Cybersecurity Techniques and Operations

This course introduces tools and techniques used to secure and analyze large computer networks and systems. Students work with a foundation for many cybersecurity operations, such as malware analysis, understanding network protocol stack.  It also explores and maps networks using a variety of diagnostic software tools.  It also includes:  advanced packet analysis, configure firewalls, intrusion detection rules, performing forensic investigation, and practicing the techniques for pen testing using Kali Linux. The objectives are:

• Understand the concepts and major constructs of the programming language and master those skills.
• The ability to analyze source code that infers functionality of a given code segment.
• Students grasp necessary techniques and skills to write cybersecurity operations such as a network protocol stack.
• Skills to monitor/analyze the network traffic such as using WireShark and identification/tracing of that traffic when intrusions are identified.
• Identify/evaluate network vulnerabilities, then implement effective countermeasures as protection.
• Master technologies used in exploits on the vulnerabilities in remote systems.
• Vulnerability analysis in wireless (Wi-Fi) communication networks,
• Practice secure data management skills and secure personal information.

Course Materials

There are both programming assignments and hands-on labs using Palo Alto Networks for cybersecurity operations. The hands-on labs are as follows:

1. Traffic tracing through Wireshark and TCPdump
2. Firewall configuration with pfSense
3. Penetration test on Windows – remote access vulnerability – Kali Linux
4. Password cracking – Jack the Ripper
5. WiFi password cracking
6. Information hiding – Digital Steganog