CSS 435: Fundamentals of Network Security

Course Description

This course will focus on an introduction to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and firewalls for securing a network. Various network security related issues are introduced and examined. Different types of VPNs for securing data in an organizational setup are discussed along with the benefits and architecture of a VPN and how to implement a VPN. Other topics include the utility of firewalls in tackling security problems, and the limitations of a firewall. In addition, instruction is also given on how to construct, configure, and administer a firewall, as well as the functionality of a firewall. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2
  • ITE 145: Fundamentals of Information Systems Security
  • ITE 220: Networking and Data Communcation (Recommended)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  1. Explain the fundamental concepts of network security.
  2. Describe the fundamental functions performed by firewalls.
  3. Describe the foundational concepts of VPNs.
  4. Recognize the impact that malicious exploits and attacks have on network security.
  5. Describe network security implementation strategies and the roles each can play within the security life cycle.
  6. Identify network security management best practices and strategies for responding when security measures fail.
  7. Manage and monitor firewalls, and understand their limitations.
  8. Assess firewall design strategies.
  9. Apply firewall management best practices.
  10. Appraise the firewall and other security options available for personal and small office/home office (SOHO) environments.
  11. Appraise the elements of VPN implementation and management.
  12. Describe common VPN technologies.
  13. Follow the creation of an example firewall implementation.
  14. Follow the creation of an example VPN implementation.
  15. Evaluate available resources and trends in network security.

General Education Outcomes (GEOs)

Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Category Search, or by subject area at GEO Discipline Search.

Course Activities and Grading

Assignments

Weight

Discussions

9%

Written Assignments & Lab Assignments (Weeks 1-4)

20%

Quizzes (Weeks 5-7)

15%

Project

28%

Final Exam (Week 15)

28%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

  • Stewart, J. Michael, Network Security, Firewalls, and VPNs - Print Bundle for LMS Integrations. 2nd ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett, 2013. ISBN-13: 9781284158267

Note: This is a Print Bundle which includes the textbook and the Access Code required for this course. Student must purchase these materials “New” from the Charter Oak State College bookstore. Used materials or materials from any other source are not acceptable.

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2,4

Topics: Network Security Basics, Threats and Issues

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1, “Fundamentals of Network Security”
    • Chapter 2, “Firewall Fundamentals”
    • Chapter 4, “Network Security Threats and Issues”
    • NIST SP 800-30: Guide for Conducting Risk Assessments
    • http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/PubsSPs.html, (or the latest version of the publication that's available)
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit Week 1 Assignments
  • Submit Week 1 Labs

2

2,5,7

Topic: Firewall Fundamentals

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 2, “Firewall Fundamentals”
    • Chapter 7, “Firewalls Basics”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit Week 2 Assignments
  • Submit Week 2 Labs

3

3,11,12

Topic: VPN Fundamentals

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3, “VPN Fundamentals”
    • Chapter 11, “VPN Management”
    • Chapter 12, “VPN Technologies”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit Week 3 Assignments
  • Submit Week 3 Labs

4

5,6

Topics: Network Security Implementation and Management

  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit Week 4 Assignments
  • Submit Week 4 Labs
  • Submit Project Part 1

5

8,14

Topic: Firewall & VPN Management Techniques

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 8, “Firewall Deployment Considerations”
    • Chapter 14, “Real-World VPNs”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit Week 5 Assignments
  • Complete Quiz

6

10,13

Topic: Firewall Implementation Options

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 10, “Using Common Firewalls”
    • Chapter 13, “Firewall Implementation”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Complete Quiz
  • Submit Project Part 2

7

9,15

Topics: Future Trends and Best Practices

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 9, “Firewall Management and Security”
    • Chapter 15, “Perspectives, Resources, and the Future”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Submit Week 7 Assignments
  • Complete Quiz

8

1-15

Topics: Course Project and Final Examination

  • Submit Project: Network Security Plan
  • Complete Final Exam
  • Complete the Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.