Tech Gang, What are your homelabs looking like? (Looking for some ideas to build)

[Regine Hunter]

Trying to get immersed into the sec field, and using this time to study for more certs and get some hands on skills. I continue to hear that the best way to learn and prepare yourself for a work environment working with networks and security platforms is to create a home lab. What are some gradual steps to take to build one on my own. Are there any cost-effective tips with pursuing this?

 

[BaggerofTea]

Virtual Machines and it isnt even close.

Download VirtualBox, you can download free linux vms online and download kali linux.

You can segment them an in internal network scheme i believe in virtualbox so only your linux boxes and kali box are on a network.

best part, its all for free.

 

[Conan]

Virtual Machines and it isnt even close.

Download VirtualBox, you can download free linux vms online and download kali linux.

You can segment them an in internal network scheme i believe in virtualbox so only your linux boxes and kali box are on a network.

best part, its all for free.

Does this concept work even if you're not into security? Data for example (SQL, Python, BI)?

 

[BaggerofTea]

Does this concept work even if you're not into security? Data for example (SQL, Python, BI)?

Yes, the concept of virtual machines is to limit hardware dependence and cost while still providing the same level of scale.

A virtual machine is akin to a emulator

You can also install sql/python/BI on a virtual machine depending on the configuration

 

[.r.]

..

 

[slikkp]

My home lab consists of:

• Lenovo thinkpad t480s w/ 8gb ram
• Added a 512 GB ssd and a 16gb ram stick
• Gns 3 and vagrant for network device virtualization
• When Cisco Virl 2.0 is released I'm grabbing that as well

 

[Wiles]

What brand of ssd should I buy for my next Rig?

@slikkp

 

[slikkp]

I just got a samsung evo 870 nvme2 ssd.

I can't even front like I'm a computer guy lol I went on thinkpad reddit and built mine based on the suggestions

 

[.r.]

My home lab consists of
- Netgate Security gateway with vlans, ips, vpn and Adblock list
- one 1900 Cisco 16 port switch
- one workstation running three VMs
- one network extender for WiFi
- two NAS devices
- raspberry pi

 

[xXMASHERXx]

Dell T5610
- Dual Xeon E5-2650
- 128 GB DDR4 RAM
- 500 GB SSD(OS)
- 4 TB HDD(Storage)

In addition to that I have a Macbook, Surface, and a regular Lenovo desktop. MY network is pretty straight forward just have a Edge Router X and Unifi AP.

 

[ViShawn]

- Cloud servers
- VMs
- Raspberry Pi cluster (Docker/Kubernetes)

I don't do as much testing as much as I used to honestly and leverage a lot of what my company offers.