Updated in May 2025.

This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this course, you will dive into the complexities of communication and network security, aligned with the latest CISSP curriculum. You will start by exploring key networking models such as the OSI and TCP/IP, understanding how different layers contribute to secure data transmission. Through examining network transmission media and transport technologies, you will learn how to mitigate risks associated with both wired and wireless environments. As the course progresses, you will gain a deeper understanding of network security architectures and advanced technologies. Topics such as encryption, endpoint security, and secure protocols will be discussed in detail, offering you the skills to design secure communication systems. You’ll also explore network performance metrics, data flows, and vulnerabilities in modern networks, including those found in cloud environments, Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), and software-defined networking (SDN). Finally, you’ll explore physical and logical network segmentation techniques, as well as the implementation of secure wireless and remote access technologies. The course covers critical networking concepts like IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, micro-segmentation, and edge networks, ensuring you can apply secure networking solutions in diverse environments. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to secure both physical and virtual networks, preparing you for the CISSP exam and advancing your career in cybersecurity. This course is designed for IT professionals, network engineers, and security architects preparing for the CISSP exam or seeking to strengthen their understanding of communication and network security. Basic networking knowledge is recommended.