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⇱ Network Security, Access Control, and Automation | Coursera


Network Security, Access Control, and Automation

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Network Security, Access Control, and Automation

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Configure and apply ACLs to control network traffic and enhance security

  • Implement VPNs and Layer 2 security to protect network infrastructure

  • Utilize automation techniques to manage and secure network operations efficiently

Details to know

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Recently updated!

April 2026

Assessments

5 assignments

Taught in English

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Cisco Solutions and Networking Fundamentals Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 5 modules in this course

Network security and automation are critical skills in today’s interconnected IT environments, where safeguarding data and ensuring controlled access are top priorities. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of network security principles, access control mechanisms, and automation techniques that are widely used in modern enterprise networks.

Through this course, learners will develop practical skills in configuring secure network environments, implementing access control lists (ACLs), and managing VPNs. You will also gain hands-on knowledge of Layer 2 and wireless security, enabling you to protect networks against common vulnerabilities and threats. What sets this course apart is its balanced approach to both foundational concepts and real-world implementation. By combining theoretical insights with practical configuration techniques, learners will be prepared to apply security measures and automation strategies effectively in professional settings. This course is ideal for aspiring network engineers, IT professionals, and cybersecurity enthusiasts with a basic understanding of networking concepts who want to strengthen their security and automation skills. This course is part three of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

This module introduces foundational concepts in network security, including the CIA triad, common threats and threat actors, vulnerabilities (both technical and human), and essential security mechanisms such as authentication and password management. Learners will explore how attackers exploit weaknesses and how to mitigate these risks to protect organizational data and systems.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
10 readingsβ€’Total 49 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’3 minutes
  • CIA Triadβ€’6 minutes
  • Threatsβ€’4 minutes
  • Threat Actorsβ€’4 minutes
  • Vulnerabilitiesβ€’4 minutes
  • Human Vulnerabilitiesβ€’4 minutes
  • Password Vulnerabilities and Managementβ€’5 minutes
  • Malwareβ€’6 minutes
  • Denial of Serviceβ€’5 minutes
  • Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)β€’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Fundamentals of Network Securityβ€’16 minutes

This module guides learners through securing device access and implementing VPN solutions using Cisco IOS routers. You will gain hands-on experience configuring authenticated access, encrypting passwords, and establishing both remote access and site-to-site VPNs to protect network resources. By the end, you'll understand best practices for device security and remote connectivity.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
7 readingsβ€’Total 39 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’6 minutes
  • Securing the AUX Portβ€’6 minutes
  • Enabling SSH on a Cisco IOS Deviceβ€’7 minutes
  • Encrypting All Plaintext Passwordsβ€’6 minutes
  • Remote Access VPNsβ€’4 minutes
  • Configuring a Site-to-Site VPNβ€’5 minutes
  • Configuring a Remote Access VPNβ€’5 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Network Security and Connectivity Fundamentalsβ€’16 minutes

This module introduces the principles and practical steps for configuring Access Control Lists (ACLs) on Cisco IOS routers. Learners will explore how ACLs filter network traffic, understand the use of wildcard masks, and apply best practices for creating both standard and extended ACLs. Hands-on exercises reinforce the skills needed to implement effective network security controls.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
7 readingsβ€’Total 39 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’6 minutes
  • ACL Operationβ€’6 minutes
  • ACL Wildcard Maskβ€’4 minutes
  • ACL Guidelines and Best Practicesβ€’4 minutes
  • Creating Standard ACLsβ€’4 minutes
  • Creating Extended ACLsβ€’6 minutes
  • Configuring a Standard Named ACLβ€’9 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 14 minutes
  • Mastering Access Control List Implementationβ€’14 minutes

This module explores common Layer 2 and wireless security threats, such as VLAN attacks, DHCP spoofing, and Spanning Tree attacks, and demonstrates practical methods to defend against them. Learners will gain hands-on experience implementing security features like port security, DHCP snooping, and Dynamic ARP Inspection on Cisco devices. The module also covers wireless authentication methods to enhance network protection.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
10 readingsβ€’Total 60 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’6 minutes
  • Defense in Depthβ€’6 minutes
  • VLAN Attacksβ€’5 minutes
  • DHCP Spoofingβ€’5 minutes
  • Spanning Tree Attacksβ€’4 minutes
  • Protecting Against Layer 2 Threatsβ€’10 minutes
  • Implementing Port Securityβ€’6 minutes
  • Implementing DHCP Snoopingβ€’6 minutes
  • Implementing DAIβ€’5 minutes
  • Authentication Methodsβ€’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Layer 2 and Wireless Security Fundamentalsβ€’16 minutes

This module introduces key concepts in network automation, including data formats, APIs, and configuration management. Learners will explore how modern networks leverage automation tools and intent-based networking to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Practical examples illustrate how these technologies are applied in real-world enterprise environments.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Overviewβ€’1 minute
7 readingsβ€’Total 41 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’4 minutes
  • Understanding Data Formatsβ€’4 minutes
  • JavaScript Object Notationβ€’5 minutes
  • Understanding APIβ€’11 minutes
  • Understanding Network Configuration Managementβ€’4 minutes
  • Understanding Intent-Based Networkingβ€’5 minutes
  • Fabric, Overlay, and Underlayβ€’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 16 minutes
  • Network Automation and Programmability Fundamentalsβ€’16 minutes

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Instructor

Packt
1,926 Coursesβ€’560,010 learners

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.

If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Course Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Course Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

This course is currently available only to learners who have paid or received financial aid, when available.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Financial aid available,