Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Google Network Security Specialization

Top instructor

Google Network Security Specialization

Build Your Network Security Skills. Learn to identify threats and harden, secure, and monitor networks against potential attacks.

Instructor: Google Career Certificates

Included with Coursera Plus

Learn more

7 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.9

(6 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 month at 5 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

7 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

4.9

(6 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 month at 5 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Earn a career credential

Share your expertise with employers

What you'll learn

Learn the foundational knowledge of network functionality and security, from architectural concepts and protocols to how to defend against threats
Learn how to utilize industry-standard tools like Wireshark and Splunk to analyze network traffic and investigate security incidents
Develop skills to detect and respond to security incidents by monitoring networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and using incident response protocols
Learn system hardening techniques to secure networks and cloud environments, preventing future attacks before they can happen

Overview

In today's interconnected world, network security is more critical than ever. This Specialization from Google provides you with foundational knowledge of how networks function and how to protect them from attacks.

You’ll dive into core concepts like network architecture, protocols, and how to defend against modern cyber threats. You’ll also learn how to utilize powerful tools such as Wireshark, tcpdump, Splunk, and Google SecOps.

Google experts will guide you through this Specialization by providing hands-on activities that simulate relevant tasks, teaching you how to:

Configure network addresses and understand how data travels through the network
Read and interpret network traffic flows to identify suspicious activity
Configure network services and understand the difference between a VPN and a proxy
Troubleshoot connectivity issues and fix them quickly
Harden systems and conduct a basic incident response process

Upon completion, you’ll be able to analyze network traffic, recognize common vulnerabilities, and implement strategies to secure both traditional networks and cloud environments.

What’s included

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Google

Specialization - 7 course series

Network Architecture

Course 12 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Describe the structure of different computer networks.
Illustrate how data is sent and received over a network.
Describe physical components of a network and network layer communication.

Skills you'll gain

Network Infrastructure

Network Operations

Course 21 hourView course

What you'll learn

Recognize common network protocols.
Identify common network security measures and protocols.
Describe the protocol(s) used to transmit and access data over wireless networks.

Skills you'll gain

Cybersecurity

Secure Against Network Intrusions

Course 33 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Describe network intrusion tactics.
Explain how to secure a network against intrusion tactics.
Investigate security breaches.
Troubleshoot basic network issues using appropriate tools and methods.

Skills you'll gain

Cybersecurity, Network Protocols, and Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

Security Hardening

Course 42 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Describe OS hardening techniques
Explain cloud security practices
Describe network hardening techniques

Skills you'll gain

Infrastructure Security, Cloud Infrastructure, and Security Controls

Introduction to Detection and Incident Response

Course 53 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Identify the steps to contain, eradicate, and recover from an incident
Explain the lifecycle of an incident.
Describe the tools used in the documentation, detection, and management of incidents.
Determine the roles and responsibilities of incident response teams.

Skills you'll gain

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Computer Security Incident Management, Incident Response, NIST 800-53, Threat Management, Threat Detection, Security Management, Document Management, Event Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, and Incident Management

Network Monitoring and Analysis

Course 64 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Analyze packets to interpret network communications
Use packet sniffing tools to capture and view network communications.
Describe how network traffic analysis can help to detect, prevent, and respond to security incidents.

Skills you'll gain

Continuous Monitoring and Intrusion Detection and Prevention

Network Traffic and Logs Using IDS and SIEM Tools

Course 74 hoursView course

What you'll learn

Understand basic syntax, components of signatures and logs in Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS) tools
Perform queries in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to investigate an event
Determine how to read and analyze logs during incident investigation
Describe how common intrusion detection system (IDS) tools provide security value

Skills you'll gain

Network Analysis, System Monitoring, Data Integrity, and Computer Security Incident Management

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Top Instructor

Google

374 Courses13,984,318 learners

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Frequently asked questions

This program is designed for anyone interested in cybersecurity or the broader field of Information Technology (IT). It's particularly useful for those who want to further their understanding of network security techniques

This program is designed for complete beginners and does not require prior technical experience; basic computer literacy and an interest in cybersecurity are sufficient. You'll start with network fundamentals and progress to applied security practices with step-by-step guidance.

You’ll learn how to utilize widely used cybersecurity tools, including Wireshark, tcpdump, Suricata, Splunk, and Google SecOps (Chronicle), which are essential for network monitoring, intrusion detection, and incident response.

Google Network Security Specialization

What you'll learn

Overview

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

What’s included

Advance your subject-matter expertise