Deception As a Defense from Coursera

In this course, defensive concepts will be explored and the power of using deception at different layers of the network. The attacker depends on information that is gathered during their surveillance, and with deception we change the network at layer 2-4 and the result of this is the attacker’s collected data is no longer valid and useless for them, this requires the attacker to start the information gathering process over again. In a robust defensive solution, the network can change multiple times based on the classification of the threat, and each time it changes, the attacker is lost and has to start the recon process over again. These concepts change the game and puts the defender in control! The concepts have been deployed at Capture the Flag events and frustrated and confused the hackers for hours!

Forever you have heard that the hackers are in control and they only need to find one way in. This course will show you how to flip that model and we only need one packet to identify the attacker and prepare our response strategy. We are in control of our networks and this workshop will show you how to take advantage of and achieve that.

Prerequisites:-

1- Basic understanding of IT and cybersecurity concepts.

2- Familiarity with network architecture and operations.

Target Learners:-

1- IT professionals seeking advanced cybersecurity skills.

2- Network administrators and security analysts.

3- Individuals aspiring to specialize in cybersecurity defense strategies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of Cybersecurity and Strategic Defenses

This module introduces learners to the critical aspects of the cybersecurity landscape, emphasizing the understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and strategic defense principles. By exploring topics such as threat analysis, vulnerability management, and cybersecurity challenges, students will gain a comprehensive overview of how to protect digital assets effectively.

Advanced Cybersecurity Strategies and Network Defense Techniques

Diving deeper into cybersecurity methodologies, this module focuses on advanced strategies and best practices to safeguard networks and mitigate threats. Covering proactive vulnerability tracking, patch management, and reducing the attack surface, students will explore the tactical aspects of network security.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced cybersecurity strategies and network defense techniques, which are core skills for network administrators and security analysts

Taught by Kevin Cardwell, who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, including threat analysis, vulnerability management, and strategic defense principles

Strong fit for IT professionals, network administrators, and security analysts who want to advance their cybersecurity skills

Teaches skills that are highly relevant to both industry and academia

Multi-modal course that includes a mix of videos, readings, and discussions

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 Deception As a Defense with these activities:

Read 'The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element of Security'

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Provides valuable insights into the human element of security and the use of deception to counter attackers who exploit these vulnerabilities.

View Ghost in the Wires on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts
Summarize the main arguments and examples provided in the book
Identify how the concepts in the book relate to the course material

Practice network troubleshooting

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Refreshes your understanding of network troubleshooting techniques, which will help you grasp advanced concepts in the course.

Browse courses on Network Troubleshooting

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Review basic network troubleshooting commands
Simulate common network issues and troubleshoot them

Organize a study group on deception techniques

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Encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, helping you solidify your understanding of deception concepts and their application in cybersecurity.

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Identify classmates or peers who are interested in forming a study group
Establish a regular meeting schedule and location
Select topics for discussion and assign responsibilities for presenting
Facilitate discussions and encourage active participation

Five other activities

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Configure network devices using CLI

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Improves your proficiency in configuring network devices using CLI, which is essential for implementing deception techniques.

Browse courses on Network Configuration

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Set up a network lab environment
Configure basic network settings on routers and switches
Practice advanced CLI commands for network troubleshooting

Support an open-source cybersecurity project

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Contributes to the cybersecurity community while gaining practical experience with deception techniques and network defense strategies.

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Identify open-source cybersecurity projects related to deception
Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing
Review the project documentation and understand its goals
Make code contributions or provide documentation support

Design a deception strategy for a specific network

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Provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing deception strategies, deepening your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on network security

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Identify potential attack vectors for the network
Design deception mechanisms to counter each attack vector
Document your strategy and implementation plan

Attend a Capture the Flag (CTF) event

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Provides an immersive and practical experience in applying defensive techniques, including deception, in a simulated attack environment.

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Find and register for a CTF event
Prepare by practicing network troubleshooting and deception techniques
Participate in the CTF event and collaborate with others
Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement

Build a deception-based cybersecurity solution

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Provides a comprehensive and challenging learning experience, allowing you to apply your knowledge of deception techniques to design and implement a real-world solution.

Browse courses on Network Defense

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Define the scope and requirements of your solution
Design the deception mechanisms and network architecture
Implement and deploy your solution in a test environment
Evaluate the effectiveness of your solution and make improvements
Document your project and share your findings with the community

Career center

Learners who complete Deception As a Defense will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They also monitor and analyze security systems to identify and respond to threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer networks and systems. They also monitor and analyze security systems to identify and respond to threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Analyst

Security Analysts identify and assess security risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against these risks. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts design and implement security measures to protect computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer networks and systems. They also monitor and analyze network traffic to identify and respond to threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their computer networks and systems from threats. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against these threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts collect and analyze information about cyber threats to identify and assess risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against these threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

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

Incident Responder

Incident Responders investigate and respond to security incidents. They also develop and implement security measures to prevent future incidents. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect cloud computing environments. They also monitor and analyze cloud traffic to identify and respond to threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against these vulnerabilities. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers oversee the security of an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect against threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect against threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Architects design and implement security architectures to protect computer networks and systems from threats. They also develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect against these threats. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Researcher

Cybersecurity Researchers develop and implement new security technologies to protect computer networks and systems from threats. They also research and analyze new threats to computer networks and systems. This course can help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a deep understanding of deception as a defense strategy. This course will also help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate threats to your network.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Researcher