CSS 435: Fundamentals of Network Security

Course Description

This course offers an introduction to firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs) for securing a network. Various network security-related issues, such as threats and business challenges, are introduced and examined. The course addresses firewall functionality and how to select, construct, configure, and manage a firewall. Different types of VPNs for securing data in an organization are also addressed, as well as the benefits and architecture of a VPN and implementation considerations. In addition, students will learn the essentials of secure network design and management. (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. Analyze the fundamental concepts of network security.
  2. Calculate the impact that malicious exploits and attacks have on network security.
  3. Examine common network topologies and infrastructures and incorporate them into a secure network design.
  4. Analyze the fundamental functions performed by firewalls, common firewall technologies, and the elements of firewall implementation and configuration.
  5. Examine the implementation of a firewall.
  6. Analyze the fundamental functions of virtual private networks (VPNs), common VPN technologies, and the elements of VPN implementation and management.
  7. Examine the implementation of a VPN.
  8. Analyze firewall and network security management best practices.
  9. Examine regulations and emerging network security technologies.

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 (Weeks 1 - 8)

15%

Written Assignments (Weeks 2, 3, 5)

10%

Lab Assignments (Weeks 1 - 7)

25%

Project (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 7)

20%

Final Exam (Week 8)

30%

Total

100%

Required Textbooks

Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore

  • Stewart, M.J. and Kinsey, D, Navigate 2 Ebook Access for Network Security, Firewalls and VPNs. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett, 2021. ISBN-13: 978-1-284-18465-X

 

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1,2

Topics: Fundamentals of Network Security and Threats

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 1, “Fundamentals of Network Security”
    • Chapter 2, “Network Security Threats”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 1 Labs (2)
  • Complete Week 1 Lab Quizzes (2)

2

3,4

Topic: Network Topologies, Infrastructures, and Design

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 3, “Common Network Topologies and Infrastructures”
    • Chapter 4, “Network Design Considerations”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 2 Written Assignment
  • Submit Week 2 Lab
  • Complete Week 2 Lab Quiz
  • Submit Week 2 Project - Part 1

3

3,4,8

Topic: Firewall Fundamentals and Implementation

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 5, "Firewall Fundamentals"
    • Chapter 6, "Firewall Implementation"
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 3 Written Assignment
  • Submit Week 3 Labs (2)
  • Complete Week 3 Lab Quizzes (2)

4

5,8

Topics: Firewall Deployment and Configuration

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 7, "Firewall Deployment Considerations"
    • Chapter 8, "Configuring Firewalls"
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 4 Lab
  • Complete Week 4 Lab Quiz
  • Submit Week 4 Project - Part 2

5

6,7

Topic: VPN Fundamentals and Management

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 9, “VPN Fundamentals Consideration”
    • Chapter 10, “VPN Management”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 5 Written Assignment
  • Submit Week 5 Lab
  • Complete Week 5 Lab Quiz

6

6,7,8

Topic: VPN Technologies and Implementation

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 11 “VPN Technologies”
    • Chapter 12, “VPN Implementation”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 6 Lab
  • Complete Week 6 Lab Quiz
  • Submit Week 6 Project - Part 2

7

5,8,9

Topics: Firewall and Network Security Management

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 13, “Firewall Security Management”
    • Chapter 14, “Best Practices for Network Security Management”
  • Read assigned chapters
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Submit Week 7 Lab
  • Complete Week 7 Lab Quiz
  • Submit Week 7 Final Project - Part 4

8

1-9

Topics: Emerging Technology and Regulatory Considerations

  • Readings:
    • Chapter 15, "Emerging Technology and Regulatory Considerations
  • Read assigned chapter
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussion
  • Complete Week 8 Final Exam
  • Complete the Course Evaluation

10052021

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.