Network Defense Essentials (NDE) from edX

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

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.

Module 02: Identification, Authentication, and Authorization

This module provides an overview of various methods and techniques used for the identification, authentication, and authorization of users accessing critical assets and resources.

Module 03: Network Security Controls - Administrative Controls

This module addresses an administrative aspect of an organization’s network security.

Module 04: Network Security Controls - Physical Controls

This module explains the importance of physical security, various physical security controls, importance of workplace security, and various environmental controls.

Module 05: Network Security Controls - Technical Controls

This module provides an overview of various technical controls that help organizations in protecting their private networks and IT assets.

Module 06: Virtualization and Cloud Computing

This module provides an overview of virtualization and cloud computing concepts that help organizations securely store or process data on the cloud.

Module 07: Wireless Network Security

This module deals with network security for wireless networks in enterprises.

Module 08: Mobile Device Security

This module provides an overview of mobile device security risks and best practices for mobile platforms.

Module 09: IoT Device Security

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in enterprise IT infrastructure has created a vast security perimeter. 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.

Module 10: Cryptography and PKI

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.

Module 11: Data Security

This module explains the importance of data and various techniques to protect data.

Module 12: 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

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

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

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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

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Expand your understanding of foundational network security concepts and foundational principles by reading this comprehensive guide.

View Computer Organization and Architecture, Global... on Amazon

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst