Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/palo-alto-networks-cybersecurity-foundation-a

Introduction

### Course Review: Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation on Coursera In today's digital landscape, understanding cybersecurity is not just an optional skill—it's a necessity. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, professionals across all sectors must equip themselves with foundational knowledge in cybersecurity principles. The **Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation** course on Coursera serves as an excellent entry point for anyone looking to delve deeper into this critical field. #### Overview of the Course Palo Alto Networks, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, offers this course as a comprehensive introduction to the principles underpinning modern cybersecurity strategies. Over several modules, students will learn about the current cybersecurity landscape, explore the nature of cyber threats, and understand how to implement defense measures to protect enterprise networks and mission-critical infrastructure. #### Course Structure & Syllabus The course is structured into six modules, each focusing on different aspects of cybersecurity: 1. **Course Information**: This introductory module sets the stage by outlining the fundamental principles of cybersecurity. Students will gain a grasp of essential concepts that will be explored in further detail throughout the course. 2. **Cyber-Landscape**: In this module, learners will examine modern computing trends, particularly in cloud technologies like Software as a Service (SaaS). It also emphasizes the job skills necessary for security and compliance in cloud services. 3. **Cyber-Threats**: Module 3 is particularly engaging as it analyzes how attackers exploit vulnerabilities through the Cyber-Attack lifecycle. This module provides insights into high-profile cyberattacks and Advanced Persistent Threats, facilitating a deeper understanding of potential risks and vulnerabilities. 4. **Attack Types and Techniques**: This module dives into various cyberattack tactics, such as spamming and phishing, shedding light on how threats can manifest in different forms. 5. **Cybersecurity Models & Design Principles**: Students will explore the significance of the Zero-Trust design model and learn about typical traffic patterns associated with application and data center services. This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to design secure systems. 6. **Security Operating Platform**: The final module discusses the importance of an interoperable Security Operating Platform and explores various applications and services critical for effective cybersecurity. #### Learning Objectives By the end of the course, students will: - Understand the current cybersecurity landscape and the types of threats that exist. - Be able to configure security zones, authentication, and policies on a next-generation firewall. - Recognize the skills needed for cloud service security. - Identify various types of cyber threats and the techniques used by attackers. - Appreciate the importance of cybersecurity design principles, especially the Zero-Trust model. #### Recommendations The **Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation** course is highly recommended for beginners eager to embark on a career in cybersecurity. It strikes an ideal balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it relevant for both aspiring cybersecurity professionals and those in other IT roles looking to enhance their skillset. If you are a student, professional, or even a business manager wanting to better understand cybersecurity and its implications for your organization, this course will provide you with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape. Additionally, thanks to Coursera's flexible learning format, you can complete the course at your own pace, allowing for a customizable learning experience that fits your schedule. In conclusion, as cyber threats continue to evolve, so too must our understanding and readiness to tackle them. Enrolling in the **Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Foundation** course is a crucial step toward building that understanding.

Syllabus

Cybersecurity Foundation: Module 1 - Course Information

In the Cybersecurity Foundation course students will learn fundamental principles associated with the current cybersecurity landscape and identify concepts required to recognize and potentially mitigate attacks against enterprise networks as well as mission critical infrastructure. Students will also learn how to initially setup and configure security zones, authentication, and policies on a next generation firewall.

In this module you will examine the Modern Computing Trends associated with Cloud technologies including Software as a Service - SaaS. You will also focus on identifying the job skills that will be utilized for Cloud services security and compliance.

Module 3, Cyber-Threats, analyzes how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and promote attacks through the Cyber-Attack lifecycle. Students learn to identify High-profile cybersecurity attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats, as well as localized Wi-Fi attacks.

Module 4 - Attack Types and Techniques - analyzes how threat actors exploit vulnerabilities and perform cyberattacks by using various techniques including spamming and phishing attacks.

Module 5 - Cybersecurity Models and Design Principles, emphasizes the importance of a Zero-Trust design model. Students also examine the typical traffic patterns associated with application and datacenter services.

Module 6 - Security Operating Platform, explains the critical need for an interoperable Security Operating Platform. Students explore the various applications and services that are included in a Security Operating Platform.