Network Security from Coursera

Welcome to course 4 of 5 of this Specialization, Network Security.

In this course, we will look at computer networking and securing the network. In today’s world, the internet connects nearly everyone and everything, and this is accomplished through networking. While most see computer networking as a positive, criminals routinely use the internet, and the networking protocols themselves, as weapons and tools to exploit vulnerabilities and for this reason we must do our best to secure the network. We will review the basic components of a network, threats and attacks to the network, and learn how to protect them from attackers. Network security itself can be a specialty career within cybersecurity; however, all information security professionals need to understand how networks operate and are exploited to better secure them.

After completing this chapter, the participant will be able to: 

Explain the concepts of network security.

- Recognize common networking terms and models.

- Identify common protocols and ports and their secure counterparts.

- Identify types of network (cyber) threats and attacks.

- Discuss common tools used to identify and prevent threats.

- Identify common data center terminology.

- Recognize common cloud service terminology.

- Identify secure network design terminology.

- Practice the terminology of and review network security concepts.

Agenda

Course Introduction

Module 1: Network Concepts and Models

Module 2: Common Network Threats and Attacks

Module 3: Network Security Infrastructure

Module 4: Network Security Review

This training is for IT professionals, career changers, college students, recent college graduates, advanced high school students and recent high school graduates looking to start their path toward cybersecurity leadership by taking the Certified in Cybersecurity entry-level exam.

There are no prerequisites to take the training or the exam. It is recommended that candidates have basic Information Technology (IT) knowledge. No work experience in cybersecurity or formal education diploma/degree is required.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Network Concepts and Models

Throughout this module, we will focus on Network Concepts and Models.

Common Network Threats and Attacks

Throughout this module, we will focus on Common Network Threats and Attacks.

Network Security Infrastructure

Throughout this module, we will focus on Network Security Infrastructure.

Network Security Review

This module will test your knowledge on what you have learned throughout this course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces basic networking concepts that help learners build a strong foundation, which is standard across cybersecurity

Taught by (ISC)² Education & Training, who are recognized for their work in the cybersecurity field

Examines network security, which is highly relevant to cybersecurity roles and certifications

Covers core concepts within cybersecurity, such as common network threats and attacks, network security infrastructure, and secure network design terminology

Emphasizes industry-standard protocols and terms, helping learners build a solid technical foundation

Requires no prerequisites, making this accessible to beginners in cybersecurity

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 Security with these activities:

Review network terminology

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Review foundational network terminology to strengthen understanding of networking concepts.

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Identify key networking terms and protocols.
Define and explain the concepts of TCP/IP, MAC addresses, and subnetting.
Describe the different types of network topologies.

Review 'Network Security Essentials'

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Review a comprehensive textbook to reinforce your understanding of network security principles and practices.

View Information Privacy Engineering and Privacy by... on Amazon

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Read and comprehend key chapters related to the course content.
Summarize and highlight important concepts.
Complete end-of-chapter exercises and review questions.

Work through network security tutorials

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Follow guided tutorials to gain hands-on experience with network security tools and techniques.

Browse courses on Security Best Practices

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Find reputable online tutorials on network security.
Choose tutorials that align with your skill level.
Follow the instructions carefully and complete the exercises.

Three other activities

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Complete network security practice exercises

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Engage in practical exercises to enhance your ability to identify and mitigate network security risks.

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Find reputable online platforms or courses that offer practice exercises.
Choose exercises that align with your skill level.
Complete the exercises carefully and troubleshoot any issues.

Build a network security tool repository

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Compile a collection of useful network security tools and resources to aid in your learning and practice.

Browse courses on Network Security Tools

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Research and identify valuable network security tools.
Categorize and organize the tools based on their functions.
Create a central repository (e.g., a document, spreadsheet, or online platform) to store the tools.

Create a network security plan

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Develop a comprehensive network security plan to strengthen your understanding of security measures and best practices.

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Identify potential network threats and vulnerabilities.
Research and select appropriate security controls.
Document the security plan and implementation strategy.

Career center

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

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of computer networks. This course offers a strong foundation for a Network Security Engineer because it teaches about network security infrastructure. The course also covers how to identify and prevent threats, which can help a Network Security Engineer protect networks from attackers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineer

A Cybersecurity Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of computer networks and systems. This course offers a strong foundation for a Cybersecurity Engineer because it teaches about network security infrastructure. The course also covers how to identify and prevent threats, which can help a Cybersecurity Engineer protect networks from attackers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst protects computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help an Information Security Analyst protect networks by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course may also be helpful in teaching an Information Security Analyst how to identify and prevent threats through the use of tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant helps organizations improve their security posture. This course can help a Security Consultant by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course may also be helpful in teaching a Security Consultant how to identify and prevent threats through the use of tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst protects computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful to a Cybersecurity Analyst because it teaches about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course may also be helpful in teaching a Cybersecurity Analyst how to identify and prevent threats through the use of tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst investigates and responds to security incidents. This course can help a Security Analyst by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course also teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Information Security Manager

An Information Security Manager is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security program. This course can help an Information Security Manager by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course also teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology. In addition, this course may be useful to an Information Security Manager because it teaches about network security infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for the overall security of an organization's information technology (IT) systems. This course can help a CISO by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course also teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology. In addition, this course may be useful to a CISO because it teaches about network security infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Cloud Security Architect

A Cloud Security Architect designs and implements security solutions for cloud computing environments. This course may be useful to a Cloud Security Architect because it teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, data center and cloud service terminology, and secure network design terminology. The course can also help a Cloud Security Architect protect networks from attackers by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a computer network. This course may be useful to a Network Administrator because it teaches about the basic components of a network, threats and attacks to the network, and how to protect them from attackers. The course also teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of an IT department. This course may be useful to an IT Manager because it teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology. The course also teaches about network security infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Network Architect

A Network Architect designs and implements computer networks. This course may be useful to a Network Architect because it teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, data center and cloud service terminology, and secure network design terminology. The course can also help a Network Architect protect networks from attackers by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor evaluates the security of computer networks and systems. This course may be useful to an IT Auditor because it teaches about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them. The course also teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

IT Director

An IT Director is responsible for the strategic direction of an organization's IT department. This course may be useful to an IT Director because it teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology. The course also teaches about network security infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Director

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for the development and deployment of software applications. This course may be useful to a DevOps Engineer because it teaches about common networking terms and models, protocols and ports, and data center and cloud service terminology. The course can also help a DevOps Engineer protect networks from attackers by teaching them about the most common threats and attacks to the network and how to prevent them.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer