Cybersecurity · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 1 of 6 · 15 guided hours

Network Security Fundamentals

Protect a small network with firewalls, secure Wi-Fi, segmentation and secure router management.

Learning objectives

  • Explain how firewalls filter traffic
  • Configure Wi-Fi with strong security settings
  • Separate staff, guest and device networks

Topics

  • ports and services
  • host and network firewalls
  • WPA2/WPA3
  • guest networks
  • segmentation
  • router administration

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 Firewalls, Ports and Services

    Understand how firewalls decide which traffic to allow.

    portsservicesinbound and outbound rulesdefault deny

  2. Lesson 2 Securing Wi-Fi

    Configure wireless networks that resist eavesdropping and misuse.

    WPA3 and WPA2-AESstrong passphrasesWPSfirmware updates

  3. Lesson 3 Guest Networks and Segmentation

    Separate networks so a problem in one does not spread to all.

    segmentationguest networkIoT devicesclient isolation

Practical activity

Configure a lab router or simulator with WPA3 or WPA2-AES, a separate guest network, a changed admin password, updated firmware and documented firewall rules.

Expected outcomes

  • A securely configured small office network
  • Documented settings

Assessment

Configuration checklist and screenshots of the lab router reviewed.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.