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Defending and Securing Systems

Ron Woerner, Christine Izuakor, PhD, CISSP, Sean Pike, Esq., M.S., and Jerry Smith

Equip yourself with the expertise needed to thrive in the cybersecurity. Enroll now to develop the skills for defending and securing cybersecurity systems.

Prerequisite details

To optimize your success in this program, we've created a list of prerequisites and recommendations to help you prepare for the curriculum. Prior to enrolling, you should have the following knowledge:

Command line interface basics

You will also need to be able to communicate fluently and professionally in written and spoken English.

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Bootcamp level quality

Complete hands-on projects and get personalized feedback with Udacity.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course introduction to Introduction to Defending and Securing Systems

In this lesson you will learn about best practices in defending computer systems.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Develops proficiency in securing and defending cybersecurity systems, a high industry demand area

Taught by industry experts with proven credentials and significant experience in cybersecurity

Examines essential cybersecurity concepts, including system protection, network security, and encryption

Suitable for individuals with a basic understanding of the command line interface

May require additional prerequisites for learners with no prior cybersecurity experience

Examines the detection and analysis of malicious activity using log monitoring techniques

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Reviews summary

Solid foundation in cybersecurity systems defense

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in cybersecurity defense, particularly excelling in teaching best practices for defending systems, securing networks, and effective log monitoring for malicious activity. Students frequently highlight the value of the hands-on labs and a challenging but rewarding final project that helps solidify understanding. While widely praised for its practical insights and clarity, especially for those new to the field, some reviewers note that the cryptography module could be more in-depth and that the course is generally better suited for beginners rather than advanced learners seeking highly specialized or cutting-edge content. A few mentioned that some tools discussed might be slightly outdated, though the core principles remain relevant.

Highlights practical applications in network defense and log analysis.

"I particularly liked the structured approach to monitoring and detection."

"The section on securing networks was particularly insightful, offering practical advice and examples."

"The module on monitoring and using logs for malicious activity detection was incredibly useful for my current role."

"The network security lessons were practical, and I found myself applying the concepts almost immediately at work."

Practical labs and projects enhance skill development significantly.

"I appreciate the hands-on labs, which really helped solidify the concepts."

"The project was challenging but rewarding, tying everything together nicely."

"The project was comprehensive and allowed me to showcase my skills."

"The project was engaging and tested my understanding."

Provides essential skills for new cybersecurity professionals.

"This course provided a solid foundation in cybersecurity defense."

"As someone new to cybersecurity, this course was a godsend. It broke down complex topics into digestible chunks."

"The content is directly applicable to securing systems in a corporate environment. I learned so much, highly recommend for professionals."

"Good practical insights into network security and defense... perfect for building core skills."

Cryptography module is a bit too basic for intermediate learners.

"I felt the cryptography section could have been more in-depth for those with a bit more background."

"The cryptography module felt a bit too basic and rushed, not covering enough real-world application."

"The material on logs and crypto felt very superficial. I already knew most of this from other resources."

"The cryptography part felt like an afterthought."

Suits beginners; may lack depth for experienced professionals.

"I was hoping for more hands-on, advanced content... probably good for absolute beginners, but not for someone with prior IT experience."

"The command line interface basics prerequisite wasn't enough for some of the lab exercises; I had to look up a lot of things."

"It provides a general understanding, but don't expect to be an expert in any single area."

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 Defending and Securing Systems with these activities:

Review command line basics

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Sharpen your command line skills to lay a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Command Line Interface

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Read online tutorials or documentation on command line basics.
Practice using basic commands in a command line environment.

Read 'Network Security Essentials' by William Stallings

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Gain a solid understanding of network security principles and practices.

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

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Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.
Take notes and summarize the key concepts.

Solve cryptography puzzles

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Test and refine your cryptography skills through hands-on practice.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Find online cryptography puzzles or challenges.
Attempt to solve the puzzles using the techniques covered in the course.

Four other activities

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Follow tutorials on log analysis

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Develop proficiency in identifying security events through log analysis.

Browse courses on Log Analysis

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Search for tutorials on log analysis using the course materials as a guide.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.

Attend a cybersecurity workshop or conference

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Engage with experts and learn about the latest cybersecurity trends and technologies.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Research and identify relevant cybersecurity workshops or conferences.
Register and attend the event.

Develop a presentation on cybersecurity best practices

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Demonstrate your understanding and ability to communicate cybersecurity best practices.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Gather information on cybersecurity best practices.
Organize the information into a logical flow.
Create visual aids and examples to illustrate the concepts.
Practice delivering the presentation.

Design a security plan for a small business

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Apply your knowledge to create a practical security plan that addresses real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Gather information about the small business's operations and IT infrastructure.
Identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
Develop a plan to mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities.
Present the plan to the business owner or IT manager.

Career center

Learners who complete Defending and Securing Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from attack. They use their knowledge of security vulnerabilities and threats to identify and mitigate risks. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a cybersecurity analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts help organizations protect their information assets from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They develop and implement security measures to protect against threats such as malware, hackers, and insider threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an information security analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. They work to protect networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a network security engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Architect

Security architects design and implement security measures to protect organizations from cyber threats. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they monitor and maintain security systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a security architect by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Security Consultant

Security consultants help organizations assess and improve their security posture. They work with clients to identify security risks and vulnerabilities, and they develop and implement security solutions. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a security consultant by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Security Engineer

Security engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems. They work to protect systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a security engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Manager

Security managers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they manage security teams. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a security manager by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Security Specialist

Security specialists are responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from cyber threats. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security measures, and they monitor and maintain security systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a security specialist by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Specialist

Systems Administrator

Systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer systems. They install and configure software, manage user accounts, and troubleshoot system problems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a systems administrator by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

IT Auditor

IT auditors assess the security of an organization's information systems. They review security policies and procedures, and they test systems to identify vulnerabilities. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an IT auditor by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

IT Security Manager

IT security managers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they manage security teams. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become an IT security manager by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager

Network Administrator

Network administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of computer networks. They install and configure network hardware and software, and they troubleshoot network problems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a network administrator by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers assess the security of an organization's information systems by simulating attacks. They identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in systems, and they provide recommendations for how to improve security. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a penetration tester by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Analyst

Security analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify threats and vulnerabilities. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security measures, and they provide advice on security best practices. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a security analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security measures, and they may specialize in security-related software development. This course can help you develop the skills needed to become a software engineer with a focus on security by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles and practices. You will learn about how to defend and secure systems, how to monitor and analyze logs, and how to use cryptography to protect sensitive data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Reading list

We've selected five 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 Defending and Securing Systems.

Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...

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A comprehensive textbook that covers the principles and practices of cryptography and network security. Provides a strong foundation in the subject matter.

Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and...

Paperback

$$$

Toward a Safer and More Secure Cyberspace

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A valuable reference guide for incident handling procedures and best practices. Provides practical guidance for responding to security incidents.

Toward a Safer and More Secure Cyberspace

Paperback

Check price

Toward a Safer and More Secure Cyberspace

Kindle Edition

Check price

Practical Malware Analysis

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A hands-on guide to malware analysis, providing techniques for identifying and analyzing malicious software. Useful for those interested in malware analysis and reverse engineering.

Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to...

Paperback

Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to...

Kindle Edition

The Art of Deception

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Provides insights into the human factors of cybersecurity, exploring social engineering techniques and countermeasures. Useful for understanding the psychological aspects of security.

The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...

Hardcover

The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...

Kindle Edition

The Hacker Playbook 3

Save

A practical guide to penetration testing, providing techniques and tools for ethical hacking. Useful for those interested in developing their penetration testing skills.

The Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To...

Paperback

The Hacker Playbook 3: Practical Guide To...

Kindle Edition

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