Network Security - Protocols

This course is a part of Cybersecurity Fundamentals, a 9-course MicroBachelors series from edX.

This is the 5th course in the intermediate, undergraduate-level offering that makes up the larger Cybersecurity Fundamentals MicroBachelors Program. We recommend taking them in order, unless you have a background in these areas already and feel comfortable skipping ahead.

Information Security - Introduction to Information Security

Information Security - Authentication and Access Control

Information Security - Advanced Topics

Network Security - Introduction to Network Security

Network Security - Protocols

Network Security - Advanced Topics

Penetration Testing - Discovering Vulnerabilities

Penetration Testing - Exploitation

Penetration Testing - Post Exploitation

These topics build upon the learnings that are taught in the introductory-level Computer Science Fundamentals MicroBachelors program, offered by the same instructor.

This is a self-paced course that provides a continuation of network security topics. Among the topics covered are cryptographic algorithms used in networking protocols, TLS/SSL, IPSec Layer 2 Security, and Wireless Security. The material is essential in later classes that will develop ethical hacking skills. Students are provided with a broad understanding of cryptography, from its classical applications dating from the Roman empire to modern cryptography, including the public key cryptography and hashing techniques today. Next, we take what we learned about cryptography and apply it as a tool against attackers. Specifically, we'll discuss IP Security, TLS/SSL, and its use in Virtual Private Networks. We follow up with coverage of Layer 2 security and vulnerabilities, such as MAC attacks, VLAN hopping attacks, DHCP attacks, ARP attacks, spoofing attacks, and attacks on other protocols. We'll also go over common countermeasures to these attacks. We conclude the course with an overview of how WiFi works, basic terminology and architecture, and how wireless networks are secured.

Industry Certification Preparation

This program covers much of the material that is assessed on the CompTIA’s Security+ certification exam. Upon program completion, verified track learners will receive a 36% discount code for the CompTIA Security+ exam.

What you'll learn