Learn more fundamentals of network security, including cryptographic algorithms used in networking protocols, TLS/SSL, IPSec Layer 2 Security and Wireless Security. Students are provided with a broad understanding of cryptography, from its classical applications dating from the Roman empire to modern cryptography, including the public key cryptography and hashing techniques today.
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This is the 5th course in the intermediate, undergraduate-level offering that makes up the larger Cybersecurity Fundamentals MicroBachelors Program. We recommend taking them in order, unless you have a background in these areas already and feel comfortable skipping ahead.
- Information Security - Introduction to Information Security
- Information Security - Authentication and Access Control
- Information Security - Advanced Topics
- Network Security - Introduction to Network Security
- Network Security - Protocols
- Network Security - Advanced Topics
- Penetration Testing - Discovering Vulnerabilities
- Penetration Testing - Exploitation
- Penetration Testing - Post Exploitation
These topics build upon the learnings that are taught in the introductory-level Computer Science Fundamentals MicroBachelors program, offered by the same instructor.
This is a self-paced course that provides a continuation of network security topics. Among the topics covered are cryptographic algorithms used in networking protocols, TLS/SSL, IPSec Layer 2 Security, and Wireless Security. The material is essential in later classes that will develop ethical hacking skills. This is a self-paced course that provides a continuation of network security topics. Among the topics covered are cryptographic algorithms used in networking protocols, TLS/SSL, IPSec Layer 2 Security, and Wireless Security. The material is essential in later classes that will develop ethical hacking skills.
What you'll learn
- Define and apply a substitution cipher
- Define cryptanalysis
- Explain at a high level the process by which a plaintext message is encrypted, transmitted, and decrypted.
- Describe at least two strategies for breaking an encryption scheme
- Identify the differences between public key encryption, symmetric key encryption, and hashing
- List and summarize the characteristics of good ciphers
- Describe the vulnerabilities of stream ciphers
- Define AES and explain why it is recommended over 3DES
- Define cipher block chaining
- List the steps in creating an RSA public/private key pair
- Explain why RSA is secure
- Define message integrity and explain how it is ensured
- Define IPSec and list its services
- Define authentication header and ESP
- Explain the primary goal of IKE and describe its sub-protocols
- Summarize the five steps of IPSec Operation
- Summarize the history of SSL
- Explain how closure alerts can prevent a truncation attack
- Identify the protocols that make up the SSL architecture
- Describe how SSL/TLS provides protected channels
- State the differences between IPSec and SSL VPN connections
- Explain why it's important to consider Layer 2 security
- Define common Layer 2 attacks
- Identify tools used in Layer 2 attacks
- Describe countermeasures to Layer 2 attacks and security best practices to prevent attacks
- Explain the differences between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectrums
- Provide definitions of basic wireless terms
- Explain how 802.11ac differs from earlier 802.11 standards
- Identify and define the types of 802.11 frames
- List and define the states of 802.11 sessions
- List the steps in establishing an 802.11 session
- Summarize the existing wireless security protocols and state which protocols should not be used
- Summarize WPA, WPA Enterprise, and generalized WiFi attacks
Syllabus
Week 1 - Cryptography
Week 2 - TLS/SSL and IPSec
Week 3 - Layer 2 Security
Week 4 - Wireless Security
Week 5 - Final Exam
