Networking Basics and Security from edX

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 32% growth in information security analyst jobs until 2032. These analysts are in demand as part of the team that keeps networks secure.

This course provides practical hands-on computer networking and network security experience that employers want. Through innovative hands-on labs, you’ll learn how to secure a small home office network (SOHO), install and configure DHCP, and filter DNS. You’ll also get real-world practice installing and using an open-source Extended Detection and Response (XDR) system.

Additionally, you’ll build valuable supporting knowledge of ports, protocols, and IP addresses, including IPv6 and network routing. You’ll learn about layer 2 and 3 addressing, routers, and routing tables.

Plus, you’ll develop knowledge of cybersecurity analyst tools for data protection, endpoint protection, and Security information and event management (SIEM), which you can apply to an organization’s compliance and threat intelligence needs, which is crucial in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

You’ll complete a final project where you will demonstrate your ability to perform network and security planning tasks.

Networking and network security skills pay. Invest in yourself and enroll today!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Apply sought-after computer network and network security skills businesses need to protect the network and endpoint devices from unwanted intrusions
Apply organization policies to protect endpoint devices from attacks using firewall settings, and outbound and inbound rulesets

Install, configure, apply patches, and use cloud-based software to find, quarantine, and remove malware and for intrusion detection systems
Perform the tasks necessary to provide recommendations for network hardware devices, network security, and network monitoring and management

Apply sought-after computer network and network security skills businesses need to protect the network and endpoint devices from unwanted intrusions
Apply organization policies to protect endpoint devices from attacks using firewall settings, and outbound and inbound rulesets
Install, configure, apply patches, and use cloud-based software to find, quarantine, and remove malware and for intrusion detection systems
Perform the tasks necessary to provide recommendations for network hardware devices, network security, and network monitoring and management

Syllabus

Module1 : Introduction to Networking Concepts

Learn the fundamentals of networking, including protocols, topologies, and network devices.

Module 2: Securing a Small Office/Home Office Network

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Provides hands-on experience with network security tools, such as open-source Extended Detection and Response (XDR) systems, which are used in real-world scenarios

Develops knowledge of cybersecurity analyst tools for data protection, endpoint protection, and SIEM, which are crucial in today’s cybersecurity landscape

Explores network security planning tasks, which are essential for protecting organizations from cyber threats and ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Covers the fundamentals of networking, including protocols, topologies, and network devices, which are essential for understanding network infrastructure

Teaches how to secure a SOHO network using firewalls, DHCP configurations, and DNS filtering, which are practical skills for protecting small networks

Examines Layer 2 and 3 addressing, IP protocols, and network routing, which are important concepts for understanding network communication

Reviews summary

Course feedback: networking and security fundamentals

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation in networking and security basics, particularly praised for its hands-on labs and practical exercises covering topics like SOHO network security and using open-source XDR systems. Learners appreciate the course's coverage of a broad range of essential concepts, including ports, protocols, IP addressing, routing, and an introduction to SIEM and endpoint protection. The final project is seen as a valuable opportunity to apply learned skills. However, some learners note that while comprehensive, the course's breadth means it may lack depth in specific advanced topics and might be too basic for those with significant prior experience in the field.

Course covers many topics but may lack depth.

"The course touches on many areas like SIEM and endpoint protection."

"It's a good overview of networking and security topics."

"Could use more in-depth coverage on some advanced concepts."

Opportunity to apply skills in a realistic scenario.

"The final project was helpful for bringing concepts together."

"Planning the network security architecture was a good challenge."

Excellent starting point for those new to the field.

"Perfect course if you're just starting out in cybersecurity."

"Assumes little prior knowledge, which was great for me."

"Helped me get my foot in the door."

Covers essential networking/security concepts well.

"Gave me a really solid understanding of networking basics."

"The explanations of ports, protocols, and IP were very clear."

"Learned the fundamentals needed to build upon."

Hands-on practice with real tools is key.

"The hands-on labs provided practical experience with network security tools."

"Working with the open-source XDR system was a highlight of the course."

"I enjoyed securing the SOHO network in the guided exercises."

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 Networking Basics and Security with these activities:

Review TCP/IP Fundamentals

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Refresh your understanding of TCP/IP to better grasp network communication concepts covered in the course.

Browse courses on TCP/IP

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

Practice Subnetting Exercises

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Sharpen your subnetting skills through repetitive exercises to improve your understanding of IP addressing.

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Find online subnetting practice tools.
Solve a set number of subnetting problems daily.
Track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Read 'Network Warrior'

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Gain practical insights into network administration and troubleshooting to enhance your understanding of network security.

View Arista Warrior: Arista Products with a Focus on... on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to routing and switching.
Take notes on practical troubleshooting tips.
Relate the book's examples to the course content.

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Set up a Virtualized Lab Environment

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Create a virtualized lab to practice network security configurations and experiment with different security tools.

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Choose a virtualization platform (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware).
Install virtual machines for different network roles (e.g., firewall, server, client).
Configure network settings and connectivity between VMs.
Experiment with security tools and configurations.

Read 'Practical Packet Analysis'

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Learn how to analyze network traffic using Wireshark to identify security threats and troubleshoot network issues.

View Practical Packet Analysis, 3rd Edition on Amazon

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Read the chapters on capturing and filtering packets.
Practice analyzing different network protocols.
Use Wireshark to analyze network traffic in your virtualized lab.

Document Your Home Network Security

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Create a detailed document outlining the security measures implemented in your home network, reinforcing your understanding of SOHO security.

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Inventory all devices connected to your home network.
Describe your firewall configuration and rules.
Explain your DHCP and DNS settings.
Document any other security measures you have in place.

Design a Secure Network Architecture

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Create a detailed network diagram and security plan for a hypothetical small organization, demonstrating your ability to apply course concepts.

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Define the organization's network requirements.
Design a network topology, including devices and connections.
Specify security measures for each network component.
Document your design and justify your choices.

Career center

Learners who complete Networking Basics and Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Security Analyst

A Network Security Analyst is responsible for safeguarding an organization's computer networks. This role involves monitoring for security breaches, implementing security measures, and responding to incidents. This course helps build the skills needed for success as a network security analyst by providing hands-on experience with configuring firewalls, DHCP, and DNS filters, as well as an open-source Extended Detection and Response system. The course also explores ports, protocols, IP addresses, and network routing, which are key for a network security analyst to understand when protecting an organization from threats. Additionally, this course provides a final project where you gain experience performing network and security planning tasks, which is directly applicable to the work of a Network Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst protects an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber threats. The job includes monitoring systems for security breaches, performing security assessments, and developing security policies. This course helps individuals become a Cybersecurity Analyst by teaching them about network security, data protection, endpoint protection, and SIEM. The hands-on labs provide real-world experience securing a SOHO network and using an open source XDR system which a Cybersecurity Analyst may encounter. Exposure to network architecture, routing, and addressing allows a Cybersecurity Analyst to understand their organization’s infrastructure and how best to protect it. The final project allows learners to test their skills and prepares them for the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst plans and carries out security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. The role includes identifying security vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, and helping to develop security policies. This course may be useful to someone who wishes to become an information security analyst, as it provides hands-on experience securing computer networks, configuring security systems, and analyzing security tools. The course covers network protocols, routing, and security devices and demonstrates how to use XDR software. The final project provides an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in performing security planning tasks, which is in line with an Information Security Analyst's responsibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements, and manages security systems for an organization's computer networks. The role includes developing security architectures, performing risk assessments, and implementing security policies. This course is suitable for someone seeking a Security Engineer role as it covers network security and architecture. The course offers hands-on experience with configuring and using security tools like firewalls, DHCP, and XDR, which are used by security engineers. The skills this course teaches in protocols and IP addressing provide a solid foundation for understanding security at a deeper level. Finally, the course project provides experience in planning a secure network architecture, an essential skill for a security engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator configures, maintains, and troubleshoots an organization's computer networks. The work involves ensuring network stability and performance, as well as managing network security devices. This course is fitting for a network administrator as it provides training in networking concepts, network security, and hands-on experience with network devices. This course’s hands-on labs include setting up DHCP servers, filtering DNS, and installing an open-source XDR. The knowledge learned about protocols, IP addresses, and routing helps a Network Administrator to manage networks effectively. The final project focusing on network and security planning is directly relevant to the responsibilities of a Network Administrator.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages and maintains an organization's computer systems and servers, and the job includes ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure. This course is helpful for a systems administrator because it teaches fundamental networking concepts, network protocols, and network security, which are all essential aspects of systems administration. This course provides practical experience securing a small network, configuring DHCP, and filtering DNS. The hands-on labs using XDR systems provide a concrete way to learn about intrusion detection and prevention. The course’s focus on network hardware, routing, and security helps a Systems Administrator perform their job more effectively.

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IT Support Specialist

An IT Support Specialist provides technical assistance to users of computer systems. The work involves troubleshooting problems, setting up systems, and providing user support. This course may be useful for an IT support specialist as it provides a foundation in networking, security, and hands-on experience with network configurations. It teaches techniques for securing home networks using firewalls, DHCP, and DNS, which also apply to larger enterprise networks. The material on protocols, IP addresses, and routing helps an IT support specialist have a better grasp of how networks work. Additionally, the course’s final project can help a specialist understand security planning, which in turn may help them better troubleshoot and assist users.

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Security Operations Center Analyst

A Security Operations Center Analyst monitors an organization's computer systems and networks for security threats. This role involves using various security tools, analyzing security events, and responding to incidents. This course is applicable to the work of a Security Operations Center Analyst because it teaches about data protection, endpoint protection, and Security Information and Event Management systems, which are all essential to this role. The course provides hands-on experience with network security and teaches how to use an open source XDR. The techniques taught in the course for securing networks also apply to the work of a SOC analyst. The course’s final project may further prepare the analyst for planning tasks and responses in a real-world environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center Analyst

Cloud Security Specialist

A Cloud Security Specialist protects cloud-based systems. This job includes implementing security measures, managing access controls, and monitoring for security breaches in the cloud environment. While this course focuses on on-premises network security, a basic knowledge of the concepts taught such as networking, protocols, and security devices may be helpful to a Cloud Security Specialist. This course’s hands-on experience configuring a SOHO network, and the course’s attention to firewalls and DNS may be useful in the more complex cloud environment. The course’s module on XDR may also provide an introduction to incident response, an essential skill for a Cloud Security Specialist.

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Vulnerability Analyst

A Vulnerability Analyst identifies and assesses security weaknesses in an organization's IT systems. The role includes scanning systems for vulnerabilities, documenting findings, and helping to develop remediation plans. This course may be useful to a Vulnerability Analyst as it teaches about network security, tools for data protection, and threat intelligence. The course also offers hands-on experience configuring firewalls, which can provide insights into how vulnerabilities may arise. The understanding of network protocols and architectures taught in this course may also be helpful in a vulnerability assessment. The course uses an open source XDR which may be useful in the vulnerability analysis process.

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IT Auditor

An IT Auditor evaluates an organization's information technology infrastructure for security, compliance, and risk management. The job involves reviewing systems, processes, and security controls, and then reporting findings to management. This course may be useful to an IT Auditor since it provides a foundation in network security, and security tools, and introduces concepts like data protection and compliance. The coursework around firewalls, DHCP, and DNS may help an IT Auditor understand the kinds of systems they will need to review. An IT Auditor needs a conceptual understanding of XDR systems or SIEMs; this course provides students with experience in these areas as well as the process of planning for security, which is directly relevant.

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Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer works with the users of a product or service to provide technical assistance. The role includes troubleshooting issues, providing technical guidance, and helping to resolve problems with network or software systems. This knowledge may help a Technical Support Engineer make better diagnoses and provide more comprehensive support to their clients. The course’s hands-on labs address the configuration of firewalls, DHCP, and DNS. The course also covers network protocols and routing, which may be useful to a technical support engineer. This course also has a final project about network security, which may be useful to a Technical Support Engineer in planning responses to user issues.

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IT Consultant

An IT Consultant advises organizations on how to use information technology to achieve their business goals. The role includes assessing current IT infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement, and recommending IT solutions. This course may be useful to an IT consultant as it teaches networking, security, and network architecture. The hands-on labs using firewalls, DHCP, and XDR provide a sense for practical implementations. The course’s final project may also help an IT Consultant as it demonstrates the ability to perform network planning. The knowledge gained from this course may help them make more informed recommendations, especially in areas of security.

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Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester, sometimes called an ethical hacker, performs authorized simulated cyberattacks on computer systems to identify vulnerabilities. This role is often part of a larger security team, responsible for assessing the security of a system and documenting the findings. While this course may not focus on penetration testing, the hands-on experience with an XDR system and exposure to typical network configurations may prove useful for a Penetration Tester. The course introduces a variety of security concepts like firewalls and DHCP, which may be useful to someone learning network vulnerabilities. The final project in network security may give the tester a background in creating secure systems that they can then test.

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Software Developer

A Software Developer designs, creates, and maintains computer software. The job role includes writing code, testing software functionality, and collaborating with other developers. Although this role primarily concerns software development, the concepts covered in this course including network security, protocols, and IP addressing, may still be helpful to a Software Developer. This course may provide a developer with a better understanding of security practices that are important for building secure software. This knowledge may be useful but is not a focus, therefore a Software Developer may find this course only marginally useful to their career path.

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Networking Basics and Security

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Course feedback: networking and security fundamentals

Activities

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