Network Security Basics
Protecting Networks, Traffic, and Infrastructure from Common Threats
What's Included:
Key Highlights
- Network threat fundamentals
- Firewall and segmentation strategies
- Traffic monitoring basics
- VPNs and secure tunnels
- Network-level incident response
Overview
Learn the fundamentals of network security, including traffic protection, firewalls, segmentation, monitoring, and defense against common network threats.
The Problem
Networks are often the weakest link in security architectures, exposing systems to unauthorized access, data interception, and lateral movement.
The Solution
This book provides a structured, practical approach to securing networks through segmentation, traffic control, encryption, and monitoring.
About This Book
Build a Strong Foundation in Network Security
Network Security Basics is a practical introduction to protecting network infrastructure, traffic, and connected systems from modern cyber threats. As networks become more complex and attacks more sophisticated, understanding network security fundamentals is essential for every IT professional.
This book focuses on the network layer, helping readers understand how networks operate, where vulnerabilities emerge, and how to defend them using proven security principles. The content is vendor-neutral and applicable to on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.
What You Will Learn
- Core network security concepts, terminology, and threat models
- The OSI model and where security applies at each layer
- Common network-based attacks: DDoS, man-in-the-middle, ARP spoofing, DNS poisoning
- Firewall fundamentals, stateful inspection, and traffic filtering
- Network segmentation, VLANs, and defense-in-depth strategies
- Access control lists and network-based authentication
- Encryption, TLS/SSL, and secure communication protocols
- VPN technologies and secure remote access
- Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
- Network monitoring, logging, and incident response
- Wireless network security and common WiFi vulnerabilities
Who Is This Book For?
This book is designed for IT professionals, system administrators, and security enthusiasts who want to understand network security fundamentals. It is ideal for:
- Network administrators responsible for infrastructure security
- System administrators expanding into security roles
- IT professionals preparing for security certifications (Security+, CCNA Security)
- Developers who want to understand how networks are protected
- Anyone starting a career in cybersecurity
Why This Book?
This book provides a solid foundation in network security principles that apply regardless of specific vendors or technologies. You will understand the "why" behind security measures, not just the "how."
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of networking concepts (IP addresses, ports, protocols) is helpful but not required. The book explains fundamentals as needed.
Author: Ethan Marshall
Who Is This Book For?
- IT and system administrators
- Network engineers
- Cybersecurity beginners
- DevOps and cloud professionals
- Students preparing for security roles
Who Is This Book NOT For?
- Advanced penetration testers
- Readers looking for vendor-specific certifications
- Non-technical audiences
Table of Contents
- Why Network Security Matters
- Core Network Security Concepts
- Understanding Network Architecture
- Common Network Threats
- Controlling Network Access
- Network Segmentation
- Firewall Fundamentals
- Traffic Filtering and Monitoring
- Encryption and Secure Protocols
- VPNs and Secure Tunnels
- Network Monitoring Basics
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention
- Securing Network Devices
- Incident Response at the Network Level
- Network Security Best Practices
- Learning Path Beyond Network Security Basics
Requirements
- Basic understanding of networking concepts
- General IT or system administration knowledge
- No prior security experience required
