Network Security and Cryptography
Unit Outlines

Network Security And Cryptography

AI Generated Intermediate 40 hours 10 topics
Back to Unit

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand the fundamental principles and importance of network security.
  • Explain key cryptographic concepts and their applications in securing networks.
  • Identify and describe various network security protocols and tools.
  • Analyze methods for assessing and managing security risks in network environments.
  • Apply best practices for securing wireless networks and handling cyber threat intelligence.

Content Outline

Preview

Unit 4609: Network Security Fundamentals

1. Introduction to Network Security

  • Importance of securing networks
  • Common network threats: malware, phishing, DoS/DDoS, insider threats
  • Basic security principles: confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA Triad)
  • Defense in depth strategy

2. Cryptography Basics

  • Definition and purpose of cryptography
  • Encryption and decryption processes
  • Symmetric encryption algorithms: AES, DES
  • Asymmetric encryption algorithms: RSA, ECC
  • Digital signatures and their role in authentication

3. Network Security Protocols

  • Overview of network communication security
  • SSL/TLS: securing web traffic (HTTPS)
  • IPsec: securing IP communications
  • SSH: secure remote administration
  • VPN protocols: PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, and their use cases

4. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

  • Firewall types: packet-filtering, stateful, proxy
  • Firewall configuration basics and policies
  • Intrusion Detection Systems: signature-based vs anomaly-based
  • Role of IDS in detecting and alerting on intrusions

5. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

  • Components of PKI: digital certificates, certificate authorities (CA), registration authorities (RA)
  • Certificate lifecycle and management
  • Role of PKI in enabling trust and secure communications

6. Secure Socket Layer / Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS)

  • History and evolution from SSL to TLS
  • How SSL/TLS establishes secure sessions
  • Handshake process and certificate verification
  • Importance in protecting data in transit

7. Cryptographic Hash Functions

  • Definition and characteristics of hash functions
  • Common hash algorithms: MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256
  • Use cases: data integrity verification, password hashing, digital signatures

8. Wireless Network Security

  • Security challenges unique to wireless networks
  • Encryption standards: WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3
  • Best practices for securing wireless access points
  • Risks of unsecured wireless networks and countermeasures

9. Cyber Threat Intelligence

  • Definition and purpose of threat intelligence
  • Collection methods: open source, dark web, honeypots
  • Analysis and dissemination of intelligence
  • Using threat intelligence for proactive defense

10. Security Risk Management

  • Principles of risk management in cybersecurity
  • Risk assessment methodologies
  • Mitigation strategies and controls
  • Incident response planning and execution
  • Compliance with security standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001)
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Network Security And Cryptography.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan
Unlock for KSh 20 View Plans

Learning Outcomes

Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.

Quick Information

Unit Network Security And Cryptography
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration40 hours
Topics10
CreatedJul 29, 2026
GeneratedJul 29, 2026 18:28

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of computer networks and internet protocols.
  • Familiarity with operating systems and general IT concepts.

Recommended Resources

  • William Stallings, 'Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards', 6th Edition.
  • Behrouz A. Forouzan, 'Cryptography and Network Security', 3rd Edition.
  • RFC 5246 - The Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protocol Version 1.2.
  • NIST Special Publication 800-53: Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems.
  • Online platforms for hands-on practice: Cisco Packet Tracer, Wireshark, OpenVPN.

Unit Topics

10
Introduction to Network Security
An overview of the fundamentals of network security, including the importance of securing networks,...
Cryptography Basics
Exploring the foundational concepts of cryptography, such as encryption, decryption, symmetric and a...
Network Security Protocols
Studying the various protocols used in network security, such as SSL/TLS, IPsec, SSH, and VPN protoc...
Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Understanding the functions of firewalls and IDS in network security, including how they help in pre...
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Delving into the concept of PKI, its components like digital certificates, certificate authorities,...
Secure Socket Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS)
Exploring the SSL/TLS protocols, how they establish secure connections between clients and servers,...
Cryptographic Hash Functions
Examining the use of cryptographic hash functions in network security, including their role in data...
Wireless Network Security
Discussing the unique security challenges posed by wireless networks, exploring encryption methods l...
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Investigating the importance of threat intelligence in network security, including the collection, a...
Security Risk Management
Understanding the principles of security risk management, including risk assessment, mitigation stra...