Network Defense Essentials (NDE) from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Network Security Fundamentals

With the increase in the usage of emerging technology, it has become increasingly important to secure information and data being processed online. As the Internet and computer networks are continually growing, network security has become a challenging task for organizations. This module provides insight into the network security fundamentals, such as network defense approaches, network security controls, network security protocols, etc.

Identification, Authentication, and Authorization

The most serious risk that organizations are facing today is unauthorized access to sensitive data. To control such data breaches, organizations require strong identification, authentication, and authorization mechanisms to effectively manage access to critical assets and sensitive data. This module provides an overview of various methods and techniques used for the identification, authentication, and authorization of users accessing critical assets and resources.

Network Security Controls - Administrative Controls

Compliance, policies, and governance are integral to an information security program for any organization. An organization needs to comply with certain regulatory standards to run its businesses. At the same time, it must also have strong security policies and governance in order to fulfill regulatory standards. The current module addresses this administrative aspect of an organization’s network security.

Network Security Controls - Physical Controls

Physical security plays a major role in every organization. It entails the protection of critical information, network infrastructure, physical equipment and devices, facilities, personnel, etc. from environmental disasters, terrorism, vandalism, and theft. This module explains the importance of physical security, various physical security controls, importance of workplace security, and various environmental controls.

Network Security Controls - Technical Controls

The most important aspect of security controls is the protection of organizational assets such as people, property, and data. By establishing security controls, an organization can either reduce or completely mitigate risks to their assets. This module provides an overview of various technical controls that help organizations in protecting their private networks and IT assets.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is an emerging technology that delivers computing services such as online business applications, online data storage, and webmail over the Internet. Cloud implementation enables a distributed workforce, reduces organization expenses, provides data security, etc. This module provides an overview of virtualization and cloud computing concepts that help organizations securely store or process data on the cloud.

Wireless Network Security

This module deals with network security for wireless networks in enterprises. Wireless networks are widely used across organizations today and are prone to various attacks. Therefore, organizations need to focus on the planning for securing the wireless network across the organization.

Mobile Device Security

With the introduction of mobile phones in enterprises, enterprise security has become more complex. Enterprise mobile security has become a major challenge for organizations. Therefore, it is important for organizations to address these security concerns to effectively manage the security of mobile devices. This module provides an overview of mobile device security risks and best practices for mobile platforms.

IoT Device Security

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in enterprise IT infrastructure has created a vast security perimeter. IoT devices use both networks and the cloud. However, they are highly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and botnet attacks. Attackers can easily compromise IoT endpoints. Understanding the security measures will help in securing IoT-enabled environments. This module provides an overview of IoT device security.

Cryptography and PKI

Cryptography and cryptographic (“crypto”) systems help in securing data against interception and compromise during online transmissions. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of different cryptosystems and algorithms, one-way hash functions, and public key infrastructures (PKIs). It also covers various tools used to encrypt sensitive data.

Data Security

Data breaches can be costly for organizations. Therefore, it is important to keep organization data safe from prying eyes. This module explains the importance of data, and various techniques to protect data.

Network Traffic Monitoring

Organizations need to perform network monitoring and analyze network traffic to identify suspicious activities across their networks. This module covers the concept of network traffic monitoring.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides practical, hands-on experience through interactive labs, which is helpful for learners with no prior experience in cybersecurity

Covers a comprehensive range of topics in information security and network defense, making it a well-rounded course for beginners

Examines various security controls, such as administrative, physical, and technical controls, which is essential knowledge for those responsible for securing networks

Includes topics such as mobile device security and IoT device security, which are highly relevant to individuals working in enterprise security

Requires learners to have some background knowledge in information security, which may not be suitable for complete beginners with no prior exposure to the field

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 Defense Essentials (NDE) with these activities:

Review Network Security Concepts

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Refresh your knowledge of network security concepts and protocols to prepare for the course.

Browse courses on Network Security Fundamentals

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Review your notes or textbooks on network security.
Go through online resources or tutorials to refresh your memory.

Read 'Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards' by William Stallings

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Supplement your theoretical knowledge with practical insights by reading this book that covers various aspects of network security.

View Network Security Essentials: Applications and... on Amazon

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Go through the chapters and understand the concepts of network security.
Refer to the book for additional information and examples.

Organize and Review Course Resources

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Organize and review your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance your understanding of the course material.

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Gather all the course materials and organize them.
Review the materials to identify areas where you need further clarification.

Five other activities

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Practice Network Security Concepts and Protocols

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Practice and test your understanding of network security fundamentals, protocols, and defense strategies through drills.

Browse courses on Network Security Fundamentals

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Review the key concepts of network security.
Identify and practice using different network security protocols.
Simulate and respond to various network security attacks.

Participate in Discussion Forums on Network Security

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Engage with fellow learners and experts to discuss network security topics, share knowledge, and get different perspectives.

Browse courses on network security

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Join online discussion forums or groups related to network security.
Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.
Collaborate with others to solve problems or explore new ideas.

Follow Tutorials on IoT Device Security

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Expand your knowledge of IoT device security by exploring and following online tutorials and resources.

Browse courses on IoT Device Security

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Search for reputable tutorials on IoT device security.
Follow the tutorials and implement the recommended security measures.
Test the effectiveness of the implemented security measures.

Develop a Plan for Implementing Cloud Security

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Solidify your understanding of cloud security by creating a comprehensive plan for implementing cloud security measures.

Browse courses on Cloud Computing

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Research and analyze cloud security best practices.
Identify potential cloud security risks and vulnerabilities.
Develop a strategy for implementing cloud security controls and monitoring.
Create a documentation of your cloud security plan.

Build a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

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Gain practical experience by setting up and configuring a VPN to protect your network traffic.

Browse courses on Network Security Controls

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Determine the requirements and design for your VPN.
Select and install the necessary hardware and software.
Configure the VPN and test its functionality.
Monitor and maintain the VPN for optimal performance.

Career center

Learners who complete Network Defense Essentials (NDE) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Cybersecurity Analysts who are responsible for protecting computer systems from cybersecurity risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Information Security Analysts who are responsible for protecting information systems from security breaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze computer systems for security breaches. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Security Analysts who are responsible for protecting computer systems from security breaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security for cloud computing environments. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, virtual and cloud computing, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Cloud Security Engineers who are responsible for securing cloud computing environments.

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Incident Responder

Incident Responders respond to and handle security incidents. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, data security, and network traffic monitoring. This knowledge can be helpful for Incident Responders who are responsible for responding to and handling security incidents.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in computer systems. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, data security, and network traffic monitoring. This knowledge can be helpful for Penetration Testers who are responsible for identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in computer systems.

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Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts analyze malware to identify its purpose and behavior. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, data security, and cryptography. This knowledge can be helpful for Malware Analysts who are responsible for analyzing malware to identify its purpose and behavior.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization's IT systems. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Risk Analysts who are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to IT systems.

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DevSecOps Engineer

DevSecOps Engineers integrate security into the software development process. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for DevSecOps Engineers who are responsible for integrating security into the software development process.

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Network Engineer

Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, wireless network security, and network traffic monitoring. This knowledge can be helpful for Network Engineers who are responsible for securing computer networks.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate an organization's IT systems to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for IT Auditors who are responsible for ensuring that IT systems are secure and compliant with regulations.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization's computer systems, including network security and data backup. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, identification, authentication, and authorization, network security controls, and data security.

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Digital Forensic Analyst

Digital Forensic Analysts investigate and analyze digital devices for evidence of crimes. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Digital Forensic Analysts who are responsible for investigating and analyzing digital devices for evidence of crimes.

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Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. The Network Defense Essentials course can help you build a foundation in network security by covering topics such as network security fundamentals, network security controls, and data security. This knowledge can be helpful for Technical Support Specialists who are responsible for providing technical support to users of computer systems.

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