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Palo Alto Networks Network Security Fundamentals

James Dalton

In this Network Security Fundamentals course you will gain an understanding of the fundamental tenants of network security and review the general concepts involved in maintaining a secure network computing environment. Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to describe general network security concepts and implement basic network security configuration techniques.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Network Security Fundamentals: Module 1 - Course Information
This course provides the student with an understanding of the fundamental tenants of network security and covers the general concepts involved in maintaining a secure network computing environment. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to examine, describe general network security fundamentals and implement basic network security configuration techniques.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on establishing, maintaining, and navigating secure network computing environments
Delves into the foundational concepts of network security
Adopts a modular structure, enabling learners to focus on specific areas of interest
Provides a comprehensive overview of network infrastructure, addressing and protocols
Analyzes the intricate lifecycle of data packets and encapsulations

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Reviews summary

Essential network security concepts

According to learners, this course offers a solid and comprehensive foundation in network security, making it highly valuable for those pursuing IT and cybersecurity careers. Students particularly praise the clear explanations of complex concepts and the inclusion of helpful, hands-on labs that provide practical experience. While some older feedback mentioned vagueness or outdated content, recent reviews consistently highlight that the course content is current and relevant, indicating ongoing updates. It's considered an excellent starting point for understanding core security principles and preparing for Palo Alto certifications, though some found quizzes basic and desired more advanced exercises.
Recent updates have addressed past concerns about content relevance.
"I can confirm that the content is current and relevant to today's threats, addressing any past concerns."
"Initially, I struggled as some explanations felt vague and it assumed prior networking knowledge, but newer content is better."
"I read older reviews about outdated content, but I found many concepts updated and relevant to current PAN-OS versions."
Highly relevant for careers and preparing for Palo Alto certifications.
"I highly recommend this for anyone starting in network security or prepping for Palo Alto certs."
"This course offers fantastic preparation for Palo Alto certifications, making it highly valuable for my career."
"I appreciate that the content is current and relevant to today's threats, unlike some other courses."
Provides valuable practical experience through labs like Wireshark.
"The labs were very helpful and provided real-world experience, solidifying my learning."
"I found the Wireshark labs particularly useful for understanding packet analysis."
"The NGFW section was particularly enlightening, offering practical examples that helped my understanding."
Explains fundamental network security concepts with clarity.
"Excellent foundational course. The instructor explained complex topics clearly."
"As someone new to network security, this course was a godsend. It really builds up my understanding from the basics."
"I found the course structure logical, and the material well-organized, providing a very comprehensive introduction."
Some modules felt rushed or too basic, needing more challenging exercises.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, and I wished there was more time spent on certain topics."
"I found some of the quizzes too basic; I would have preferred more challenging exercises to truly test my knowledge."
"While good, some modules felt a bit dry, and I expected more challenging labs."

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 Palo Alto Networks Network Security Fundamentals with these activities:
Explore Virtualization Technologies
Supplement course material by exploring virtualization technologies and their applications in network environments.
Browse courses on Virtualization
Show steps
  • Follow tutorials on setting up and managing virtual machines using popular platforms like VirtualBox or VMWare.
  • Experiment with creating and configuring virtual networks within virtual environments.
IP Addressing and Subnetting Practice
Reinforce understanding of IP addressing and subnetting through practical exercises.
Browse courses on IP Addressing
Show steps
  • Solve IP address allocation and subnet mask determination problems.
  • Practice configuring IP addresses and subnet masks on network devices.
Discuss Network Security Best Practices
Engage in peer discussions to share knowledge and perspectives on network security best practices.
Browse courses on Network Security Best Practices
Show steps
  • Participate in online forums or discussion groups dedicated to network security.
  • Join a study group or organize one with peers to discuss course material and real-world scenarios.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Mentor Junior Network Engineers
Consolidate knowledge by sharing expertise and guiding junior network engineers in their learning journey.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior engineers within professional networks or organizations.
  • Provide guidance and support in areas such as network design, security, and troubleshooting.
  • Regularly check in and assess mentees' progress, offering feedback and encouragement.
Attend Network Security Conference
Gain exposure to industry trends and advancements by attending a network security conference.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant network security conferences.
  • Register for the conference and plan attendance.
  • Actively participate in sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Career center

Learners who complete Palo Alto Networks Network Security Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Architect
A Network Architect designs, implements, and maintains computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to be a Network Architect by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to design and manage secure networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer plans, installs, and maintains computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to become a Network Engineer by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to design and manage secure networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst identifies, assesses, and mitigates security risks. They develop and implement security plans and procedures to protect networks, systems, and data. This course can help someone who wants to become a Security Analyst by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to identify and mitigate security risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Security Consultant
A Security Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their networks, systems, and data. They develop and implement security plans and procedures to help organizations mitigate security risks. This course can help someone who wants to become a Security Consultant by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to provide advice and guidance on how to protect networks, systems, and data.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's information systems. They monitor and analyze security events to identify and respond to threats. This course can help someone who wants to become an Information Security Analyst by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst identifies, assesses, and mitigates cybersecurity risks. They develop and implement cybersecurity plans and procedures to protect networks, systems, and data. This course can help someone who wants to become a Cybersecurity Analyst by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator installs, configures, and maintains computer networks. They ensure that networks are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to become a Network Administrator by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to install, configure, and maintain secure networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator installs, configures, and maintains computer systems. They ensure that systems are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to become a Systems Administrator by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to install, configure, and maintain secure systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor reviews and evaluates an organization's IT systems and controls to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. This course can help someone who wants to become an IT Auditor by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to review and evaluate an organization's IT systems and controls.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
IT Manager
An IT Manager plans and directs the IT operations of an organization. They ensure that IT systems and services are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to become an IT Manager by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to plan and direct the IT operations of an organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
IT Security Manager
An IT Security Manager plans and directs the IT security operations of an organization. They ensure that IT systems and services are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to become an IT Security Manager by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to plan and direct the IT security operations of an organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for the overall security of an organization's IT systems and data. They develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect the organization from cyberattacks and other security threats. This course can help someone who wants to become a CISO by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect an organization from cyberattacks and other security threats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains network security systems. They ensure that networks are secure, reliable, and efficient. This course can help someone who wants to become a Network Security Engineer by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to design, implement, and maintain secure networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineer
A Cloud Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security for cloud computing environments. They ensure that cloud systems and data are secure, reliable, and compliant with regulations. This course can help someone who wants to become a Cloud Security Engineer by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to design, implement, and maintain security for cloud computing environments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer
Security Architect
A Security Architect designs and implements security solutions for organizations. They develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect organizations from cyberattacks and other security threats. This course can help someone who wants to become a Security Architect by providing them with a foundation in network security fundamentals. The course covers topics such as network security concepts, network addressing, packet encapsulation, and network security technologies. This knowledge will be essential for someone who wants to design and implement security solutions for organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Palo Alto Networks Network Security Fundamentals.
Cover image
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Save
This classic networking textbook provides a thorough overview of computer networking, covering topics from the physical layer to application layer. It provides a good foundation for understanding the concepts and technologies discussed in the course.
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Paperback
Check
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Network Security Essentials: Applications and...
Save
This widely-used textbook on network security covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of network security. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field and would be a valuable supplement to the course.
Network Security Essentials: Applications and...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols
Save
This classic reference book provides a comprehensive overview of the TCP/IP protocol suite. It is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the technical details of how the Internet works.
TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols
Paperback
Check
TCP/IP Illustrated: The protocols
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Save
This widely-used textbook on cryptography provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It would be a valuable supplement to the course for anyone interested in learning more about the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of network security.
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
The Art of Deception
Save
Provides insights into the methods used by hackers to compromise computer systems and networks. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the human element of security.
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Hardcover
$$
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile
Save
This document comprehensive framework for improving the cybersecurity of organizations. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to implement and manage a cybersecurity program.
Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile Low...
Paperback
$$$
Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile Low...
Paperback
$$$
Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile Low...
Paperback
$$
Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile Low...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cybersecurity Framework Manufacturing Profile: NIST...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Implications of Artificial Intelligence for...
Save
This database contains a list of known vulnerabilities in software and hardware. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to keep their systems up to date with the latest security patches.
Implications of Artificial Intelligence for...
Paperback
Check
Implications of Artificial Intelligence for...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Handbook of Cerebrovascular Disease and...
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of risk assessment and risk management. It would be a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to identify, assess, and manage risks to their organization.
Handbook of Cerebrovascular Disease and...
Paperback
Check
Handbook of Cerebrovascular Disease and...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Palo Alto Networks
Instructor
James Dalton
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a collection called Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security Fundamentals
  2. Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation
  3. Palo Alto Networks Network Security Fundamentals (viewing)
  4. Palo Alto Networks Security Operations Fundamentals
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on establishing, maintaining, and navigating secure network computing environments
Delves into the foundational concepts of network security
Adopts a modular structure, enabling learners to focus on specific areas of interest
Provides a comprehensive overview of network infrastructure, addressing and protocols
Analyzes the intricate lifecycle of data packets and encapsulations
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