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Basics of Network Security

Kevin Matthews, Christo Panchev, Dominique D, John Filippas, Fadzayi Guri, Antal Goldschmidt, Natasha Macmanard, Martyn Clayden, Ana Karnesova, Parminder Kaur, Matt Compton, and Melissa B.

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The Institute of Coding supported the development of this course in response to consultation with industry representatives from the healthcare, manufacturing and automotive sectors. This course is designed for people familiar with basic computing who want to learn about the techniques and technologies of network security. Please note that the individuals detailed in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below, are current staff members and may be subject to change. You can use the hashtag #BasicsNetworkSecurity to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

The basic principles of network security and cyber attacks
Real-world security case studies
Protecting assets
Intrusion detection systems
Assessing security threats from a practical and theoretical viewpoint

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Reviews summary

Foundational network security concepts

According to learners, this course serves as a largely positive introduction to the fundamental concepts of network security. Students appreciate the clear explanations and the coverage of basic principles and cyber attacks, often citing it as a solid starting point. The real-world case studies are mentioned as being particularly helpful for illustrating concepts. However, some reviewers noted that the content can be too basic for those with existing knowledge and that certain topics lack sufficient depth. A few recent comments suggest some material may feel slightly outdated or that there's a need for more hands-on exercises. Overall, it's seen as a valuable foundational course but may require supplementary learning for more advanced understanding.

Real-world examples help illustrate theoretical concepts.

"The case studies were incredibly helpful! Seeing real-world examples made the abstract concepts much more tangible."

"I appreciated the inclusion of real incidents; it highlights the practical importance of the security principles discussed."

"Learning from actual security breaches brought the material to life and showed why these basics are so crucial."

"The case studies were well-chosen and added significant value to the learning experience."

Provides a clear and accessible start to network security.

"This course provides a really solid foundation for anyone looking to understand the basics of network security."

"As someone new to this field, I found the explanations clear and easy to follow. A great introductory course."

"The modules covered essential principles and concepts effectively, making it a perfect starting point for beginners."

"I finally understand the fundamental building blocks of network security thanks to this course. Highly recommend for newbies."

Some reviewers feel material is becoming outdated.

"A few of the technologies or examples discussed felt a bit dated given how fast network security evolves."

"It would be great if the course could be updated to reflect more current threats and defensive techniques."

"Some references seemed a few years old. Keeping the content fresh is important in this field."

"I noticed some parts might need a refresh to align with the latest security landscape."

Could benefit from more practical exercises or labs.

"The theoretical content is good, but I really missed having hands-on labs or practical exercises to apply what I learned."

"I learn best by doing. More practical examples or simulations would drastically improve this course."

"While the demos were okay, actual exercises where I could configure or analyze would be much more valuable."

"The course is very lecture-based. Adding more interactive or practical components would make it much stronger."

Can be too basic or lack detail for intermediate learners.

"While good for absolute beginners, I felt this course didn't go deep enough into some technical aspects I was hoping to learn."

"If you already know the very basics, this course might feel a bit slow and repetitive. It's strictly introductory."

"I wish some of the more complex topics were explored in greater detail. It feels like just a high-level overview sometimes."

"Coming in with a bit of background, I found myself wanting more technical specifics than were provided."

Career center

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

Reading list

We've selected 40 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basics of Network Security.

This Is How They Tell Me the World Ends

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Nicole Perlroth investigates the global market for zero-day exploits and the escalating cyberweapons arms race. provides a deep and often unsettling look at the contemporary landscape of offensive cyber capabilities and their implications for global security.

Basics of Network Security

Topics Covered

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Reviews summary

Foundational network security concepts

Career center

Reading list

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