🛡️ Network Security

Master advanced network security concepts, threats, and defensive strategies

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Network Security Curriculum

12
Security Units
~95
Security Concepts
25+
Attack Types
30+
Defense Mechanisms
1

Network Security Fundamentals

Understand core network security principles, threat landscape, and security frameworks.

  • Security principles
  • Threat landscape
  • Risk assessment
  • Security frameworks
  • Attack vectors
  • Defense strategies
  • Security policies
  • Compliance requirements
2

Cryptography and PKI

Master cryptographic principles, encryption methods, and Public Key Infrastructure.

  • Cryptographic fundamentals
  • Symmetric encryption
  • Asymmetric encryption
  • Digital signatures
  • Hash functions
  • PKI infrastructure
  • Certificate management
  • Key distribution
3

Firewall Technologies

Learn firewall types, configurations, and advanced firewall technologies for network protection.

  • Firewall architectures
  • Packet filtering
  • Stateful inspection
  • Application layer gateways
  • Next-generation firewalls
  • Firewall rules
  • DMZ design
  • Firewall management
4

VPN and Remote Access

Implement secure remote access solutions using VPN technologies and authentication methods.

  • VPN fundamentals
  • IPSec protocols
  • SSL/TLS VPNs
  • Site-to-site VPNs
  • Remote access VPNs
  • Authentication methods
  • VPN security
  • Zero trust access
5

Intrusion Detection Systems

Deploy and manage IDS/IPS systems for real-time threat detection and prevention.

  • IDS fundamentals
  • Network-based IDS
  • Host-based IDS
  • Intrusion prevention
  • Signature-based detection
  • Anomaly detection
  • False positives
  • SIEM integration
6

Network Attacks and Threats

Analyze common network attacks, attack methodologies, and threat actor tactics.

  • Attack classifications
  • Reconnaissance techniques
  • DoS and DDoS attacks
  • Man-in-the-middle attacks
  • Session hijacking
  • DNS attacks
  • Advanced persistent threats
  • Attack frameworks
7

Wireless Security

Secure wireless networks and understand wireless-specific security challenges and solutions.

  • Wireless vulnerabilities
  • WPA2/WPA3 security
  • Enterprise wireless
  • Wireless attacks
  • Rogue access points
  • Wireless monitoring
  • Bluetooth security
  • IoT wireless security
8

Network Access Control

Implement network access control solutions and identity management systems.

  • NAC fundamentals
  • 802.1X authentication
  • RADIUS and TACACS+
  • Device compliance
  • Endpoint security
  • Guest access
  • BYOD policies
  • Identity federation
9

Network Forensics

Learn network forensics techniques for incident response and digital investigations.

  • Forensics principles
  • Network evidence
  • Packet analysis
  • Log analysis
  • Timeline reconstruction
  • Evidence preservation
  • Forensic tools
  • Legal considerations
10

Cloud Network Security

Secure cloud networks and understand cloud-specific security challenges and solutions.

  • Cloud security models
  • Virtual networks
  • Cloud firewalls
  • Identity and access
  • Data protection
  • Hybrid cloud security
  • Container security
  • Serverless security
11

Security Monitoring and SOC

Build security operations centers and implement continuous monitoring capabilities.

  • SOC fundamentals
  • Security monitoring
  • SIEM platforms
  • Threat intelligence
  • Incident response
  • Automation and orchestration
  • Metrics and KPIs
  • Team management
12

Emerging Security Technologies

Explore cutting-edge security technologies and future trends in network security.

  • Zero trust architecture
  • AI-driven security
  • Quantum cryptography
  • Software-defined security
  • Edge computing security
  • 5G security
  • IoT security
  • Future threats

Unit 1: Network Security Fundamentals

Understand core network security principles, threat landscape, and security frameworks.

Security Principles

Learn the fundamental principles that guide network security design and implementation.

Confidentiality Integrity Availability
The CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) forms the foundation of network security. Understanding these principles is essential for designing secure networks and evaluating security controls.
# Core Security Principles
security_principles = {
  "cia_triad": {
    "confidentiality": {
      "definition": "Information accessible only to authorized parties",
      "threats": ["Eavesdropping", "Data theft", "Unauthorized access"],
      "controls": ["Encryption", "Access control", "Authentication"],
      "network_example": "Encrypting data in transit with TLS/SSL"
    },
    "integrity": {
      "definition": "Data remains accurate and unmodified",
      "threats": ["Data tampering", "Man-in-the-middle", "Malware"],
      "controls": ["Digital signatures", "Checksums", "Version control"],
      "network_example": "Using HMAC to verify packet integrity"
    },
    "availability": {
      "definition": "Resources accessible when needed",
      "threats": ["DoS attacks", "System failures", "Network outages"],
      "controls": ["Redundancy", "Load balancing", "Incident response"],
      "network_example": "Implementing failover mechanisms"
    }
  },
  "additional_principles": {
    "authentication": "Verifying identity of users and systems",
    "authorization": "Granting appropriate access rights",
    "accountability": "Tracking actions and maintaining audit trails",
    "non_repudiation": "Preventing denial of actions or transactions"
  }
}

Threat Landscape

Understand the current network security threat environment and emerging attack trends.

Major Threat Categories:
• External threats: Hackers, cybercriminals, nation-states
• Internal threats: Malicious insiders, negligent employees
• Advanced persistent threats: Long-term, targeted attacks
• Automated threats: Botnets, worms, automated scanning
• Supply chain threats: Compromised vendors or partners
Evolving Threat Landscape:
Modern threats are increasingly sophisticated, persistent, and targeted. Attackers use AI, machine learning, and automation to scale attacks and evade detection. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective defense.
# Network Threat Landscape
threat_landscape = {
  "threat_actors": {
    "script_kiddies": {
      "motivation": "Fame, curiosity, proving skills",
      "capabilities": "Low to moderate, use existing tools",
      "targets": "Opportunistic, low-hanging fruit",
      "threat_level": "Low to moderate"
    },
    "cybercriminals": {
      "motivation": "Financial gain",
      "capabilities": "Moderate to high, organized groups",
      "targets": "High-value targets, financial institutions",
      "threat_level": "High"
    },
    "nation_states": {
      "motivation": "Espionage, political influence, warfare",
      "capabilities": "Very high, unlimited resources",
      "targets": "Critical infrastructure, government, military",
      "threat_level": "Critical"
    }
  },
  "attack_trends": [
    "AI-powered attacks",
    "Cloud-native threats",
    "Supply chain compromises",
    "Ransomware-as-a-Service",
    "Living-off-the-land techniques",
    "Zero-day exploits",
    "Social engineering automation"
  ]
}

Security Frameworks

Learn industry-standard security frameworks and how to apply them to network security programs.

Popular Security Frameworks:
• NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover
• ISO 27001: International standard for information