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NETWORK SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS

Master the essential concepts of network security, from basic networking principles to advanced protection mechanisms. Learn to secure networks against modern threats and understand monitoring and incident response.

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Network Security Fundamentals

COURSE OVERVIEW

This intermediate course builds on cybersecurity fundamentals to explore network security in depth. You'll learn about network components, security mechanisms, and how to protect systems from network-based attacks.

Duration

1 Month • 4 Weeks • 20 Hours

Level

Intermediate • Basic cybersecurity knowledge required

Certification

AstralGuard Network Security Essentials Badge

Format

Online • Self-paced with weekly labs

COURSE CURRICULUM

Month 1 Month 2 Month 3

Week 1: Basics of Computer Networks

Learning Objectives

  • Understand what a computer network is and its components
  • Learn about IP addresses, DNS, MAC addresses, and protocols like HTTP/HTTPS, TCP/IP
  • Differentiate between LAN, WAN, and the internet

Topics

  • What is a network? Types of networks
  • Network devices: routers, switches, firewalls
  • IP addressing basics and DNS
  • Common network protocols overview

Activities

  • Watch intro videos on networking concepts
  • Hands-on: Use ping and traceroute commands on your computer
  • Join forum discussions about real-world network examples
  • Quiz: Networking basics (Google Classroom)

Week 2: Network Security Concepts

Learning Objectives

  • Understand threats to networks and common attack vectors
  • Learn about firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS
  • Introduction to network segmentation and access control lists (ACLs)

Topics

  • Network threats: sniffing, spoofing, DDoS attacks
  • Firewall basics and configuration concepts
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
  • Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

Activities

  • Research real-world network attacks and share summaries
  • Virtual lab: Simulate a firewall rule (using online tools or packet filters)
  • Discussion: How VPNs protect your data
  • Quiz: Network security fundamentals

Week 3: Wireless & Mobile Network Security

Learning Objectives

  • Understand wireless networking and its unique security challenges
  • Learn Wi-Fi encryption protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2)
  • Learn best practices for securing wireless and mobile networks

Topics

  • Wi-Fi basics and encryption methods
  • Risks in public Wi-Fi networks
  • Mobile device security essentials
  • Secure configuration of routers and access points

Activities

  • Lab: Scan Wi-Fi networks and identify encryption types (using apps or tools)
  • Practice configuring router security settings (guided instructions)
  • Share tips on mobile device security in forums
  • Quiz: Wireless security concepts

Week 4: Network Monitoring and Incident Response Basics

Learning Objectives

  • Learn how network traffic is monitored and logged
  • Understand the basics of incident detection and response
  • Learn simple steps to respond to a network security incident

Topics

  • Network monitoring tools overview (Wireshark, NetFlow)
  • Logs and alerts: what to look for
  • Incident response fundamentals
  • Reporting and escalation procedures

Activities

  • Watch a tutorial on using Wireshark basics
  • Simulate analyzing network logs for anomalies
  • Group discussion on incident response steps
  • Final quiz covering the month's topics

COURSE RESOURCES

READY TO SECURE YOUR NETWORK KNOWLEDGE?

Take your cybersecurity skills to the next level with AstralGuard's hands-on network security training. Gain practical skills that are in high demand across industries.

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