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 OR CSS 101 Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- ITE 220: Networking and Data Communcation (Recommended)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Analyze the fundamental concepts of network security.
- Calculate the impact that malicious exploits and attacks have on network security.
- Examine common network topologies and infrastructures and incorporate them into a secure network design.
- Analyze the fundamental functions performed by firewalls, common firewall technologies, and the elements of firewall implementation and configuration.
- Examine the implementation of a firewall.
- Analyze the fundamental functions of virtual private networks (VPNs), common VPN technologies, and the elements of VPN implementation and management.
- Examine the implementation of a VPN.
- Analyze firewall and network security management best practices.
- Examine regulations and emerging network security technologies.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Discussions (Weeks 1 - 8) | 15% |
Written Assignments (Weeks 2, 3, 5) | 10% |
Chapter Quizzes (Weeks 1 - 8) | 10% |
Lab Quizzes (Weeks 1 - 7) | 25% |
Project (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 7) | 20% |
Final Exam (Week 8) | 20% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- 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
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2 | 3,4 | Topic: Network Topologies, Infrastructures, and Design
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3 | 3,4,8 | Topic: Firewall Fundamentals and Implementation
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4 | 5,8 | Topics: Firewall Deployment and Configuration
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5 | 6,7 | Topic: VPN Fundamentals and Management
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6 | 6,7,8 | Topic: VPN Technologies and Implementation
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7 | 5,8,9 | Topics: Firewall and Network Security Management
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8 | 1-9 | Topics: Emerging Technology and Regulatory Considerations
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02282022
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.