Rochester Institute of Technology · on edX

Network Security

4.8(12) on edX·72K enrolled
Intermediate 80 hours English MicrocredentialFREE
Our recommendation
A lab-driven edX course from RITx that goes deep on defending data networks. Over about eight weeks you work through packet sniffing, password cracking, port scanning, exploits, access-control lists, intrusion detection with Snort, and network services security. Hands-on and technical — part of RIT's Cybersecurity MicroMasters, best for people ready for practical, tool-based security work.

Good for: Hands-on, lab-driven network-security skills.

Less suitable if: You want a gentle overview or are new to networking.

Skills you'll gain

Network securityPacket analysisIntrusion detectionSnortPort scanningAccess control

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You have networking basics
You want hands-on security labs
You are pursuing cybersecurity

Consider something else if you…

You want a gentle overview
You are new to networking
You want management-level security

Requirements: Networking fundamentals; comfort with technical, hands-on work.

Realistic time: About 8 weeks.

About this course

Network Security goes deep on defending data networks. Over eight lab-driven weeks you work through packet sniffing, password cracking, port scanning, exploits, access-control lists, intrusion detection with Snort, and DHCP/DNS/switch and man-in-the-middle attacks and their mitigations — analysing attack/defend scenarios to judge what actually works.

What you'll learn

Detect attacks happening inside networks
Collect evidence of network intrusions
Test systems for vulnerabilities
Use Snort for intrusion detection
Mitigate DNS, DHCP and MITM attacks
Defend networks against real attack scenarios

This course includes

80h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

You can audit the course free on edX. A verified certificate is paid (typically a few hundred dollars for a MicroMasters course), and it is part of the RIT Cybersecurity MicroMasters, which can count toward credit at RIT.

Comparison · LBS

Compare alternatives for Network Security

Same topic, different options. We surface the trade-offs others hide so you can pick the course that actually fits your time, budget, and goals.
edX4.8(12)
Network Security
Price
Free
Audit free · RITx certificate available ($399)
Duration
80 hrs
Level
Intermediate
Certificate
Microcredential
Coursera4.8(38,000)
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
Price
Free
Audit free · Cert $49/mo
Duration
180 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Professional Certificate
edX4(34)
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Price
Free
Audit free · RITx certificate available ($399)
Duration
80 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Microcredential
Microsoft Learn4.8(1,800)
SC-900: Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Price
Free
Completely free, official Microsoft content
Duration
6 hrs
Level
Beginner
Certificate
Prices & availability can change — confirm on the provider's site. We're not affiliated with any single provider.

Is the certificate recognised?

A verified RITx certificate on edX is a credible learning record and part of RIT's Cybersecurity MicroMasters, which can count toward academic credit at RIT.

Instructor

JS
Jonathan S. Weissman
edX instructor

Taught by Jonathan S. Weissman, a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Cybersecurity at the Rochester Institute of Technology, known for practical, lab-based security teaching.

About this provider

ED
edX
Non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. 45M+ learners worldwide.
Visit edX

Frequently asked questions

Yes — you can audit it free on edX; the verified certificate is paid.
Yes — it is lab-driven, covering packet sniffing, port scanning, intrusion detection with Snort and more.
Yes — networking fundamentals and comfort with technical work are expected.
Yes — it is part of RIT's Cybersecurity MicroMasters, which can count toward credit at RIT.
About eight weeks.
Free
to audit
Enroll now