Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation from Coursera

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation

Course Description:

In this course, students will learn fundamental principles associated with the current

cybersecurity landscape and identify concepts required to recognize and potentially

mitigate attacks against enterprise networks as well as mission critical infrastructure.

Students will also learn how to initially setup and configure security zones,

authentication, and policies on a next generation firewall.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Upon completion of this course students will be able to perform the following:

• Discover modern computing trends and application threat vectors.

• Configure a network interface and test for connectivity.

• Identify cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS) application

challenges.

• Explore recent cyberattacks and their impact on business.

• Review attacker profiles, motivations and the Cyber-Attack Lifecycle.

• Recognize high-profile cybersecurity attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats.

• Identify malware types, vulnerabilities, exploits, spamming and phishing attacks.

• Configure and test a malware analysis security profile.

• Describe how bots and botnets are used to attack enterprise networks.

• Explore Zero Trust design principles, architecture, capabilities, and

implementation.

• Review perimeter network security strategies, policies, models, and trust

boundaries.

• Setup and configure inside, outside and DMZ security zones on a NGFW.

• Create and test an authentication policy on a next generation firewall.

• Review capabilities of the Security Operating Platform and components.

• Explore how to secure the enterprise with NGFW and Traps endpoint protection.

• Discover how to secure the cloud with Prisma Access, SaaS, and Cloud.

• Examine how to secure the future with Cortex Data Lake and XDR.

• Apply two-factor authentication on the next generation firewall (NGFW).

• Configure the NGFW to allow only trusted applications.

What's inside

Syllabus

Cybersecurity Foundation: Module 1 - Course Information

In the Cybersecurity Foundation course students will learn fundamental principles associated with the current cybersecurity landscape and identify concepts required to recognize and potentially mitigate attacks against enterprise networks as well as mission critical infrastructure. Students will also learn how to initially setup and configure security zones, authentication, and policies on a next generation firewall.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines a range of topics including modern computing, cybersecurity threats, models and designs, and the Security Operating Platform

Primarily designed for individuals seeking a fundamental understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices

Taught by James Dalton, an experienced cybersecurity professional

Provides hands-on experience in configuring security zones, authentication, and policies on a next-generation firewall

Covers the identification and mitigation of potential attacks against enterprise networks and critical infrastructure

May not be suitable for learners with extensive cybersecurity experience seeking advanced knowledge

Reviews summary

Palo alto networks cybersecurity foundation overview

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundational understanding of modern cybersecurity principles, particularly valuable for those new to the field or looking to specialize in Palo Alto Networks technologies. Students appreciate the clear explanations of complex concepts like the Cyber-Attack Lifecycle and Zero Trust. While the course provides practical insights into NGFW initial setup and policies, some reviewers note its breadth over depth, suggesting it's an excellent first step but may require additional study for advanced topics. The inclusion of basic hands-on labs is seen as beneficial for reinforcing learning, though some wish for more complex scenarios. Its focus on vendor-specific products and ecosystem is a key characteristic.

Strongly centered around the vendor's products and ecosystem.

"This course provides a great intro to Palo Alto Networks, particularly the hands-on NGFW setup steps, which are practical for real-world application."

"Too much marketing for Palo Alto products and not enough deep dive into general cybersecurity concepts. It felt like a long product pitch at times."

"The course content is highly relevant for anyone working with Palo Alto devices and is a useful prerequisite for more technical certifications."

Introduces essential initial configurations for NGFW.

"I appreciate the hands-on setup steps for the NGFW, which are practical for real-world application."

"While it introduces NGFW configuration, I wished for more complex scenarios in the labs. Still, a good stepping stone."

"The initial NGFW setup was helpful, but I expected more troubleshooting or scenario-based learning."

Complex concepts are presented in an understandable manner.

"The explanations of attack vectors and Zero Trust principles were very clear."

"The Cyber-Attack Lifecycle explanation made complex concepts easy to grasp. The instructor's pacing was perfect."

"The coverage of Zero Trust was particularly well done. I appreciated the clear explanations of different attack types."

An excellent starting point for new cybersecurity professionals.

"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity..."

"As someone new to network security, this course was invaluable. The modules on cyber-threats and attack types were very informative."

"Absolutely fantastic for beginners! I loved how they broke down complex topics like APTs and botnets into manageable chunks."

Covers many topics, but some desire more advanced detail.

"It covers a wide range of topics from malware types to cloud security, giving a broad overview."

"If you have some prior IT or networking experience, much of the initial content might feel like a recap. I was hoping for more depth."

"Some sections felt rushed, and I often had to supplement with outside reading. I expected more troubleshooting or scenario-based learning."

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 Cybersecurity Foundation with these activities:

Read "Cyber Security Essentials" by Charles J.Brooks

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity fundamentals, including topics such as network security, cryptography, and malware analysis.

View Practical Industrial Cybersecurity on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter

Practice managing a network with Wireshark

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Wireshark is a vital tool for network security professionals. Refreshing skills in using Wireshark will help you immensely in configuring and testing security policies on the NGFW.

Browse courses on Wireshark

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Download and install Wireshark
Configure Wireshark to capture traffic
Start capturing and analyzing traffic

Join a study group

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Studying with peers can help you learn the material more effectively and identify areas where you need additional support.

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Find a study group
Attend the study group meetings
Participate in discussions

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Explore the Palo Alto Networks Learning Center

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The Palo Alto Networks Learning Center provides a wealth of tutorials on all aspects of cybersecurity. Browse through the tutorials to find ones that align with your learning goals.

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Visit the Palo Alto Networks Learning Center
Browse the tutorials
Select a tutorial and complete it

Complete the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Fundamentals Lab

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This lab provides hands-on experience with configuring and managing a Palo Alto Networks firewall.

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Register for the lab
Complete the pre-lab exercises
Configure and manage the firewall
Complete the post-lab exercises

Contribute to the Palo Alto Networks Community

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Contributing to the Palo Alto Networks Community can help you learn from others and stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends.

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Create a Palo Alto Networks Community account
Join the Palo Alto Networks Community
Participate in discussions
Share your knowledge and expertise

Create a cybersecurity resource guide

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Creating a resource guide will help you organize and retain the information you learn in the course.

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Gather resources
Organize the resources
Create a resource guide

Design and implement a security policy for a small business

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world scenario.

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Identify the security requirements of the business
Design a security policy that meets the requirements
Implement the security policy
Test the security policy
Document the security policy

Career center

Learners who complete Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation offers an integral perspective on the cybersecurity domain. With this course, you can explore foundational cybersecurity concepts, mastering the ability to recognize cyberthreats and implementing mitigations. Considering the course covers topics like cyberattack lifecycle, malware analysis, and Zero Trust design principles, getting a foundational grounding in this subject matter will help you succeed in your Cybersecurity Analyst role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

As an Information Security Analyst, having a solid comprehension of cybersecurity fundamentals is pivotal. Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation presents an extensive overview of cybersecurity principles, covering topics such as threat identification, intrusion detection, and risk assessment. This course provides you with a firm foundation to excel in this role, where you are responsible for protecting sensitive data, managing vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation can be a valuable resource for aspiring and current Cybersecurity Engineers. It delves into the technical aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, authentication, and threat detection. By understanding the core concepts of cybersecurity, you will be better equipped to design, implement, and maintain secure networks and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Security Architect

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, enabling you to develop a strong foundation as a Security Architect. The course covers important concepts such as network security, access control, and threat mitigation strategies, which are essential for designing and implementing secure networks and systems. By taking this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the cybersecurity landscape and enhance your ability to protect organizations from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Network Security Engineer

If you are interested in becoming a Network Security Engineer, Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation can provide you with a solid understanding of the fundamentals. This course offers insights into network security principles, threat detection techniques, and security policy implementation. By mastering these concepts, you will be well-equipped to design, configure, and maintain network security systems, ensuring the protection of networks and data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

For those pursuing a career as a Cloud Security Engineer, Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation offers valuable knowledge and skills. This course covers key aspects of cloud security, such as cloud computing concepts, security challenges, and risk management techniques. By gaining a solid foundation in these areas, you will be able to effectively secure cloud environments, protect data and applications, and ensure compliance with security standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Security Consultant

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation is a great starting point for those looking to become Security Consultants. This course provides a broad overview of cybersecurity principles, including risk assessment, threat mitigation, and regulatory compliance. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity, you will be well-equipped to advise clients on how to protect their organizations from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Incident Responder

As an Incident Responder, having a solid grounding in cybersecurity fundamentals is vital. Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation offers an introduction to key cybersecurity concepts, including threat detection, incident response procedures, and forensics techniques. By developing a solid understanding of these principles, you will be better prepared to effectively respond to and mitigate cybersecurity incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Penetration Tester

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation can provide a valuable introduction to the field of Penetration Testing. This course covers essential concepts such as vulnerability assessment, network penetration techniques, and ethical hacking methodologies. By understanding these principles, you will be better equipped to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems, helping organizations to improve their security posture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Auditor

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation provides a solid introduction to cybersecurity principles, making it a useful resource for aspiring Security Auditors. This course covers topics such as risk assessment, compliance auditing, and security best practices. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these areas, you will be well-equipped to evaluate an organization's security posture and identify potential vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Digital Forensic Analyst

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation may be helpful for those interested in becoming Digital Forensic Analysts. This course offers an introduction to cybersecurity principles, including incident response, evidence collection, and digital forensics techniques. By gaining a foundational understanding of these concepts, you will be better prepared to analyze digital evidence and assist in investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensic Analyst

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation may be useful for those aspiring to become Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts. This course provides an overview of cybersecurity principles, threat intelligence gathering techniques, and analysis methodologies. By gaining a foundational understanding of these concepts, you will be better prepared to monitor threat landscapes, identify emerging threats, and provide valuable insights to organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Security Operations Center Analyst

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation may be helpful for those interested in a career as a Security Operations Center Analyst. This course offers an introduction to cybersecurity concepts, including threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring. By gaining a basic understanding of these principles, you will be better prepared to monitor security systems, detect and respond to incidents, and assist in maintaining the security of an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center Analyst

Risk and Compliance Analyst

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation is a useful resource for aspiring Risk and Compliance Analysts. This course covers fundamental cybersecurity principles, risk assessment methodologies, and compliance frameworks. By developing a solid foundation in these areas, you will be better equipped to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, ensuring an organization's compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk and Compliance Analyst

Security Program Manager

Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation can provide a useful introduction to cybersecurity management for aspiring Security Program Managers. This course covers topics such as cybersecurity strategy development, risk management, and security governance. By gaining a foundational understanding of these concepts, you will be better prepared to establish and manage an effective cybersecurity program within an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Program Manager