Network Security Essentials

5 Modules

25 Lessons

Beginner to Intermediate  

Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and Security best practices

Course Summary 

The Network Security Essentials course is a comprehensive 5-day program designed to equip IT professionals with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to secure modern networks effectively. This course provides a deep dive into critical areas of network security, including firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and best practices for safeguarding organizational assets. Through a mix of theoretical lessons and hands-on lab exercises, participants will gain practical expertise in identifying threats, implementing security measures, and responding to incidents.

Course duration:

Five days (In-Person and Online Options available)

Course Overview:

The Network Security Essentials course is a structured 5-day program tailored for IT professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding and application of network security principles. As cyber threats continue to evolve, safeguarding organizational networks has become a critical priority. This course focuses on core security technologies and methodologies, equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to build, monitor, and maintain secure network infrastructures. 

What you'll  get:

* Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers essential aspects of network security, from foundational principles to advanced tools and techniques. 

* Hands-On Learning: Practical lab exercises reinforce theoretical knowledge and build confidence in configuring and managing security tools. 

* Expert Guidance: Learn from experienced instructors with deep expertise in network security and cybersecurity.

Participants will explore key topics such as firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and industry best practices for network protection. Each day combines in-depth theoretical insights with hands-on lab exercises to ensure participants can apply their learning to real-world scenarios effectively.

Course Curriculum

Day 1

Introduction to Network Security

Overview of Network Security: Importance, principles, and challenges.

Common Threats: Malware, phishing, DDoS attacks, and insider threats.

Network Security Fundamentals: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA triad).

Security Policies and Compliance: GDPR, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001.

Lab Exercise: Identifying potential threats in a network scenario.

Day 2

Firewalls
 
What is a Firewall?: Definition and purpose.
 
Types of Firewalls: Packet-filtering, stateful inspection, proxy, and next-gen firewalls.
 
Configuring Firewalls: Basic rules, NAT, and port forwarding.
 
Best Practices: Firewall rule management, logging, and monitoring.

Lab Exercise:
Configuring firewall rules on a simulation platform.

Day 3

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Introduction to VPNs: Purpose and types (site-to-site, remote access).

Encryption and Protocols: IPSec, SSL/TLS, OpenVPN.

Implementing VPNs: Configuration steps and troubleshooting.

Security Considerations: Authentication, endpoint security, and performance.

Lab Exercise: Setting up a VPN connection.

Day 4

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

What is IDS/IPS?: Differences and use cases.

Types of IDS/IPS: Signature-based, anomaly-based, and hybrid.

Deployment Strategies: Network-based vs. host-based.

Configuration and Tuning: Reducing false positives and integrating with SIEM.

Lab Exercise: Analyzing traffic using IDS/IPS tools like Snort.

Day 5

Security Best Practices and Incident Response

Security Best Practices: Network segmentation, least privilege, and regular updates.

Incident Response: Phases, roles, and responsibilities.

Backup and Recovery Strategies: Importance and methods.

Future Trends in Network Security: Zero Trust, AI, and Quantum Cryptography.

Lab Exercise: Simulated incident response.

This course is suitable for IT professionals, cybersecurity practitioners, consultants, freelancers, entry-level and aspiring professionals, as well as decision-makers like IT and project managers, with a basic understanding of networking and operating systems.

Student watching the Integrating sustainability into Project Management course

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this workshop,  a basic understanding of networking concepts (such as IP addressing, TCP/IP, and routing) and familiarity with operating systems (Windows/Linux); prior exposure to security concepts is beneficial but not mandatory.

Delivery Method

The workshop employs various interactive methods including lectures, case studies, group discussions, hands-on exercises, and simulations to engage participants and enhance learning.

Certificate

Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the workshop, validating their understanding and proficiency in integrating sustainability into project management practices.

Course pricing