**Module 8: Anatomy of an IP Tables Rule**

**Lesson 1: Introduction to Rule Anatomy**
- Breaking down the components of an IP tables rule
- Understanding how each component contributes to rule functionality
- Importance of structuring rules correctly for effective firewall management

**Lesson 2: Tables and Chains**
- Overview of IP tables tables: filter, nat, mangle
- Exploring built-in chains: Input, Output, Forward, Prerouting, Postrouting
- The role of custom chains in organizing and simplifying rule management

**Lesson 3: Match Criteria**
- Defining match criteria using various options
- Specifying source and destination IP addresses with `-s` and `-d`
- Filtering based on protocols, ports, and packet characteristics

**Lesson 4: Target Action**
- Understanding the concept of target actions
- Defining the desired outcome for packets that match the rule
- Common target actions: ACCEPT, DROP, REJECT, LOG, and custom chains

**Activity: Building and Documenting Rules**
- Hands-on exercise: Creating rules for specific scenarios
- Documenting the structure of each rule, including table, chain, match criteria, and target action
- Discussing the rationale behind the chosen rule components

**Module 8 Assignment: Rule Anatomy Design**
- Design a complex rule that involves multiple match criteria and a custom chain
- Break down the rule's anatomy, explaining the purpose of each component

Upon completing Module 8, learners will have a detailed understanding of the anatomy of an IP tables rule. They will be able to create well-structured rules that leverage tables, chains, match criteria, and target actions effectively to achieve desired firewall behavior.