Network and system security for freelancing Level-4

Module 1: Introduction to Network and System Security

• Objective: Understand the foundational principles of network and system security and how they apply in freelancing environments.
• Key Topics:
  • Introduction to Network and System Security Concepts
  • Types of Security Threats: Malware, Phishing, Ransomware, etc.
  • Freelancing Security Challenges and Best Practices
  • Key Principles of Information Security: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
  • Security Policies and Risk Management

Module 2: Networking Basics for Security

• Objective: Understand system-level security practices, hardening operating systems, and securing endpoints.
• Key Topics:
  • Securing Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
  • System Hardening: Removing Unnecessary Services, Configuring Security Settings
  • User Authentication and Authorization
  • Patch Management and Security Updates
  • Security for Virtual Machines and Containers (e.g., Docker)

Module 3: System Security and Hardening

• Objective: Understand system-level security practices, hardening operating systems, and securing endpoints.
• Key Topics:
  • Securing Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
  • System Hardening: Removing Unnecessary Services, Configuring Security Settings
  • User Authentication and Authorization
  • Patch Management and Security Updates
  • Security for Virtual Machines and Containers (e.g., Docker)

Module 4: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

• Objective: Explore the configuration and management of firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect networks and systems.
• Key Topics:
  • Introduction to Firewalls: Packet Filtering, Stateful, Proxy, and Next-Gen Firewalls
  • Firewall Configuration and Management
  • IDS/IPS: Monitoring Network Traffic for Suspicious Activity
  • Open Source and Commercial IDS Tools (e.g., Snort, Suricata)
  • Setting Up Firewall Rules for Freelancing Environments

Module 5: Cryptography and Data Protection

• Objective: Learn how to secure data in transit and at rest through encryption techniques and other data protection methods.
• Key Topics:
  • Introduction to Cryptography: Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Encryption
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Certificates
  • SSL/TLS Encryption for Secure Communication
  • Encryption Tools and Best Practices
  • Data Protection and Privacy Regulations (GDPR, HIPAA)

Module 6: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

• Objective: Understand the basics of ethical hacking and penetration testing to identify and fix security vulnerabilities.
• Key Topics:
  • Ethical Hacking Concepts and the Legal Implications of Hacking
  • Penetration Testing Methodology (Reconnaissance, Scanning, Exploitation, Reporting)
  • Tools for Penetration Testing (e.g., Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nmap)
  • Vulnerability Assessment and Exploitation Techniques
  • Writing Penetration Testing Reports

Module 7: Web Application Security for Freelancers

• Objective: Gain expertise in securing web applications and protecting them from common vulnerabilities.
• Key Topics:
  • OWASP Top 10: Most Common Web Application Security Risks
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), SQL Injection, Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
  • Securing APIs and Web Services
  • Security for Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, etc.
  • Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and Security Best Practices

Module 8: Cloud Security and Remote Work Protection

• Objective: Learn how to secure cloud infrastructures and remote working environments.
• Key Topics:
  • Cloud Security Models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
  • Cloud Security Best Practices (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
  • Securing Remote Access for Freelancers: VPNs, MFA, and Zero Trust
  • Cloud Encryption and Data Storage Security
  • Protecting Remote Work with Endpoint Security Tools

Module 9: Advanced Threats and Incident Response

• Objective: Understand how to identify, respond to, and mitigate advanced security threats and incidents.
• Key Topics:
  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and Targeted Attacks
  • Incident Response Process: Detection, Containment, Eradication, Recovery
  • Forensics and Logging for Incident Investigation
  • Digital Evidence and Chain of Custody
  • Using SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) Systems

Module 10: Freelancing Security Best Practices and Legal Considerations

• Objective: Equip students with knowledge of securing freelancing business environments and understanding legal implications.
• Key Topics:
  • Securing Freelance Work Environments: Home Offices, Remote Teams
  • Risk Management for Freelancers: Insurance, Data Breach Protocols
  • Understanding Legal Issues: Contracts, Liability, and Confidentiality Agreements
  • Complying with Industry Standards and Regulations for Freelancers (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS)
  • Building Client Trust: How to Present a Secure Freelancing Portfolio

Assessment Methods:

• Assignments: Weekly practical assignments covering security implementation, configuration, and analysis.
• Lab Exercises: Hands-on practice in configuring firewalls, conducting penetration tests, and securing systems.
• Exams: Mid-term and final exams assessing theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
• Capstone Project: A final project where students secure a network or system setup for a real-world freelancing scenario and provide a comprehensive security report.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will:

• Understand and apply security principles to network and system security.
• Secure systems and applications against common vulnerabilities and threats.
• Implement effective data protection strategies using encryption and other tools.
• Perform ethical hacking and penetration testing to identify security flaws.
• Understand how to secure cloud infrastructures and protect remote working environments.
• Comply with legal and ethical standards in securing data and systems while freelancing.