Overview

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 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! 

Syllabus

Networking Fundamentals

In this module, you’ll learn about networking hardware, including routers and switches. You'll gain essential job-ready knowledge of wireless networking standards. Learn about basic network design and gain practical experience designing and drawing a basic network structure based on requirements. You'll also engage in practical identification exercises about network ports, protocols, and protocol tables that you’ll need to understand key networking models.

IP Addressing, Routing and Switching

After completing this module, you will be able to explain and apply IP addressing, IP address structure and network classes, IP protocols, traffic routing, and the IPv6 address schema. You’ll also be able to compare the structure and uses of IPv4 and IPv6. You’ll be able to explain basic network routing principles, Layer 2 and Layer 3 addressing, and Address Resolution Protocols (ARP) and describe the basics of routers and routing table sessions. You'll gain experience you can use in the real world when you learn how to secure a small office/home office (SOHO) network.

Network Protocols

In this module, you'll learn about network protocols and security measures, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. You will begin with an introduction to application and transport protocols, focusing on UDP and TCP. You will then explore DNS and DHCP and experience a hands-on lab for configuring DHCP and an activity on DNS filtering. Then learn how to use Syslog message logs and network analysis techniques, including port mirroring, promiscuous mode, and user behavior analysis.

Network Security Techniques

This module introduces you to network security techniques, including firewall technologies, stateless and stateful inspections, IDS, and IPS systems. You’ll also examine Network Address Translation (NAT) and file integrity monitoring, along with advanced security measures such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Network Access Control, and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). You'll conclude this module with a hands-on lab where you can gain real-world experience with an open-source Extended Detection and Response (XDR) application.

Final Project and Course Wrap-Up

In this module, you will apply the course knowledge and hands-on skills you gained in prior modules to complete your final peer-reviewed project. During your final project, you complete real-world tasks, including designing a network with subnets, calculating subnet addresses and subnet masks, configuring firewalls, and analyzing website traffic.