($500-1500):

• Upgrade RAM to 16GB+
• Add SSD storage
• VMware Workstation (optional)
• Additional VMs and tools

High Budget ($1500+):

• Dedicated lab computer
• 32GB+ RAM
• Multiple VMs running simultaneously
• Professional tools and training

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Virtualization Software Setup

VirtualBox (Free, Recommended for Beginners)

Installation Steps:

1. Download VirtualBox:

   • Visit https://www.virtualbox.org/
   • Download for your operating system
   • Run installer and follow prompts

2. Install VirtualBox:

   # Windows: Run installer as administrator
   # macOS: Open .dmg and install
   # Linux: Use package manager
   sudo apt-get install virtualbox  # Ubuntu/Debian

3. Install Extension Pack (Optional but Recommended):

   • Download from VirtualBox website
   • File → Preferences → Extensions → Add
   • Enables USB 2.0/3.0, RDP, and more

4. Verify Installation:

   • Open VirtualBox
   • Check version (should be 7.0+)
   • Verify virtualization is enabled in BIOS

VirtualBox Configuration:

• Memory: Allocate 2-4GB per VM
• Processors: 2 cores per VM (if available)
• Video Memory: 128MB+ for GUI
• Network: Host-Only Adapter (for isolation)

VMware Workstation/Player (Paid, Better Performance)

Installation Steps:

1. Download VMware:

   • Visit https://www.vmware.com/
   • Download Workstation Pro or Player
   • Workstation Pro: Paid ($199)
   • Player: Free (limited features)

2. Install VMware:

   • Run installer
   • Follow installation wizard
   • Enter license key (if Pro)

3. Configure VMware:

   • Edit → Preferences
   • Set default VM location
   • Configure memory and CPU settings

VMware Advantages:

• Better performance than VirtualBox
• Better snapshot management
• Advanced networking features
• Professional features (Pro version)

Hyper-V (Windows Pro/Enterprise)

Installation Steps:

1. Enable Hyper-V:

   # Run PowerShell as Administrator
   Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Hyper-V -All

2. Restart Computer:

   • Required after enabling Hyper-V

3. Open Hyper-V Manager:

   • Search for “Hyper-V Manager”
   • Create virtual switches and VMs

Hyper-V Advantages:

• Built into Windows Pro/Enterprise
• Good performance on Windows
• Integration with Windows tools

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Installing Kali Linux

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for penetration testing and security auditing. It comes pre-installed with 600+ security tools.

Download Kali Linux

1. Visit Official Website:

   • https://www.kali.org/get-kali/
   • Download Kali Linux (Installer or Live)

2. Choose Version:

   • Installer: Full installation (recommended)
   • Live: Bootable USB (for testing)
   • Virtual Machines: Pre-built VMs (easiest)

3. Download Pre-built VM (Recommended):

   • Visit https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-virtual-machines
   • Download for VirtualBox or VMware
   • Extract and import VM

Installing Kali Linux VM

Method 1: Pre-built VM (Easiest)

1. Download Pre-built VM:

   • Download VirtualBox or VMware version
   • Extract archive

2. Import VM:

   • VirtualBox: File → Import Appliance
   • VMware: File → Open → Select .vmx file

3. Configure VM:

   • RAM: 2-4GB
   • CPU: 2 cores
   • Network: Host-Only Adapter

4. Start VM:

   • Default credentials: kali/kali
   • Change password on first login

Method 2: Install from ISO

1. Download ISO:

   • Download Kali Linux ISO
   • Verify checksum

2. Create VM:

   • New VM in VirtualBox/VMware
   • Allocate 2-4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores
   • 20GB+ disk space

3. Attach ISO:

   • Settings → Storage → ISO file
   • Boot from ISO

4. Install Kali:

   • Follow installation wizard
   • Set username/password
   • Complete installation

Kali Linux Initial Setup

Update System:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Additional Tools:

# Install useful tools
sudo apt install -y git curl wget vim

# Install development tools
sudo apt install -y build-essential python3-pip

Configure Network:

# Check network configuration
ip addr show

# Configure static IP if needed
sudo nano /etc/network/interfaces

Verify Installation:

# Check Kali version
cat /etc/os-release

# List installed tools
ls /usr/bin/ | grep -E "(nmap|metasploit|burp)"

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Setting Up Vulnerable Systems

DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application)

Purpose: Web application security practice

Installation:

1. Download DVWA:

   # On Kali Linux
   cd /var/www/html
   sudo git clone https://github.com/digininja/DVWA.git

2. Configure Apache and MySQL:

   # Start services
   sudo systemctl start apache2
   sudo systemctl start mysql
   
   # Configure database
   sudo mysql -u root
   CREATE DATABASE dvwa;
   CREATE USER 'dvwa'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'p@ssw0rd';
   GRANT ALL ON dvwa.* TO 'dvwa'@'localhost';
   FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
   EXIT;

3. Access DVWA:

   • Open browser: http://localhost/DVWA
   • Default credentials: admin/password
   • Click “Create / Reset Database”

DVWA Vulnerabilities:

• SQL Injection
• XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
• CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery)
• File Upload
• Command Injection
• And more

Metasploitable 2

Purpose: Intentionally vulnerable Linux system

Installation:

1. Download Metasploitable 2:

   • Visit https://sourceforge.net/projects/metasploitable/
   • Download Metasploitable 2 ISO or VM

2. Import/Install VM:

   • Import pre-built VM or install from ISO
   • Allocate 512MB-1GB RAM
   • Network: Host-Only Adapter

3. Access Metasploitable:

   • Default credentials: msfadmin/msfadmin
   • IP: 192.168.56.101 (typical)

Metasploitable Vulnerabilities:

• Weak passwords
• Outdated services
• Misconfigurations
• Multiple vulnerable services

WebGoat

Purpose: OWASP’s vulnerable web application

Installation:

1. Download WebGoat:

   # Using Docker (easiest)
   docker pull webgoat/goatandwolf
   docker run -d -p 127.0.0.1:8080:8080 -p 127.0.0.1:9090:9090 webgoat/goatandwolf

2. Access WebGoat:

   • Open browser: http://localhost:8080/WebGoat
   • Register new account
   • Complete security lessons

WebGoat Lessons:

• Injection flaws
• Broken authentication
• Sensitive data exposure
• XML external entities (XXE)
• Broken access control
• And more OWASP Top 10

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Essential Security Tools

Network Scanning Tools

Nmap (Network Mapper):

# Basic scan
nmap 192.168.56.101

# Comprehensive scan
nmap -sS -sV -O -A 192.168.56.101

# Port scan
nmap -p 1-1000 192.168.56.101

Masscan (Fast Port Scanner):

# Install
sudo apt install masscan

# Fast scan
sudo masscan -p1-65535 192.168.56.0/24 --rate=1000

Web Application Security Tools

Burp Suite:

• Web application security testing
• Proxy, scanner, intruder, repeater
• Community edition (free) or Professional (paid)

OWASP ZAP:

# Install
sudo apt install zaproxy

# Run
zaproxy

Exploitation Frameworks

Metasploit Framework:

# Start Metasploit
msfconsole

# Search exploits
search windows smb

# Use exploit
use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue
set RHOSTS 192.168.56.101
exploit

Network Analysis Tools

Wireshark:

# Install
sudo apt install wireshark

# Run (requires sudo)
sudo wireshark

tcpdump:

# Capture packets
sudo tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap

# Analyze
tcpdump -r capture.pcap

Password Tools

John the Ripper:

# Crack passwords
john --wordlist=/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt hashes.txt

Hashcat:

# GPU-accelerated password cracking
hashcat -m 0 hashes.txt /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt

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Network Configuration

Host-Only Network (Recommended)

Purpose: Isolate lab from real network

VirtualBox Setup:

1. Create Host-Only Adapter:

   • File → Host Network Manager
   • Create new adapter
   • Configure IP: 192.168.56.1

2. Configure VM Network:

   • VM Settings → Network
   • Adapter 1: Host-Only Adapter
   • Select created adapter

VMware Setup:

1. Create Host-Only Network:

   • Edit → Virtual Network Editor
   • Add Network → Host-Only
   • Configure subnet: 192.168.56.0/24

2. Configure VM:

   • VM Settings → Network Adapter
   • Host-Only

NAT Network (Alternative)

Purpose: Allow internet access while isolating VMs

Configuration:

• VM Settings → Network → NAT
• VMs can access internet
• VMs isolated from host network
• VMs can communicate with each other

Network Isolation Best Practices

Never Use:

• Bridged network (connects to real network)
• Production networks
• Internet-facing networks

Always Use:

• Host-only networks (isolated)
• NAT networks (isolated with internet)
• Separate lab network segment

Virtualization Platform Comparison

Platform	Cost	Performance	Features	Ease of Use	Best For
VirtualBox	Free	Good	Basic features, good network options	Easy	Beginners, learning, budget constraints
VMware Workstation	$199 (Pro)	Excellent	Advanced features, snapshots, cloning	Moderate	Professional use, advanced scenarios
VMware Player	Free	Excellent	Limited features, good performance	Easy	Basic use, limited budget
Hyper-V	Free (Windows Pro+)	Excellent	Windows integration, enterprise features	Moderate	Windows environments, enterprise
Parallels	$99/year	Excellent	macOS optimized, good performance	Easy	macOS users
KVM	Free	Excellent	Linux-native, powerful	Advanced	Linux users, advanced setups

Key Insight: Start with VirtualBox for learning. Upgrade to VMware if you need better performance or advanced features. Hyper-V is excellent for Windows environments.

Network Configuration Comparison

Network Type	Isolation	Internet Access	VM Communication	Use Case	Security
Host-Only	Complete	No	Yes (same host)	Isolated lab practice	Highest
NAT	High	Yes	Limited	Download tools, updates	High
Internal	Complete	No	Yes (all VMs)	Multi-VM scenarios	Highest
Bridged	None	Yes	Yes (network-wide)	❌ Never use for labs	Low
NAT Network	High	Yes	Yes (same network)	Lab with internet	High

Key Insight: Host-only networks are safest for security labs. NAT networks provide isolation with internet access when needed.

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Lab Safety and Best Practices

Security Best Practices

1. Network Isolation:

• Always use host-only or NAT networks
• Never bridge to production networks
• Isolate lab from internet if possible

2. VM Snapshots:

• Take snapshots before major changes
• Allows quick recovery
• Test safely without fear of breaking

3. Regular Updates:

• Keep VMs updated (but test vulnerabilities)
• Update security tools regularly
• Patch host system

4. Backup Important Work:

• Export VMs periodically
• Backup lab configurations
• Document lab setup

Ethical Guidelines

1. Lab Only:

• Only test systems in your lab
• Never test without permission
• Isolate from production

2. Responsible Learning:

• Use knowledge ethically
• Report vulnerabilities responsibly
• Follow responsible disclosure

3. Legal Compliance:

• Understand local laws
• Only test owned systems
• Get written permission for testing

Lab Maintenance

Regular Tasks:

• Update VMs and tools
• Clean up old snapshots
• Organize lab files
• Document changes
• Test lab functionality

Troubleshooting:

• Check VM resources (RAM, CPU, disk)
• Verify network configuration
• Review VM logs
• Restore from snapshots if needed

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Advanced Scenarios

Scenario 1: Multi-VM Lab Setup

Challenge: Running multiple VMs simultaneously for complex scenarios.

Solution:

• Allocate resources carefully (2-4GB RAM per VM)
• Use lightweight VMs where possible
• Close unnecessary applications on host
• Consider dedicated lab computer for large labs

Configuration:

• Kali Linux: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores
• Windows 10: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores
• Metasploitable: 1GB RAM, 1 CPU core
• DVWA: 2GB RAM, 1 CPU core
• Total: 11GB RAM minimum

Scenario 2: Cloud-Based Lab

Challenge: Limited local resources, want cloud-based lab.

Solution:

• Use cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Create VMs in isolated VPCs
• Use free tiers where possible
• Implement proper network security

Considerations:

• Costs can add up
• Internet connectivity required
• More complex setup
• Security of cloud environment

Scenario 3: Advanced Network Topology

Challenge: Simulating complex network environments.

Solution:

• Use multiple network segments
• Implement firewalls and routers (pfSense)
• Create DMZ, internal, and external networks
• Test network segmentation and security

Tools:

• pfSense (firewall/router VM)
• Multiple network adapters per VM
• VLAN configuration
• Network simulation tools

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Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: VM Won’t Start

Diagnosis:

• Insufficient resources (RAM, CPU, disk)
• Virtualization not enabled in BIOS
• Corrupted VM files
• Host system issues

Solutions:

• Check available resources
• Enable virtualization in BIOS
• Verify VM file integrity
• Recreate VM if corrupted
• Update virtualization software

Problem: Network Connectivity Issues

Diagnosis:

• Incorrect network configuration
• Firewall blocking traffic
• Network adapter issues
• IP address conflicts

Solutions:

• Verify network adapter settings
• Check host-only network configuration
• Disable firewall temporarily for testing
• Verify IP addresses and subnet
• Restart network services

Problem: Poor VM Performance

Diagnosis:

• Insufficient resources allocated
• Host system resource constraints
• Disk I/O bottlenecks
• Too many VMs running

Solutions:

• Increase VM RAM and CPU allocation
• Close unnecessary host applications
• Use SSD for VM storage
• Reduce number of running VMs
• Enable hardware acceleration

Problem: Tools Not Working

Diagnosis:

• Missing dependencies
• Outdated tools
• Configuration issues
• Permission problems

Solutions:

• Update system and tools
• Install missing dependencies
• Check tool documentation
• Verify permissions
• Reinstall tools if needed

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Real-World Case Study: Lab Setup

Challenge: Security student needed hands-on lab for certification preparation and skill development. Limited budget and hardware resources.

Solution: Built comprehensive security lab on existing laptop:

Hardware:

• Existing laptop: 16GB RAM, 4-core CPU, 500GB SSD
• Upgraded RAM from 8GB to 16GB ($80)
• Total hardware investment: $80

Software:

• VirtualBox (free)
• Kali Linux VM (free)
• Metasploitable 2 (free)
• DVWA (free)
• Windows 10 evaluation VM (free)
• Total software investment: $0

Lab Configuration:

• Kali Linux: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores
• Metasploitable: 1GB RAM, 1 CPU core
• Windows 10: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores
• DVWA: 2GB RAM, 1 CPU core
• Host-only network: 192.168.56.0/24

Results:

• Successfully prepared for Security+ and CEH certifications
• Built portfolio of 15+ security projects
• Developed practical skills in penetration testing
• Landed Security Analyst role ($70,000)
• Lab investment paid for itself through career advancement

Key Success Factors:

• Started with free tools and VMs
• Gradually expanded lab as needed
• Regular practice and experimentation
• Documented all lab projects
• Used lab for certification preparation

Lessons Learned:

• Start simple, expand as needed
• Free tools are sufficient for learning
• Regular practice is essential
• Document everything for portfolio
• Lab skills directly translate to job skills

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FAQ

Do I need expensive hardware for a security lab?

No, you can start with existing hardware. 8GB RAM minimum, 16GB recommended. Many professionals start with basic setups and upgrade as needed.

Which virtualization software should I use?

VirtualBox is free and sufficient for beginners. VMware offers better performance but costs money. Start with VirtualBox, upgrade to VMware if needed.

Is Kali Linux legal to use?

Yes, Kali Linux is legal. It’s a tool, and legality depends on how you use it. Only use it in your lab or with written permission.

How much disk space do I need?

100GB minimum, 500GB+ recommended. VMs can be large (20-50GB each), and you’ll want multiple VMs for different scenarios.

Can I practice on real websites?

No, never test websites without written permission. Only test systems you own or have explicit written authorization to test. Unauthorized testing is illegal.

How do I keep my lab safe?

Use host-only networks, never bridge to production networks, isolate from internet if possible, and follow ethical guidelines strictly.

What’s the best vulnerable system to start with?

DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application) is excellent for beginners. It’s easy to set up, has clear instructions, and covers common web vulnerabilities.

How long does it take to set up a lab?

Basic setup: 2-4 hours. Comprehensive setup with multiple VMs: 1-2 days. Ongoing maintenance: 1-2 hours per week.

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Conclusion

Building a security lab is essential for hands-on cybersecurity learning. A well-configured lab provides safe environment for practicing security skills, preparing for certifications, and building practical experience.

Action Steps

1. Assess hardware - Verify your computer meets requirements
2. Choose virtualization - VirtualBox for beginners, VMware for advanced
3. Install Kali Linux - Download pre-built VM or install from ISO
4. Set up vulnerable systems - DVWA, Metasploitable, WebGoat
5. Configure network - Use host-only network for isolation
6. Install tools - Nmap, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark
7. Practice regularly - Daily or weekly practice sessions
8. Document projects - Build portfolio of lab work

Future Trends

Looking ahead to 2026-2027, we expect to see:

• Cloud-based labs - More cloud lab platforms and services
• Container-based labs - Docker and Kubernetes for lab environments
• AI-powered labs - AI assistants for lab setup and guidance
• Automated lab provisioning - Infrastructure as code for labs
• Integrated learning platforms - Labs integrated with courses
• VR/AR labs - Immersive security training environments

The security lab landscape is evolving. Professionals who build and maintain effective labs will have significant advantages in skill development and career advancement.

→ Download our Lab Setup Checklist to build your security lab

→ Read our guide on Security Fundamentals for core security principles

→ Subscribe for weekly cybersecurity updates to stay informed about new tools and techniques

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About the Author

CyberGuid Team
Cybersecurity Experts
15+ years of combined experience in cybersecurity, lab design, and hands-on training
Specializing in security lab architecture, penetration testing, and practical security education
Contributors to security training and lab development

Our team has helped thousands of professionals build effective security labs. We believe in hands-on learning that prepares you for real-world security challenges.