Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security

The Connect and Protect: Networks and Network Security course from Coursera, offered by Google, provides an introduction to how computer networks function and how to secure them. This beginner-level course covers essential topics such as network architecture, which explains how networks are designed and structured. It also details network operations, showing how data moves across these systems.

You learn about common intrusion tactics and methods for security hardening. The course introduces concepts like Firewall, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), and Security Controls. It also covers Vulnerability Assessments and Intrusion Detection and Prevention. The goal is to illustrate how data is sent and received over a network and to help you understand how to secure a network against various threats.

Upon completing this 11-hour 38-minute course, you will understand the basics of network infrastructure and network models. You will be able to identify common network protocols and apply foundational network security principles. This includes recognizing how to protect systems using firewalls and VPNs, and understanding methods to detect and prevent network intrusions. The course helps you build a strong base in network security and cybersecurity.

This course is a brief introduction, designed for beginners with no prior experience in networking or security. It provides a foundational overview rather than in-depth, advanced technical skills for specific roles. If you are looking for a broader introduction to general cybersecurity concepts, consider Introduction to Cybersecurity by Codecademy, which is a shorter 3-hour option. For a more extensive look at networking that includes cloud computing, the Introduction to Networking and Cloud Computing course from Coursera offers 24 hours 55 minutes of content.