Advanced Network Security and Analysis from Coursera

The course "Advanced Network Security and Analysis" dives into the essential skills needed to protect and analyze complex network environments. This course covers advanced topics like anonymization techniques, mobile application security, and in-depth analysis of DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP protocols. Learners will gain practical experience in recognizing vulnerabilities and analyzing network traffic to detect potential threats. Each module offers hands-on insights into industry-standard tools and techniques, equipping students to address real-world security challenges confidently.

Uniquely focused on practical application, the course empowers students to work with tools like Splunk, TCPDump, and Wireshark, ensuring they can navigate and mitigate complex network security scenarios. Through interactive content, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of network protocols, explore the mechanics of cyber-attacks, and learn how to implement effective defenses. By the end of the course, students will have developed an advanced toolkit for safeguarding modern network infrastructures, making them valuable assets in any IT security environment.

What's inside

Syllabus

Anonymization

Course Introduction

Throughout this course, we will explore key anonymization techniques and the associated challenges, including legal implications. You'll learn about various mechanisms for user anonymity, such as onion routing and DHTs, and uncover methods of deanonymization. We’ll also dive into cybersecurity threats, including ransomware and Bluetooth vulnerabilities, while discussing mobile application security in the context of BYOD policies. Finally, we'll cover DNS fundamentals, TCP/IP protocols, and hands-on analysis with tools like Wireshark.

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Offers hands-on experience with tools like Splunk, TCPDump, and Wireshark, which are essential for navigating and mitigating complex network security scenarios in real-world environments

Explores anonymization techniques, including onion routing and DHTs, which are crucial for understanding user privacy and security in modern networks

Examines mobile application security in the context of BYOD policies, which is increasingly relevant in today's enterprise environments

Analyzes DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP protocols, which are fundamental for understanding network traffic and identifying potential security threats

Requires familiarity with tools like Wireshark and TCPDump, which may necessitate additional training for those new to network analysis

Presented by Johns Hopkins University, which is known for its contributions to information security and cybersecurity education

Reviews summary

Practical network security analysis skills

According to learners, this course is a valuable resource for building practical skills in network security analysis. Students consistently highlight the hands-on labs using tools like Wireshark and TCPDump as a major strength, finding them incredibly useful for solidifying complex concepts and providing real-world application. The coverage of key protocols such as DNS, HTTP, and TCP is considered in-depth and well-structured. While many find the material appropriately challenging and rewarding, a few reviewers noted that the "Advanced" title might set expectations higher than the actual depth provided in some sections, suggesting it's best suited for those with some prior networking knowledge rather than absolute beginners or top-tier experts.

Material is dense and requires effort.

"The pace is challenging but rewarding."

"Some lectures felt a bit dense, requiring rewatching."

"Challenging but totally worth it."

Not suitable for complete beginners.

"Overall solid, but definitely requires prior networking knowledge."

"Definitely for those with some prior network understanding. Not a beginner course."

Provides strong coverage of essential network protocols.

"Excellent course covering advanced topics like DNS and TCP analysis in depth."

"Good content, particularly the modules on HTTP and SMTP analysis."

"The protocol analysis modules (DNS, HTTP, TCP) were well-structured."

Excellent practical exercises with industry tools.

"The hands-on labs using Wireshark and TCPDump were incredibly valuable and helped solidify the concepts."

"Working with Wireshark and TCPDump extensively is a major plus. The protocol analysis modules... were well-structured."

"Excellent practical labs. Analyzed real traffic captures which was great."

Some question the 'Advanced' title's depth for experts.

"The course title suggests advanced, but some sections feel like a recap for anyone with experience."

"Mixed feelings. The protocol analysis parts are decent, but the 'advanced' title feels misleading in places."

"The 'advanced' claim is mostly justified, although some topics could be explored further."

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 Advanced Network Security and Analysis with these activities:

Review TCP/IP Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of TCP/IP fundamentals to better grasp advanced network security concepts.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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Review the OSI model and TCP/IP stack.
Study the functions of each layer.
Practice subnetting and IP addressing.

Read 'Practical Packet Analysis' by Chris Sanders

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Enhance your packet analysis skills with a practical guide to Wireshark.

View Practical Packet Analysis, 3rd Edition on Amazon

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Read the book cover to cover.
Follow along with the examples in Wireshark.
Try analyzing your own network traffic.

Follow Splunk Tutorials

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Develop proficiency in Splunk for log analysis and security monitoring.

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Complete the official Splunk tutorials.
Practice creating dashboards and reports.
Explore Splunk's security features.

Four other activities

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Write a Blog Post on Anonymization Techniques

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Deepen your understanding of anonymization by explaining it to others.

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Research different anonymization techniques.
Outline the key concepts and challenges.
Write a clear and concise blog post.
Publish the post on a platform like Medium.

Practice Wireshark Packet Analysis

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Reinforce your understanding of network protocols and traffic analysis.

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Capture network traffic using Wireshark.
Analyze different protocols like HTTP, DNS, and SMTP.
Identify anomalies and potential security threats.

Read 'Blue Team Handbook' by Don Murdoch

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Gain insights into defensive strategies and incident response.

View Blue Team Handbook: SOC, SIEM, and Threat... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes.
Focus on the incident response section.
Apply the checklists to your own environment.

Network Security Audit Project

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Apply your knowledge to conduct a comprehensive network security audit.

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Define the scope of the audit.
Use tools like Nmap and Nessus to scan for vulnerabilities.
Analyze the results and create a report.
Recommend security improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Network Security and Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's network security infrastructure. This involves analyzing network traffic, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures to protect against cyber threats. This course directly prepares one to analyze network traffic using tools like TCPDump and Wireshark. It also covers advanced topics such as anonymization techniques and understanding protocols like DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP, which are crucial for a Network Security Engineer. The hands-on experience gained from this course ensures a robust skill set for tackling real-world security challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Analyst

The role of a Security Analyst involves monitoring security systems, identifying threats, and responding to security incidents. This career analyzes network logs, investigates security breaches, and reports on findings. This course will help a Security Analyst build a foundation in understanding network protocols and analyzing traffic using tools like Splunk. Studying topics like anonymization, mobile application security, and protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP gives a Security Analyst deep understanding of potential attack vectors and detection methods. The hands-on approach to threat analysis makes this course particularly beneficial.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Incident Responder

An Incident Responder is tasked with detecting, analyzing, and containing security incidents that affect an organization. This involves quickly assessing the scope of a breach, finding the root cause, and implementing immediate and long-term recovery solutions. This course is highly beneficial by teaching hands-on analysis of network traffic with tools like TCPDump and Wireshark. In addition, it also covers security topics like anonymization, mobile application security, and protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP. These skills are critical for an Incident Responder when analyzing attacks and determining appropriate responses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Mobile Security Engineer

A Mobile Security Engineer specializes in securing mobile applications and devices, often working to protect user data. As mobile threats continue to evolve, it's essential to have professionals who understand the specific vulnerabilities associated with platforms. This course is tailored towards this role, providing a dedicated module on mobile application security, where students learn about risks, threats, attack surfaces, and relevant legislation. This direct focus on mobile security, combined with broader network analysis skills, makes this course particularly relevant for this career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Consultant

A Cybersecurity Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their security posture, assess risks, and implement security solutions. They need to understand complex network environments, identify weaknesses, and provide tailored recommendations. This course helps a Cybersecurity Consultant by giving them a deep understanding of network protocols and security tools. Studying modules on anonymization, mobile application security, and protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP empowers a Cybersecurity Consultant to assess vulnerabilities and suggest effective defenses. The emphasis on hands-on skills with tools like Splunk and Wireshark is essential for practical consultation.

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Digital Forensics Analyst

A Digital Forensics Analyst investigates cybercrimes and security incidents to identify how they occurred and who might be responsible. They must have strong analytical skills and understand how networks and systems function. This course provides a strong advantage for a Digital Forensics Analyst by providing hands-on experience with tools like Wireshark, as well as a deep understanding of network protocols. This helps analyze network traffic captured during incidents. The course's coverage of protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP is crucial to understanding how an attack occurred and for piecing together the timeline of events.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensics Analyst

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester simulates cyberattacks on an organization’s network to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. They use their knowledge of attack techniques and security flaws to assess the strength of an organization’s defenses. This course helps a Penetration Tester by providing a strong understanding of network protocols, including DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP, which are frequently targeted in attacks. The focus on practical experience with tools like TCPDump and Wireshark also enables the Penetration Tester to analyze network traffic to identify weaknesses and entry points. The discussion of anonymization techniques and mobile app security further enhances offensive testing capabilities.

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Security Architect

A Security Architect designs and builds security systems for an organization. This involves creating security plans, selecting security tools and technologies, and working to integrate them into the broader network infrastructure. A Security Architect must understand network protocols, security principles, and attack methods. This course is greatly beneficial to a Security Architect due to its deep dive into protocols like DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP. It also covers advanced analysis techniques with tools like Splunk, TCPDump, and Wireshark, all of which are crucial inputs for effective system design.

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Vulnerability Analyst

A Vulnerability Analyst is responsible for identifying and assessing security flaws in an organization's network and systems. Their work includes scanning for vulnerabilities, analyzing potential exploits, and prioritizing remediation efforts. This course greatly helps a Vulnerability Analyst by teaching them how to analyze network traffic and understand the underlying protocols. Modules on DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP help in identifying potential vulnerabilities. Experience gained with tools like Wireshark and TCPDump allows a Vulnerability Analyst to effectively analyze network behaviors.

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Cloud Security Specialist

A Cloud Security Specialist focuses on securing cloud-based environments and infrastructure. They are tasked with designing, deploying, and managing security controls, protecting data, and ensuring compliance with security standards. This course can help a Cloud Security Specialist by teaching them about network protocols and analysis, which extends to cloud environments. The study of protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP is foundational for understanding how data moves within cloud networks. The hands-on experience with tools like Wireshark is also useful for analyzing cloud traffic and detecting anomalies.

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Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and management of network infrastructure. This includes ensuring the smooth operation of networks, troubleshooting issues, and implementing security measures. This course may be useful to a Network Administrator. The course includes the study of network protocols like DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP, as well as hands-on experience with tools like TCPDump and Wireshark all of which helps understand network traffic. This knowledge is essential for a Network Administrator since it helps them to diagnose issues and maintain a secure network environment.

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Security Software Developer

A Security Software Developer creates tools and applications aimed at enhancing security for networks, systems, and applications. They develop a deep understanding about how systems are attacked and how to mitigate these attacks programmatically. The course helps a Security Software Developer by offering the opportunity to analyze protocols in depth such as DNS, HTTP, and SMTP, and understand anonymization techniques. The ability to work with tools like Wireshark also gives one insight into network traffic, which can then be used to build more robust security applications.

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System Administrator

A System Administrator manages an organization's computer systems and servers. Their work includes maintaining the security of systems, user accounts, and data. While this course is focused on network security, a System Administrator may find it useful for building an understanding of network protocols and their security implications. The modules on DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP analysis and experience with tools like Wireshark are tools that may aid system administrators in troubleshooting and enhancing system security.

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Information Security Manager

An Information Security Manager leads the security team and develops security policies and procedures. This role requires a deep understanding of network infrastructure and various threats. This course may be helpful to an Information Security manager. Modules on anonymization, mobile application security, and network protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, and TCP may be useful to understand the threat landscape. The practical experience using tools like Wireshark and TCPDump may prove useful to understand how threats and vulnerabilities can be found and remediated.

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Data Privacy Analyst

A Data Privacy Analyst is concerned with the protection of personal and sensitive data. They work to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and policies. While this course does not focus solely on data privacy law, it can be useful to a Data Privacy Analyst. The module on anonymization techniques helps to understand how to protect users' identities on a network, which is an important aspect of ensuring data privacy. An understanding of how data travels on a network can also be beneficial in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Privacy Analyst

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Advanced Network Security and Analysis.

Practical Packet Analysis, 3rd Edition

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Provides a practical guide to network analysis using Wireshark. It covers essential techniques for capturing and analyzing network traffic, which is crucial for understanding network security threats. The book offers real-world examples and step-by-step instructions, making it an invaluable resource for hands-on learning. It is commonly used by network engineers and security professionals.

Practical Packet Analysis, 3rd Edition

Paperback

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Practical Packet Analysis, 3rd Edition

Kindle Edition

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Blue Team Handbook: SOC, SIEM, and Threat Hunting...

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This handbook comprehensive guide for IT security professionals involved in defending networks. It covers incident response, threat intelligence, and security monitoring. The book provides practical advice and checklists for building and maintaining a strong security posture. It valuable resource for understanding the defensive aspects of network security.

Blue Team Handbook: SOC, SIEM, and Threat Hunting...

Paperback

Advanced Network Security and Analysis

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical network security analysis skills

Activities

Career center

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