Heartland Community College
Master Course Syllabus
Division name: Technology
Course Prefix and number: NETW 170
Course Title: Network Security Fundamentals
DATE PREPARED: 02/3/03
DATE REVISED: April 8, 2009
PCS/CIP/ID NO: 1.2-111003
IAI NO. (if available):
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: August 13, 2003
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 4.0
LECTURE HOURS: 2.0 LABORATORY HOURS: 2.0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite: NETW 124 or NETW 167 with a grade of C or better, or concurrent
enrollment. The goal of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the network security for System
Administrators, Network Administrators, and IT professionals who implement, manage and troubleshoot existing
network and server environments. These skills cover an understanding of general security concepts, communication
security, infrastructure security, cryptography and operational & organizational security. This course will help
prepare for the CompTIA's "Security+" certification exam.
TEXTBOOKS:
Ciampa, Mark. Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals, Third Edition. Boston, MA: Thomson Course
Technology, 2009. or comparable textbook as approved by the department.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY:
NETW 170 was designed to meet the specific needs of a Certificate or an Associate of Applied Science
degree and not necessarily as a transfer course, particularly in relation to the Illinois Articulation
Initiative. This course may transfer to various institutions in a variety of ways. Please see an academic
advisor for an explanation concerning transfer options.
[COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes)
At the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Learning
Assessment
Outcome
Tool
Item
1. Explain basic networking security.
2. Compare security threat trends and their ramifications.
Examination
PS2
Homework
Assignment
3. Explain the goals of network security.
Examination
4. Explain the factors involved in a secure network strategy.
Homework
Assignment
5. Apply strong passwords and store them securely.
Lab
Assignment
6.Demonstate the Kerberos authentication process.
Compentency
Lab
7. Explain how CHAP works.
Examination
8. Define virtualization and explain how attackers are targeting virtual systems.
Homework
Assignment
9. Discuss the major components used in a Ddos attack and demonstrate how they
are installed.
Examination
10. Discuss VPN technology and its uses for securing remote access to networks.
Examination
11. Explain how protect systems from communications-based attacks.
Examination
12. Explain and show how to harden operating systems.
Examination
&
Competency
Lab
PS2
13. Show how IPSec works and when it is used.
Competency
Lab
14. Justify the need for secure e-mail.
Homework
Assignment
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
1: Introduction to Security
2: System Threats and Risks
3: Protecting Systems
4: Network Vulnerabilities and Attacks
5: Network Defenses
6: Wireless Network Security
7: Access Control Fundamentals
8: Authentication
9: Performing Vulnerability Assessments
10: Conducting Security Audits
11: Basic Cryptography
12: Applying Cryptography
13: Business Continuity Planning and Procedures
14: Policies and Legislation
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
Students will be evaluated by computer laboratory exercises and examinations. The lab work will include writing
assignments, and performance tasks.
Assignment
Labs
Tests
Quizzes & Homework
Grades
A = 90% - 100 %
B= 80% - 89%
Percentage
20%
50%
30%
100%
C= 70% - 79%
D= 60% - 69%
F = Below 60%
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Required reading includes approximately a 500-page book and lab manual. Writing includes documentation of labs
completed and homework as assigned.