Security Foundations, Threats, and Network Protection
Keep adding new skills with 10,000+ programs for $239 (usually $399). Save now.
Security Foundations, Threats, and Network Protection
This course is part of CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Full Training Guide Specialization
2,228 already enrolled
Included with
Ask Coursera
Recommended experience
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Understand cybersecurity fundamentals, including frameworks, controls, and risk management.
Identify, analyze, and mitigate security threats, including social engineering and network attacks.
Apply cryptographic principles, encryption techniques, and digital certificate management.
Implement secure network architectures, firewalls, and identity access management solutions.
Skills you'll gain
- Key Management
- Public Key Infrastructure
- Cybersecurity
- Cyber Attacks
- Risk Management Framework
- Network Security
- Cryptographic Protocols
- Infrastructure Security
- Network Planning And Design
- Identity and Access Management
- Encryption
- IT Security Architecture
- Cryptography
- Security Management
- Threat Management
- Threat Detection
- Security Controls
- Authorization (Computing)
- Authentications
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
- 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 6 modules in this course
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. Master the essentials of cybersecurity with this comprehensive course on security foundations, threat analysis, and network protection. You'll gain a deep understanding of core security principles, risk management, and critical defensive strategies necessary for modern IT environments. Whether you're preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam or strengthening your cybersecurity expertise, this course provides a solid foundation. Your journey begins with fundamental security concepts, including cybersecurity frameworks, control objectives, and security roles. You'll then explore the evolving threat landscape, learning to identify vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and social engineering tactics used by malicious actors. With a strong grasp of security threats, you’ll be equipped to mitigate risks effectively. Next, you'll dive into cryptographic solutions and identity access management, mastering encryption, authentication, and authorization techniques. You’ll explore key security protocols, certificate management, and access control mechanisms that protect sensitive data and systems. The course also includes hands-on demonstrations to reinforce your understanding of key security technologies. Ideal for IT professionals, security analysts, and those pursuing Security+ certification, this course requires basic networking and IT knowledge. With a balance of theory and practical applications, it’s designed for learners at a beginner to intermediate level who want to build or strengthen their cybersecurity expertise.
In this module, we will introduce you to the CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 certification, outlining its importance, format, and key objectives. You will also get an overview of the course structure and expert guidance on how to prepare effectively for the exam. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear roadmap to certification success.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment
3 videos•Total 25 minutes
- Introduction to the CompTIA Security+ Exam•7 minutes
- Introduction to the Course•4 minutes
- How to Prepare for the Exam•13 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Security Foundations, Threats, and Network Protection'•10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resources•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Welcome to the Course SY0-701 - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will cover fundamental security concepts that form the foundation of cybersecurity practices. You’ll explore the basics of information security, the role of cybersecurity frameworks, and the different types of security controls. Additionally, we’ll discuss organizational security roles and responsibilities to help you understand the broader security landscape.
What's included
8 videos1 assignment
8 videos•Total 33 minutes
- Section Preview•1 minute
- Introduction to Information Security•6 minutes
- Cybersecurity Framework•2 minutes
- Control Objectives•9 minutes
- Security Control Categories•1 minute
- Security Control Functional Types•3 minutes
- Pop Quiz•5 minutes
- Information Security Roles & Responsibilities•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Part 1 - Summarize Fundamental Security Concepts - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the different types of threats that organizations face, from traditional cyberattacks to social engineering tactics. You’ll learn how threat actors operate, the methods they use to exploit vulnerabilities, and how organizations can mitigate risks. By the end of this section, you will have a deeper understanding of the evolving threat landscape.
What's included
12 videos1 assignment
12 videos•Total 54 minutes
- Section Preview•1 minute
- Vulnerability, Threat, and Risk•4 minutes
- Attributes of Threat Actors•3 minutes
- Threat Actors•8 minutes
- Attack Surface & Attack Vectors•4 minutes
- Vulnerable Software & Network Vectors•6 minutes
- Lure-Based & Message-Based Vectors•4 minutes
- Third Party Risks•4 minutes
- Introduction to Social Engineering•3 minutes
- Social Engineering Techniques Part 1•4 minutes
- Social Engineering Techniques Part 2•8 minutes
- Social Engineering Techniques Part 3•4 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Part 2 - Compare Threat Types - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will delve into the world of cryptography, exploring the techniques used to protect data integrity and confidentiality. You’ll learn about encryption, hashing, digital certificates, and key management. Hands-on demonstrations will provide practical insights into implementing cryptographic solutions for securing sensitive information.
What's included
13 videos1 assignment
13 videos•Total 72 minutes
- Section Preview•1 minute
- Introduction to Cryptography and Hashing•8 minutes
- Encryption•8 minutes
- Cryptographic Modes of Operation•8 minutes
- Demo - Calculating Hash Values with PowerShell•10 minutes
- Certificates, PKIs, RAs, and CSRs•6 minutes
- Digital Certificates•8 minutes
- Key Management•2 minutes
- Certificate Management•5 minutes
- Certificate Formats & OpenSSL•6 minutes
- Demo - Digital Certificates•4 minutes
- Longevity, Salting & Key Stretching•4 minutes
- Homomorphic Encryption, Blockchain, and Steganography•2 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Part 3 - Explain Cryptographic Solutions - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on identity and access management, a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. You’ll explore authentication methods, authorization solutions, and access control mechanisms that ensure only authorized users gain access to sensitive data and systems. Practical demonstrations will help reinforce key concepts and best practices.
What's included
11 videos1 assignment
11 videos•Total 51 minutes
- Section Preview•1 minute
- Identity Access Management•2 minutes
- Authentication Factors, Design & Attributes•5 minutes
- Biometric Authentication•4 minutes
- Password Concepts•5 minutes
- Demo - Account Password Policy•3 minutes
- Authorization Solutions - Part 1•10 minutes
- Authorization Solutions - Part 2•7 minutes
- Account Attributes and Access Policies•10 minutes
- Local, Network, and Remote Authentication•2 minutes
- Kerberos Authentication & Authorization•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
- Part 4 - Implement Identity and Access Management - Assessment•15 minutes
In this module, we will explore how to secure enterprise network architectures by implementing best practices in network design, segmentation, and firewall management. You’ll learn about routing and switching security, intrusion detection systems, and remote access solutions. Hands-on demos will provide practical insights into configuring and securing enterprise networks.
What's included
12 videos1 reading3 assignments
12 videos•Total 79 minutes
- Section Preview•1 minute
- Secure Network Designs•4 minutes
- Network Segmentation, Topology & DMZs•9 minutes
- Routing and Switching Protocols•3 minutes
- Secure Switching and Routing•12 minutes
- Firewalls•9 minutes
- Firewall Implementation•5 minutes
- Demo - Windows 10 Firewall Configuration•9 minutes
- Demo - Creating an Outbound Rule•6 minutes
- Next-Generation Firewalls & HBIDS•4 minutes
- Remote Access Architecture Part 1•6 minutes
- Remote Access Architecture Part 2•12 minutes
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Security Foundations, Threats, and Network Protection'•10 minutes
3 assignments•Total 90 minutes
- Part 5 - Secure Enterprise Network Architecture - Assessment•15 minutes
- Full Course Assessment•60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessment•15 minutes
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor
Explore more from Computer Security and Networks
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free TrialJ
Johns Hopkins University
Course
- Status: Free Trial
- Status: Free Trial
Course
Why people choose Coursera for their career
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.
More questions
Financial aid available,