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Kevin King

Network security plays a vital role in most organizations. It is the process of preventing and detecting unauthorized use of an organization’s networking infrastructure. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a security program covering the fundamental concepts of network security. It equips students with the skills required to identify the increasing network security threats that reflect on the organization's security posture and implement general security controls to protect the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, or disclosure.

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Network security plays a vital role in most organizations. It is the process of preventing and detecting unauthorized use of an organization’s networking infrastructure. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a security program covering the fundamental concepts of network security. It equips students with the skills required to identify the increasing network security threats that reflect on the organization's security posture and implement general security controls to protect the underlying networking infrastructure from unauthorized access, modification, destruction, or disclosure.

This program will give a holistic overview of the key components of network security. It provides a solid fundamental knowledge required for a career in network security.

Why is NDE Important?

§ It facilitates your entry into the world of network security

§ It provides a professional understanding of the concepts of network security

§ It provides best practices to improve organizational security posture

§ It enhances your skills as a Network Security Specialist and increases your employability

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students going through nde training will learn:
  • § key issues plaguing the network security
  • § essential network security protocols
  • § identification, authentication, and authorization concepts
  • § administrative security controls (frameworks, laws, acts, and security policies)
  • § physical security controls (physical security controls, workplace security, and environmental controls)
  • § technical security controls (network segmentation, firewall, ids/ips, honeypot, proxy server, vpn, siem, uba, and anti-malware)
  • § fundamentals of virtualization, cloud computing, and cloud security
  • § wireless network fundamentals, wireless encryption, and security measures
  • § fundamentals of mobile and iot devices and their security measures
  • § cryptography and pki concepts
  • § data security, data encryption, and data backup and data loss prevention techniques
  • § network traffic monitoring for suspicious traffic

Syllabus

Module 01: Network Security Fundamentals
This module provides insight into the network security fundamentals, such as network defense approaches, network security controls, network security protocols, etc.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes core concepts and general security controls to protect network infrastructures
Provides a solid foundation for a career in network security, covering key components and essential protocols
Enhances skills for Network Security Specialists, increasing employability
Covers various technical security controls, including network segmentation, firewall, IDS/IPS, honeypot, and anti-malware
Provides a comprehensive understanding of cryptography and PKI concepts, including various cryptosystems, algorithms, and public key infrastructures (PKIs)
Examines data security techniques, including data encryption, backup, and loss prevention

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Reviews summary

Solid foundation for network security careers

According to learners, Network Defense Essentials (NDE) offers a solid and comprehensive foundation in network security, making it an excellent starting point for beginners aiming for a career in the field. Students particularly appreciate the broad overview of essential concepts, covering everything from fundamental protocols to technical controls and emerging areas like IoT security. While providing a strong theoretical base, some learners suggest that for practical application, supplemental hands-on experience is beneficial. The course is widely seen as valuable for career entry and understanding core principles, with content generally considered up-to-date and relevant to the current cybersecurity landscape.
Covers current threats and emerging technologies.
"I appreciated the modules on IoT and mobile device security, showing the course keeps up with modern threats."
"The content felt relevant to today's cybersecurity landscape, especially the discussions on cloud computing."
"It's good to see current topics like SIEM and UBA included, reflecting real-world tools."
Perfectly suited for those new to network security.
"As a complete beginner, I found this course incredibly accessible and well-structured for learning essentials."
"This is an excellent entry-level course; it lays out complex topics simply for new learners."
"If you're just starting in cybersecurity, this is definitely the course to take to get your footing."
Highly relevant for entering a network security career.
"This course genuinely helped me gain the professional understanding needed to consider a career in network security."
"For someone aiming to enter the IT security field, this course provides an excellent overview and boosts employability."
"I feel much more confident discussing network defense topics after completing this, definitely a career enhancer."
Provides a broad and essential overview of network security.
"This course provided a really solid foundation for understanding network defense from the ground up."
"I found the curriculum comprehensive, touching on all vital areas like physical, administrative, and technical controls."
"It's a great starting point for anyone new to cybersecurity; it covers so many fundamental concepts."
Strong theoretical grounding, but could benefit from more practical labs.
"While the concepts are well-explained, I wish there were more hands-on labs or practical exercises included."
"The course is very theoretical; for practical application, you'll need to seek out additional resources."
"I gained a lot of knowledge, but felt a gap in applying it to real-world scenarios without more demos."

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 Networking Fundamentals
Strengthen your grasp of essential networking concepts before diving into network security to ensure a solid foundation.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
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  • Revisit basic network architectures and protocols
  • Review IP addressing and subnetting concepts
  • Explore network management and troubleshooting
Read 'Network Security Fundamentals' by William Stallings
Expand your understanding of foundational network security concepts and foundational principles by reading this comprehensive guide.
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  • Review introductory concepts and security models
  • Study encryption and network authentication
  • Explore network security protocols and architectures
  • Examine network management and monitoring
Conduct a Network Vulnerability Assessment
Gain hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating network vulnerabilities by conducting a simulated assessment on a target network.
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  • Plan and scope the assessment
  • Gather network information and data
  • Conduct vulnerability scanning and exploit identification
  • Analyze and prioritize vulnerabilities
  • Develop and implement mitigation strategies
Three other activities
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Follow Tutorials on Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Deepen your understanding of security monitoring techniques by following guided tutorials that cover intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Browse courses on Intrusion Detection
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  • Learn about intrusion detection and prevention principles
  • Configure and deploy intrusion detection systems
  • Analyze and respond to security alerts
Design and Implement a Network Security Framework
Challenge yourself to apply the concepts and techniques learned in the course by designing and implementing a comprehensive network security framework that aligns with industry best practices.
Browse courses on Network Security
Show steps
  • Establish security requirements and goals
  • Identify network assets and vulnerabilities
  • Choose and implement appropriate security measures
  • Test and validate the security framework
  • Monitor and maintain the security framework
Build a Network Security Resource Collection
Enhance your access to valuable resources by compiling a comprehensive repository of tools, articles, and whitepapers on network security.
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  • Research and identify relevant resources
  • Categorize and organize resources
  • Share and update the collection with others

Career center

Learners who complete Network Defense Essentials (NDE) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Security Architect
Network Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect networks and data. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a highly relevant course for this role as it covers the essential concepts of network security, including network security protocols, identification, authentication, authorization, and administrative, physical, and technical security controls. NDE may help Network Security Architects enhance their skills and knowledge in network security.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer networks and data. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a highly relevant course for this role as it covers the essential concepts of network security, including network security protocols, identification, authentication, and authorization, and administrative, physical, and technical security controls. NDE may help Network Security Engineers enhance their skills and knowledge in network security.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts identify and assess security risks, design and implement security measures, and monitor and analyze security systems. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Security Analysts develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers plan, implement, and maintain security measures to protect an organization's information assets. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Information Security Managers develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Cloud Security Engineers develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Data Security Analyst
Data Security Analysts protect data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Data Security Analysts develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Systems Security Analyst
Systems Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from threats. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Systems Security Analysts develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
IT Security Specialist
IT Security Specialists plan, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help IT Security Specialists develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Security Engineers develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Cybersecurity Engineers develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Penetration Testers develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their computer systems and networks from threats. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a valuable resource for this role as it provides a comprehensive overview of network security fundamentals, including network defense approaches, network security controls, and network security protocols. NDE may help Security Consultants develop a solid understanding of the key concepts in network security.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) is a relevant course for this role as it provides an overview of network security concepts, including network security protocols, identification, authentication, authorization, and administrative, physical, and technical security controls. NDE can help Network Administrators gain a better understanding of network security and how to protect networks from threats.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts identify, analyze, and mitigate cybersecurity threats. Network Defense Essentials (NDE) may be useful in preparing for this role as it covers the fundamental concepts of network security, including network security protocols, identification, authentication, authorization, and administrative, physical, and technical security controls. NDE can help build a foundation in network security, which is essential for Cybersecurity Analysts.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect networks and other computer systems from intrusion, damage, or unauthorized use. This course, Network Defense Essentials (NDE), may be useful in preparing for this role as it provides a holistic overview of the key components of network security. NDE will help build a foundation in network security, including identification, authentication, authorization, and technical security controls. This foundation will be valuable for anyone looking to enter the field of information security.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 Network Defense Essentials (NDE).
Presents a comprehensive treatment of the principles and practices of computer security, including network security.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of cryptographic algorithms and protocols used in network security.
Covers the technical aspects of security engineering, including network security design and implementation.
Focuses on the use of OpenSSL, a widely used open-source toolkit for implementing network security protocols.

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