5 Modules
25 Lessons
Beginner to Intermediate
Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and Security best practices
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.
Five days (In-Person and Online Options available)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The workshop employs various interactive methods including lectures, case studies, group discussions, hands-on exercises, and simulations to engage participants and enhance learning.
Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the workshop, validating their understanding and proficiency in integrating sustainability into project management practices.