Network Analysis with pfSense from Pluralsight

pfSense provides network firewall, VPN, and other services to users and network operators. It offers IP and port blocking, VPN termination, and DHCP and DNS services. In this course, you'll learn to detect and block adversary activity using pfSense.

Cyber attacks are hitting our networks daily, and some of them have become very advanced. Traditional firewalls can be used in order to help the process of detecting and blocking them. In this course, Network Analysis with pfSense, you’ll cover how to utilize pfSense to protect and detect against common attack and exfiltration techniques in an enterprise environment. First, you’ll demonstrate how to setup a decoy VPN server using pfSense to detect compromised accounts. Next, you’ll operate pfSense to block the use of alternate protocols by blocking unnecessary ports and protocols. Finally, you’ll analyze known anonymity and C2 networks and block them using pfSense’s DNS services. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to block and detect these techniques External Remove Services T1133, Exfiltration Over Alternative Protocol T1048, and Proxy: Multi-hop Proxy T1090.003 using pfSense.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Using pfSense to Block Malicious Network Activity

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Joe Abraham, who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Examines detection and blocking of adversary activity

Develops skills and knowledge in blocking techniques

Relevant for network administrators and security professionals

Builds a foundation for detecting and blocking common attack techniques

Utilizes industry-standard tools and best practices for network security

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Network Analysis with pfSense with these activities:

Review basic networking concepts

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Refreshing your basic networking skills will provide a solid foundation for understanding the concepts covered in this course.

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Review materials from a previous networking course or textbook.
Complete online quizzes or practice tests on basic networking concepts.
Create a mind map or diagram of different network components and their functions.

Volunteer at a Local Tech Support Organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at a tech support organization where pfSense knowledge can be applied.

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Identify local tech support organizations that provide network support
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Provide technical assistance and guidance to clients using pfSense

Review Access Control Techniques

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Strengthen foundational knowledge of access control models to better understand pfSense's implementation.

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Consult textbooks on network security fundamentals
Review online resources on access control models (e.g., RBAC, DAC, MAC)
Complete practice problems or quizzes on access control concepts

Seven other activities

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Setup a basic pfSense firewall

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Hands-on experience in setting up a pfSense firewall will reinforce your understanding of its functionality and configuration.

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Purchase and gather necessary hardware and software.
Install pfSense on the hardware and configure basic settings.
Create firewall rules to allow and deny traffic as needed.
Monitor the firewall and make adjustments as needed.

Configure VPN Settings in pfSense Practice

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Reinforce practical skills in configuring VPN settings within pfSense to enhance understanding of network security.

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Set up a virtual environment for pfSense
Configure different VPN protocols (e.g., OpenVPN, IPsec)
Test VPN connectivity and troubleshoot any issues

Follow Tutorials on Detecting Adversary Activity

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Supplement course content by exploring guided tutorials to gain practical insights into detecting and mitigating adversary activity.

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Search for online tutorials or documentation on adversary detection techniques
Follow step-by-step instructions to implement detection mechanisms
Test the effectiveness of implemented detection methods

Develop a pfSense Security Policy Document

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Apply knowledge gained in the course to create a comprehensive security policy document that outlines pfSense configuration and management best practices.

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Gather information on pfSense security features and best practices
Draft a security policy document outlining firewall rules, VPN configuration, and intrusion detection/prevention measures
Review and refine the policy document with feedback from peers or mentors

Attend a pfSense Workshop or Conference

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Participate in live workshops or conferences to engage with experts, learn about advanced pfSense techniques, and expand networking opportunities.

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Research and identify relevant pfSense workshops or conferences
Register for the event and prepare any necessary materials
Attend the event, actively participate in sessions, and connect with other professionals

Create a Blog Post on pfSense Best Practices

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Share knowledge and insights gained from the course by creating a blog post that outlines best practices for pfSense configuration and management.

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Research and gather information on pfSense best practices
Write a comprehensive blog post outlining the identified best practices
Publish the blog post on a relevant platform and promote it to reach a wider audience

Mentor a Junior Network Engineer

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Consolidate knowledge and enhance understanding by mentoring a junior network engineer, providing guidance on pfSense implementation and troubleshooting.

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Identify a junior network engineer who would benefit from mentorship
Establish regular communication and provide support on pfSense-related topics
Share best practices, troubleshooting techniques, and industry insights

Career center

Learners who complete Network Analysis with pfSense will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst plans, deploys, and maintains security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

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Network and Computer Systems Administrator

Network and Computer Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems, including hardware and software, as well as network security and performance.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage network security solutions to protect organizations from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of their computer networks and systems.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze security systems to identify and respond to security threats and incidents.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's information technology (IT) systems and controls.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers assess the security of computer systems and networks by simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security strategy and policies.

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Computer Security Specialist

Computer Security Specialists plan, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents, and may also develop and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures.

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IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, execute, and close IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks.

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Systems Analyst

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