IT Masters Next-Gen Networks Security

Welcome to Next-Gen Network Security, a 4-week course designed to equip you with essential knowledge in network security principles and technologies. This course is ideal for IT professionals, network administrators, and anyone looking to strengthen their cybersecurity skill set.

Throughout the course, you will explore critical topics such as network security fundamentals, advanced security technologies, and strategies for defending against modern cyber threats. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how next-generation firewalls and security solutions are implemented to protect and secure networks. The course also provides practical insights into managing and mitigating the risks associated with emerging cyber threats, with real-world scenarios and case studies.

Join us on this practical and insightful journey to fortify your network security expertise and stay ahead in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.

Enrol Here

Use the form below to enrol in this short course, once submitted you will receive a signup email with login details for our learning site.

 

Course Schedule

 

This week, we introduce some basic network security concepts:

  • What makes a modern – next-generation – firewall what it is?
  • How does that differ from older generations of network security device, and why does it matter?
  • How does a Web 2.0 application differ from a Web 3.0 application?
  • How do applications circumvent port-based firewalls?
  • What is the difference between a vulnerability and an exploit?
  • What is an Advanced Persistent Threat?
  • What is perimeter-based network security?
  • What is Zero Trust?

Webinar: Thursday 5th September 7:30pm AEDT (Sydney time) 2024

This week, we will cover off how a next-generation firewall fits into a modern network:

  • How do switches, routers, and hubs differ from one another?
  • What is a WAN? What is a LAN?
  • What is SD-WAN, and why does it matter?
  • What is DNS, how is it used, and how is it misused?
  • What is IoT, and how does it use modern networks?
  • When would a virtualised or containerised firewall be used, and how are they used differently to traditional ‘tin?’
  • What is an Intrusion Detection System?
  • What is an Intrusion Prevention System?
  • What is a VPN?

Webinar: Thursday 12th September 7:30pm AEDT (Sydney time)

The cloud is very broadly adopted, and knowing how to secure it is critical in modern computing. We will cover:

  • Modern cloud security challenges
  • The 4 Cs of cloud-native security
  • Containers and Virtualisation in cloud computing
  • Securing serverless technologies
  • Security strengths and weaknesses of cloud and on-premises solutions
  • The concept of SASE
  • The concept of Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)

Webinar: Thursday 19th September 7:30pm AEDT (Sydney time) 2024

Well-executed security requires an operational focus. We will cover:

  • What is a SOC and what does it do?
  • What is SecOps?
  • What is a SIEM?
  • What does SOAR provide?
  • How can you analyse a possible security compromise?
  • What does a security operations engineering team do?

Webinar: Thursday 26th September 7:30pm AEDT (Sydney time) 2024

  • Exam pass mark: 50%
  • Time limit: 1 hour
  • Attempts allowed: One
  • Format: 40 Multiple choice questions

Course Information

 

Who will present the webinars?

IT Masters new comer Iain Robertson is a senior engineer with a deep and broad background across multiple network and security technologies and verticals.  Iain’s passion for secure systems extends back over 30 years, having held pivotal security roles in a range of commercial and educational organisations, as well as key infrastructure vendors, throughout that time.  Iain holds a Master of Information Systems Security with Distinction and a Master of Management (Information Technology) from Charles Sturt University, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering. 

 

What is the aim of this short course?

The aim of this short course is to give you a ‘taster’ of what it is like to undertake postgraduate study via online learning with Charles Sturt University.  It is based on the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry Level Technician (PCCET) syllabus, and to that end is also intended to prepare you for work with and around Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls and related technologies.

     

    What is included?

    In addition to the weekly interactive webinars, you will be provided with audio lectures, an active discussion forum and a weekly activity to complete.

     

    Is there a final exam?

    Yes — the short course exam will be a timed, open-book exam that you will sit at your computer.

     

    Do I get a completion certificate if I complete the course?

    Yes — provided you receive a pass mark (50% or over) for course assessment, which comprises the exam and any available participation marks.

     

    Are there any prerequisites for the course?

    No, you can sit this short course all by itself but you may consider taking some of our beginner level short courses on Networking & SysAdmin and Cyber Security first.

     

    Will the course qualify me for university credit?

    Yes — successful completion of three or more of our short courses will qualify you for one credit for an industry elective subject in our postgraduate courses. Click here for further details.

     

    Will I need to purchase any study materials to complete the course?

    No — all essential materials will be supplied.

     

    Will the webinars be recorded?

    Yes — all webinars are recorded and you will be able to access them, and all other free course materials, by registering for the course.

     

    Am I Eligible to Study
    a Post Graduate Course?

    Industry experience and previous studies all contribute towards your eligibility. You do not necessarily have to have an undergraduate degree to study.