Computer Networking for Cybersecurity

Skill Goal:

Build a strong understanding of how computer networks function and why networking is the foundation of cybersecurity.

Skills Developed:

• Understanding what a computer network is and how devices communicate

• Exploring Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), and the Internet

• Learning the OSI and TCP/IP networking models

• Identifying common network topologies and architectures

• Understanding how data travels across a network

Sprint Outcome:

Confidence in explaining how computer networks operate and why networking knowledge is essential for cybersecurity professionals.

Skill Goal:

Learn how devices identify each other and communicate across modern networks.

Skills Developed:

• Understanding IPv4 and IPv6 addressing

• Learning the purpose of MAC addresses

• Configuring public and private IP addresses

• Understanding subnet masks and basic subnetting concepts

• Exploring DNS, DHCP, and ARP services

• Using networking commands such as ping, ipconfig, tracert, and nslookup

Sprint Outcome:

Ability to identify network devices, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and understand how communication occurs across a network

Skill Goal:

Understand the communication protocols that power the Internet and modern enterprise networks.

Skills Developed:

• Understanding TCP and UDP communication

• Exploring HTTP and HTTPS

• Learning DNS, FTP, SSH, SMTP, POP3, and IMAP

• Understanding ports and common network services

• Identifying how protocols are used during normal and malicious network activity

Sprint Outcome:

Ability to recognize common networking protocols and understand their role in cybersecurity investigations.

Skill Goal

Learn how organizations protect networks from cyber threats using modern security technologies.

Skills Developed:

• Understanding firewalls and access control

• Learning Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

• Exploring Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

• Understanding wireless network security (WPA2/WPA3)

• Learning network segmentation and basic network hardening techniques

• Recognizing common network-based cyber attacks

Sprint Outcome

Ability to explain how organizations secure computer networks and defend against common network attacks

Skill Goal:

Develop practical skills in monitoring and analyzing network traffic using industry-standard tools.

Skills Developed:

• Installing and configuring Wireshark

• Capturing live network traffic

• Analyzing TCP, UDP, DNS, and HTTP packets

• Following network conversations and identifying communication patterns

• Detecting suspicious traffic and potential security threats

• Documenting network analysis findings

Sprint Outcome

Ability to capture, analyze, and interpret network traffic to support cybersecurity investigations and incident response.

Project Goal:

Apply networking knowledge to investigate suspicious network activity in a simulated business environment.

Skills Demonstrated:

• Capture and analyze live network traffic using Wireshark

• Identify network protocols and communication patterns

• Investigate suspicious DNS requests and network connections

• Detect potential malicious activity using packet analysis

• Troubleshoot networking issues and identify security risks

• Produce a professional network investigation report with recommendations