Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security (Coursera)

Offered by Google,
Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security (Coursera)

This is the third course in the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. These courses will equip you with the skills you need to apply for an entry-level cybersecurity job. You’ll build on your understanding of the topics that were introduced in the second Google Cybersecurity Certificate course. In this course, you will explore how networks connect multiple devices and allow them to communicate.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You'll start with the fundamentals of modern networking operations and protocols. For example, you'll learn about the Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model and how network hardware, like routers and modems, allow your computer to send and receive information on the internet. Then, you'll learn about network security. Organizations often store and send valuable information on their networks, so networks are common targets of cyber attacks. By the end of this course, you'll be able to recognize network-level vulnerabilities, and explain how to secure a network using firewalls, system hardening, and virtual private networks.
Google employees who currently work in cybersecurity will guide you through videos, provide hands-on activities and examples that simulate common cybersecurity tasks, and help you build your skills to prepare for jobs.
Learners who complete this certificate will be equipped to apply for entry-level cybersecurity roles. No previous experience is necessary.
By the end of this course, you will:

  • Describe the structure of different computer networks.
  • Illustrate how data is sent and received over a network.
  • Recognize common network protocols.
  • Identify common network security measures and protocols.
  • Explain how to secure a network against intrusion tactics.
  • Compare and contrast local networks to cloud computing.
  • Explain the different types of system hardening techniques.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Network architecture
You'll be introduced to network security and explain how it relates to ongoing security threats and vulnerabilities. You will learn about network architecture and mechanisms to secure a network.

WEEK 2
Network operations
You will explore network protocols and how network communication can introduce vulnerabilities. In addition, you'll learn about common security measures, like firewalls, that help network operations remain safe and reliable.

WEEK 3
Secure against network intrusions
You will understand types of network attacks and techniques used to secure compromised network systems and devices. You'll explore the many ways that malicious actors exploit vulnerabilities in network infrastructure and how cybersecurity professionals identify and close potential loopholes.

WEEK 4
Security hardening
You will become familiar with network hardening practices that strengthen network systems. You'll learn how security hardening helps defend against malicious actors and intrusion methods. You'll also learn how to use security hardening to address the unique security challenges posed by cloud infrastructures.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Cloud Security on AWS (Coursera) Coursera
Edureka

Cloud Security on AWS (Coursera)

Welcome to the Cloud Security on AWS course, where you'll embark on a journey to acquire practical expertise in building a robust understanding of cloud security fundamentals, AWS security services, advanced threat detection, secure network design, data protection, encryption techniques, and incident response planning while ensuring compliance with AWS standards and governance best practices.

Sep 21st 2026
1 Week
Internet History, Technology, and Security (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Internet History, Technology, and Security (Coursera)

The impact of technology and networks on our lives, culture, and society continues to increase. The very fact that you can take this course from anywhere in the world requires a technological infrastructure that was designed, engineered, and built over the past sixty years. To function in an information-centric world, we need to understand the workings of network technology. This course will open up the Internet and show you how it was created, who created it and how it works. Along the way we will meet many of the innovators who developed the Internet and Web technologies that we use today.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Linux on LinuxONE (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Linux on LinuxONE (Coursera)

This course is for Linux Systems Administrators, Architects and Developers who are already familiar with Linux components and everyday tasks, but need a primer on how to best take advantage of the LinuxONE platform. This includes working with the hardware, software, facilities, and processes unique to LinuxONE. It is comprised of videos, links to online resources, and a final test for a badge.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Cyber Security Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
University of London

Cyber Security Fundamentals (Coursera)

This course is intended to provide a general introduction to key concepts in cyber security. It is aimed at anyone with a good general knowledge of information and communications technology. The nature, scope and importance of cyber security are explained, and key concepts are justified and explored. This includes examining the types of threat that cyber security must address, as well as the range of mechanisms, both technological and procedural, that can be deployed.

Sep 20th 2026
3 Weeks
Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University

Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World (Coursera)

Security and safety challenges rank among the most pressing issues of modern times. Challenges such as, cyber-crime, terrorism, and environmental disasters impact the lives of millions across the globe. These issues also rank high on the agenda of politicians, international organizations and businesses. They also feature prominently in the public conscience and in governmental policies.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Security Management and Governance (Coursera) Coursera
Royal Holloway, University of London

Security Management and Governance (Coursera)

In this course you will look at some of the key components of practical cyber security management and its governance. This includes what happens when things go wrong, understanding how organisations can respond to incidents, through to the essential role of people in achieving better cyber security outcomes. Together, you will examine how incident management, cyber resilience, and developing an effective appreciation of people, not simply as users but as active participants, can enable better cyber security outcomes.

Sep 21st 2026
4 Weeks
IoT Communications and Networks (Coursera) Coursera
Institut Mines-Telecom

IoT Communications and Networks (Coursera)

By presenting the building blocks of the IoT network architecture, this MOOC will help learners adapt to the fast changing communications and networking environment of IoT. The IoT world represents billions of sophisticated objects, such as sensors, actuators and meters, that are deployed nearly everywhere, in homes, hospitals, factories, cities, and are connected to the Internet. However, they come with limited capacity in terms of memory storage, computational power and energy; how can these objects then ensure network reliability and timely transmission?

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
4G Network Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
Institut Mines-Telecom

4G Network Fundamentals (Coursera)

4G is the cutting-edge network technology that links millions of smartphones to the internet. But how does it actually work? Ideal for network engineers, sales engineers, application developers, and many other telecoms pros, this course will help you to understand the technology behind the apps and devices we use every day. You’ll get a solid overview of LTE/EPC (Long Term Evolution / Evolved Packet Core) 4G networks, how they work, how the network architecture is designed, and which protocols are used.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Internet of Things: How did we get here? (Coursera) Coursera
University of California, San Diego

Internet of Things: How did we get here? (Coursera)

It is hard to imagine life without your Smartphone – you have come to rely on it so much – for your work; to stay in touch with family and friends; to capture and share those special moments; to find your way around in a new neighborhood. Did you ever wonder how and when all this happened? Or how and when GPS sensors came to be in your cell phone?

Sep 21st 2026
2 Weeks
Check Point Jump Start: Quantum Management (Coursera) Coursera
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd

Check Point Jump Start: Quantum Management (Coursera)

"Check Point's Quantum is the best Threat Prevention solution on the Market! It offers uncompromising Security, consistently preventing both known and unknown Zero-day attacks. Check Point Quantum Network Security provides ultra-scalable protection against Gen V cyber attacks on your network, cloud, data center, IoT, and remote users.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks