Network Basics with Python from Pluralsight

This course will prepare you to design and deploy Python solutions as part of a network security toolkit. This includes a review of its use to create different TCP and UDP clients and servers, as well as a review of the creation of a basic network sniffing tool.

In this course, Network Basics with Python, you’ll learn about several concepts that enable a network security engineer/consultant to design and deploy solutions that aid in their day-to-day activities and help expand on their potential abilities. First, you’ll review the basics of the Python Socket module and how it can be used to interact with networking resources. Next, you’ll learn how to build a basic TCP and UDP client and server and show how they can be extended to transfer files. Next, you’ll learn how to extend on these capabilities by using the Paramiko module to add SSH and secure tunneling. Next, you’ll learn about how to use this knowledge to implement a basic proxy server. Next, you’ll learn about the creation of a network discovery tool that can be used to map out a simple network. Then, you’ll move on and cover the creation of a packet capture utility. Finally, you’ll learn about how to take this knowledge and information and decode it so that it can be formatted into a useful format. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge required to build basic network tools in Python that can then be used to extend your security toolkit. .

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Getting to Know Python Sockets

Building Basic Client/Server with Python

Adding SSH Capabilities with Paramiko

Building a TCP Proxy Server with Python

Building a Basic Sniffing Tool with Python

Decoding Captured Traffic with Python

Building a Host Discovery Tool with Python

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches network security principles, which is highly relevant to network engineers and security consultants

Provides hands-on experience with Python scripting, which is beneficial for network security professionals

Introduces the Paramiko module for SSH capabilities, which is widely used in network security

Covers the creation of a basic network sniffing tool, which is essential for network security monitoring

Provides a foundation for building network security tools in Python, which can enhance a security professional's toolkit

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 Network Basics with Python with these activities:

Review Python programming basics

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Refresh your Python programming skills before starting the course to ensure a solid foundation for the more advanced topics covered.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Review online tutorials or documentation on Python syntax, data types, and control flow.
Solve coding challenges or practice writing simple Python programs to reinforce your understanding.

Create a simple TCP client and server using sockets

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Practice creating basic TCP clients and servers using Python sockets to strengthen your understanding of network communication.

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Create a new Python script.
Implement the client code to connect to a server on a specific IP address and port.
Implement the server code to listen for incoming connections and handle client requests.
Test the client and server by running them separately and verifying communication.

Attend a workshop on network security tools and techniques

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Expand your knowledge by attending a workshop on network security tools and techniques to gain insights from industry experts and learn about the latest advancements.

Browse courses on Network Security Tools

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Research and identify reputable workshops or conferences focused on network security.
Register and attend the workshop in person or virtually.
Actively participate in the sessions, ask questions, and network with other attendees.

Two other activities

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Build a network sniffing tool using the Scapy library

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Create a network sniffing tool using the Scapy library to gain hands-on experience with capturing and analyzing network traffic.

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Install the Scapy library.
Write Python code to capture network packets using Scapy.
Implement functions to parse and analyze the captured packets.
Test the tool by capturing and analyzing network traffic on your local network.

Contribute to an open-source network security tool or project

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Enhance your skills and contribute to the community by participating in an open-source project related to network security.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Join the project's community and familiarize yourself with their codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
Submit your contributions and engage with the project maintainers for feedback and guidance.

Career center

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

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers are responsible for safeguarding and monitoring computer networks. They implement and maintain firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures to protect networks from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. The Network Basics with Python course provides a solid foundation for this role by teaching students how to use Python to create network security tools, such as a basic network sniffing tool.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. They analyze security data, investigate security incidents, and develop and implement security policies and procedures. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Security Analysts who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate security tasks.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They install, configure, and maintain network hardware and software, and they monitor network performance to ensure that it is running smoothly. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate network tasks.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are responsible for testing the security of computer networks and systems. They use a variety of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Penetration Testers who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate penetration testing tasks.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for evaluating the security of computer systems and networks. They review security controls, assess risks, and make recommendations for improvements. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for IT Auditors who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate IT audit tasks.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from unauthorized access and malicious attacks. They monitor network traffic, analyze security data, and investigate security incidents. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Cybersecurity Analysts who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate cybersecurity tasks.

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Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining computer software. They use a variety of programming languages and tools to create software that meets the needs of users. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Software Developers who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to develop network applications.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They ensure that databases are available, reliable, and secure. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate database administration tasks.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining computer systems. They work with a variety of hardware and software components to ensure that systems are running smoothly and efficiently. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Systems Engineers who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate systems administration tasks.

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Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud computing systems. They work with a variety of cloud computing technologies to create and manage cloud-based solutions. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Cloud Engineers who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate cloud computing tasks.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between software development and IT operations. They work with developers and operations teams to ensure that software is developed, deployed, and maintained efficiently. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for DevOps Engineers who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate DevOps tasks.

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Network Architect

Network Architects are responsible for designing and implementing computer networks. They work with a variety of network technologies to create networks that meet the needs of users. The Network Basics with Python course can be helpful for Network Architects who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate network design and implementation tasks.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They use a variety of data analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns, and they develop insights that can be used to improve decision-making. The Network Basics with Python course may be helpful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate data analysis tasks.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for developing and deploying machine learning models. They use a variety of machine learning techniques to create models that can learn from data and make predictions. The Network Basics with Python course may be helpful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate machine learning tasks.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for using data to solve business problems. They use a variety of data science techniques to analyze data, identify trends and patterns, and develop insights that can be used to improve decision-making. The Network Basics with Python course may be helpful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about Python and how it can be used to automate data science tasks.

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