Network Defense Essentials (NDE)

EC-Council via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/network-defense-essentials-nde

Introduction

# Course Review: Network Defense Essentials (NDE) If you are looking to enter the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, Coursera’s **Network Defense Essentials (NDE)** is an invaluable starting point. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential components of network security and provides learners with the foundational knowledge necessary for a successful career in information security. ### Overview The NDE course is thoughtfully designed for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, particularly those entering entry-level positions. It encompasses critical concepts such as identification, authentication, authorization, and the intricacies of network defenses, all while acknowledging the increasing threats that accompany modern technological advancements. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Network Security Fundamentals**: The course kicks off with the basics, introducing fundamental network security concepts and the challenges organizations face due to the rapid technological change. Expect to learn about various network defense strategies, controls, and protocols that form the backbone of a secure network. 2. **Identification, Authentication, and Authorization**: This crucial module dives into methods to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access. It covers robust practices for identity verification and access management, key skills for any cybersecurity role. 3. **Administrative Controls**: Compliance and security governance are essential for any organization. Here, learners explore crucial policy frameworks and regulatory standards that organizations must adhere to, ensuring they can operate securely in a compliant manner. 4. **Physical Controls**: Recognizing that security extends beyond digital protections, this module discusses physical security's importance and the various controls necessary to protect personnel, property, and infrastructure from threats like theft or disasters. 5. **Technical Controls**: Focused on protecting organizational assets, this segment introduces various technical measures that safeguard networks and data from breaches and attacks. 6. **Virtualization and Cloud Computing**: As businesses increasingly rely on cloud services, understanding how to securely utilize these technologies is paramount. This module presents virtualization concepts and best practices for managing data securely in cloud environments. 7. **Wireless Network Security**: Given the prevalence of wireless networks, it’s crucial to understand how to fortify these systems against vulnerabilities. This section emphasizes the planning and implementation of security measures for wireless infrastructures. 8. **Mobile Device Security**: With the rise of mobile technology in the workplace, this module covers the complexities of securing mobile devices and the associated risks, providing essential strategies for managing enterprise mobility safely. 9. **IoT Device Security**: Covering the emerging threat landscape of IoT devices, this module highlights the various vulnerabilities these endpoints present and the measures necessary to protect them within an organization’s security framework. 10. **Cryptography and PKI**: Delving into the riveting world of cryptography, learners will explore the systems and algorithms that secure data transmission. Understanding public key infrastructure (PKI) and encryption tools is vital for protecting sensitive information. 11. **Data Security**: Data breaches are costly and damaging; this module focuses on techniques for safeguarding data integrity and confidentiality, a key component in any cybersecurity strategy. 12. **Network Traffic Monitoring**: Finally, the course wraps up with strategies for effectively monitoring network traffic. This skill is crucial for identifying and responding to suspicious activities that could signify a breach. ### Final Thoughts and Recommendations The **Network Defense Essentials (NDE)** course is a must-take for anyone aspiring to dive into the fast-paced world of cybersecurity. Its structured approach breaks down complex information into manageable lessons, providing learners with practical knowledge they can apply directly in the field. The course not only equips you with crucial skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the various dimensions of information security. Whether you are starting your career, transitioning to a cybersecurity role, or simply looking to enhance your knowledge in IT security, this course will serve as a solid foundation in your professional development. With the urgency for skilled cybersecurity professionals ever-increasing, enrolling in the NDE course could be your first step toward a rewarding and secure career. Don’t hesitate; check it out on Coursera today!

Syllabus

Network Security Fundamentals

With the increase in the usage of emerging technology, it has become increasingly important to secure information and data being processed online. As the Internet and computer networks are continually growing, network security has become a challenging task for organizations. This module provides insight into the network security fundamentals, such as network defense approaches, network security controls, network security protocols, etc.

Identification, Authentication, and Authorization

The most serious risk that organizations are facing today is unauthorized access to sensitive data. To control such data breaches, organizations require strong identification, authentication, and authorization mechanisms to effectively manage access to critical assets and sensitive data. This module provides an overview of various methods and techniques used for the identification, authentication, and authorization of users accessing critical assets and resources.

Network Security Controls - Administrative Controls

Compliance, policies, and governance are integral to an information security program for any organization. An organization needs to comply with certain regulatory standards to run its businesses. At the same time, it must also have strong security policies and governance in order to fulfill regulatory standards. The current module addresses this administrative aspect of an organization’s network security.

Network Security Controls - Physical Controls

Physical security plays a major role in every organization. It entails the protection of critical information, network infrastructure, physical equipment and devices, facilities, personnel, etc. from environmental disasters, terrorism, vandalism, and theft. This module explains the importance of physical security, various physical security controls, importance of workplace security, and various environmental controls.

Network Security Controls - Technical Controls

The most important aspect of security controls is the protection of organizational assets such as people, property, and data. By establishing security controls, an organization can either reduce or completely mitigate risks to their assets. This module provides an overview of various technical controls that help organizations in protecting their private networks and IT assets.

Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is an emerging technology that delivers computing services such as online business applications, online data storage, and webmail over the Internet. Cloud implementation enables a distributed workforce, reduces organization expenses, provides data security, etc. This module provides an overview of virtualization and cloud computing concepts that help organizations securely store or process data on the cloud.

Wireless Network Security

This module deals with network security for wireless networks in enterprises. Wireless networks are widely used across organizations today and are prone to various attacks. Therefore, organizations need to focus on the planning for securing the wireless network across the organization.

Mobile Device Security

With the introduction of mobile phones in enterprises, enterprise security has become more complex. Enterprise mobile security has become a major challenge for organizations. Therefore, it is important for organizations to address these security concerns to effectively manage the security of mobile devices. This module provides an overview of mobile device security risks and best practices for mobile platforms.

IoT Device Security

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in enterprise IT infrastructure has created a vast security perimeter. IoT devices use both networks and the cloud. However, they are highly vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and botnet attacks. Attackers can easily compromise IoT endpoints. Understanding the security measures will help in securing IoT-enabled environments. This module provides an overview of IoT device security.

Cryptography and PKI

Cryptography and cryptographic (“crypto”) systems help in securing data against interception and compromise during online transmissions. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of different cryptosystems and algorithms, one-way hash functions, and public key infrastructures (PKIs). It also covers various tools used to encrypt sensitive data.

Data Security

Data breaches can be costly for organizations. Therefore, it is important to keep organization data safe from prying eyes. This module explains the importance of data, and various techniques to protect data.

Network Traffic Monitoring

Organizations need to perform network monitoring and analyze network traffic to identify suspicious activities across their networks. This module covers the concept of network traffic monitoring.