Network security involves protecting network systems, guarding information, and controlling access. My Wireshark and firewall labs demonstrate this skill through identifying exposed information and testing access restrictions.

    In my Wireshark lab, I ran Wireshark on one virtual machine while a target virtual machine logged into a practice website using unencrypted HTTP. I examined the captured packets, located the login request, and found the username and password in the packet data. This lab demonstrated how unencrypted traffic can expose sensitive information. The packet analysis supports my ability to inspect network traffic and recognize security weaknesses. In a workplace, this experience would help me explain why login information needs to be encrypted.

    In my firewall lab, I configured a target virtual machine to allow SSH access on port 22 from an approved virtual machine’s IP address. I attempted connections from the approved machine and a different machine, making sure that only the approved connection succeeded. The firewall configuration and connection tests demonstrate access control and confidentiality. This experience prepares me to evaluate whether network rules allow access to certain connections while restricting others.

In a Cisco Packet Tracer lab, I configured switch port settings to prevent a connection from an unauthorized device through an office network port. I set the port to accept only the approved computer’s MAC address, then I tested the port security by connecting a different computer to the port and confirmed that it blocked the incoming traffic. This lab strengthened my understanding of how switch port security helps control whether devices can gain access to a network.