Computer Science 252 3 College Credits NCCRS Credit Recommended

Network and
Systems Security

Understand how to protect the infrastructure the modern world runs on. Networks, systems, and the threats that never stop evolving.

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NCCRS Credit Recommended 3 Credit Hours Self-Paced
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28–30 Days Average course completion
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Self-Paced · Final Exam · NCCRS Recommended

What You'll Learn

A full semester of network and systems security — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.

Learning Outcomes

What You'll Be Able to Do

  • Understand the fundamental concepts and core principles of network security, encryption techniques, and authentication protocols — and apply them to identify and address diverse security threats
  • Analyze network security measures including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption methods, and evaluate their role in protecting network infrastructure and sensitive data
  • Develop practical skills in configuring and managing network security devices and protocols using hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios
  • Investigate advanced topics such as security architecture design, risk assessment methodologies, and security policy frameworks to build strategies tailored to organizational and compliance requirements
  • Explore emerging trends in network security — including wireless protocols, web application security, and continuous improvement practices — to stay ready for evolving threats
  • Cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify vulnerabilities, conduct security audits, and implement incident response procedures that uphold network integrity
Topics Covered

Major Course Topics

Fundamentals of network security
Information security principles
Cryptography & encryption techniques
Firewalls & network firewall systems
Wireless network security (WEP, WPA, WPA2)
Web application security concepts
Network authentication protocols
Intrusion detection & prevention (IDS/IPS)
VPNs & remote access security
TCP/IP & OSI model security
Network auditing & configuration management
Risk assessment & incident response
Security policies & compliance frameworks
DoS attacks & mobile device security
Cisco ASA firewall configuration
IT disaster planning & recovery

Grading: 25% Attendance · 25% Quizzes · 25% Assignments · 25% Final Exam

From the syllabus · Computer Science 252

Course chapters and lessons

Network and Systems Security has 9 chapters across 57.5 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.

Chapters
9
Lessons
102
Instructional hours
57.5 hrs
Semester hours
3
9 chapters  ·  102 lessons  ·  3 semester hours
Chapter 1

Network Security Foundations and Risk Assessment

8 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 1.1 What Makes a Network Secure: Dissecting Definitions, Goals, and Foundational Concepts
  2. 1.2 How Network Security Measures Are Organized: A Structured Classification Approach
  3. 1.3 Putting Network Defenses to the Test: Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Scanning, and Audit Techniques
  4. 1.4 Attack Vectors That Target Modern Networks: Malware, Phishing, Man-in-the-Middle, and Beyond
  5. 1.5 From Blank Page to Enforceable Policy: Drafting Network Security Rules with Templates and Examples
  6. 1.6 Blueprint for a Resilient Network: Defense-in-Depth, Least Privilege, and Layered Architecture Principles
  7. 1.7 Quantifying Network Risk: Probability-Impact Matrices, NIST Guidelines, and Scoring Methodologies
  8. 1.8 Mapping the Threat Landscape: Classifying Malicious Actors, Exploit Categories, and Layer-Specific Vulnerabilities in Network Infrastructure
Chapter 2

Security Zones, Zero-Day Threats, and Information Security Principles

7 lessons · 3.5 hrs
  1. 2.1 Carving Networks into Security Zones: DMZ Design, Trust Boundaries, and Segmentation Logic
  2. 2.2 The Zero-Day Problem: How Undisclosed Software Flaws Create Invisible Attack Surfaces
  3. 2.3 Information Protection as a Discipline: CIA Triad, Terminology, and Industry-Recommended Practices
  4. 2.4 Breaking Down Information Protection into Logical Categories: Administrative, Technical, and Physical
  5. 2.5 The Business Case for Information Security: Regulatory Pressure, Brand Trust, and Operational Continuity
  6. 2.6 Implementing an Information Security Management System: ISO 27001 Alignment, Certification Roadmaps, and Day-One Operations
  7. 2.7 Profiling Adversaries Behind Data Breaches: Motivations, Capabilities, and Tactics of Hacktivists, Insiders, Organized Crime, and State-Sponsored Groups
Chapter 3

Security Policy Development and Incident Response Planning

5 lessons · 2.5 hrs
  1. 3.1 Inside a Security Policy Document: Purpose Statements, Scope Definitions, and Enforcement Frameworks
  2. 3.2 Real-World Security Policy Templates: Annotated Examples of Acceptable Use, Data Handling, and Remote Work Guidelines
  3. 3.3 Leveraging NIST, COBIT, and ISO Standards to Build Policy Libraries That Scale
  4. 3.4 Preparing for Security Incidents: Building Information Protection Plans Through Breach Scenarios and Response Case Studies
  5. 3.5 From Simulated Drills to Live Response: Constructing, Validating, and Stress-Testing a Complete Breach Response Playbook
Chapter 4

Cryptography, Encryption Algorithms, and Wireless Encryption Standards

14 lessons · 7 hrs
  1. 4.1 Why Cryptography Exists: Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication, and Non-Repudiation Goals
  2. 4.2 From Caesar Ciphers to Quantum-Resistant Algorithms: A Timeline of Encryption Breakthroughs
  3. 4.3 Foundational Cipher Techniques: Substitution, Transposition, XOR Operations, and Block vs. Stream Approaches
  4. 4.4 AES Architecture: Rijndael Selection, Round Structure, Key Expansion, and Why It Became the Global Standard
  5. 4.5 DES and Its Legacy: 56-Bit Key Limitations, Feistel Network Design, and the Transition to Triple-DES
  6. 4.6 Symmetric Key Encryption Walkthrough: Shared Secrets, Key Distribution Challenges, and Worked Examples
  7. 4.7 RSA in Depth: Prime Factorization, Modular Exponentiation, Key Generation, and Signature Workflows
  8. 4.8 Tunnel vs. Transport Mode: When to Deploy IPsec and When SSL/TLS Is the Better Fit
  9. 4.9 How HTTPS Wraps HTTP in TLS: Certificate Handshakes, Session Keys, and Browser Trust Indicators
  10. 4.10 WPA2 Security Architecture Explained: AES-CCMP Encryption, Four-Way Handshake Mechanics, and Enterprise Authentication via RADIUS
  11. 4.11 How WPA Replaced WEP: Protocol-Level Improvements in Key Management, Encryption Strength, and Frame Integrity
  12. 4.12 Asymmetric Cryptography Introduced: Key Pairs, Digital Signatures, and Certificate-Based Trust
  13. 4.13 WEP Protocol Weaknesses Exposed: How RC4 Stream Cipher Implementation Flaws Compromised Early Wireless Network Security
  14. 4.14 WPA Protocol Mechanics: TKIP Temporal Key Rotation, Michael Message Integrity Check, and Backward Compatibility with Legacy Hardware
Chapter 5

Network Infrastructure, Firewalls, and Protocol Mechanics

11 lessons · 5.5 hrs
  1. 5.1 Multi-Layered Network Defense: Integrating Firewalls, Encryption, Credential Systems, and Biometric Checkpoints
  2. 5.2 Where Firewalls Sit in a Network: Placement Strategies, Traffic Filtering, and Policy Enforcement Roles
  3. 5.3 Firewall Feature Breakdown: Packet Filtering, Stateful Inspection, Application-Level Gateways, and NAT Support
  4. 5.4 TCP/IP Protocol Suite Explained: Three-Way Handshakes, Routing Decisions, and End-to-End Data Delivery Mechanics
  5. 5.5 What Is Inside an Internet Packet: Header Fields, Payload Structure, and Fragmentation Explained
  6. 5.6 Network Node Discovery and Health Monitoring: SNMP Polling, Syslog Collection, and Dashboard Techniques
  7. 5.7 How Spoofing Works and How to Stop It: ARP Poisoning, IP Spoofing, DNS Forgery, and Mitigation Playbooks
  8. 5.8 The Seven Layers of OSI: How the Reference Model Maps to Real-World Data Transmission
  9. 5.9 Application Layer Protocol Functions: How DNS, DHCP, SNMP, and Related Services Enable User-Facing Network Operations
  10. 5.10 SSH Tunneling as a Security Layer: Port Forwarding, SOCKS Proxies, and Encrypted Remote Sessions
  11. 5.11 Core Components of Telecommunications Systems: Switching Equipment, Multiplexers, Transmission Media Types, and Network Topology Configurations
Chapter 6

Wireless Technologies, Deployment, and Wireless Network Hardening

9 lessons · 4.5 hrs
  1. 6.1 Hardening Wireless Networks: Disabling WPS, MAC Filtering, SSID Cloaking, and 802.1X Enforcement
  2. 6.2 How Wireless Signals Behave: Frequency Bands, Signal Propagation, Interference, and Real-World Deployment Factors
  3. 6.3 Close-Range Wireless Protocols: Bluetooth Pairing, ZigBee Mesh Topologies, and Infrared Line-of-Sight Links
  4. 6.4 Setting Up Wi-Fi Networks and Public Hotspots: Channel Selection, SSID Management, and Coverage Planning
  5. 6.5 Designing Wireless WANs: Topology Patterns, Backhaul Links, and Coverage Planning for Distributed Sites
  6. 6.6 AES vs. TKIP Inside WPA2: Throughput Benchmarks, Security Margins, and Migration Guidance
  7. 6.7 Wi-Fi Security Certification Levels: WPA3 Transition, Enterprise vs. Personal Modes, and Compliance Benchmarks
  8. 6.8 802.11 Protocol Family Breakdown: Comparing a/b/g/n/ac/ax Standards, Channel Bonding Mechanisms, and Throughput Capabilities
  9. 6.9 RFID Tag Technology Explained: Active vs. Passive Tags, Reader Infrastructure, and Privacy Implications
Chapter 7

Internet Protocols, Email Systems, Mobile Security, and Wireless Troubleshooting

18 lessons · 9 hrs
  1. 7.1 Troubleshooting Wireless Security Failures: Rogue APs, Evil Twins, Deauth Attacks, and Remediation Steps
  2. 7.2 Lab Session: Configuring WPA2-Enterprise, Detecting Rogue Access Points, and Running Wireless Penetration Tests
  3. 7.3 How the Internet Came to Be: ARPANET Origins, Backbone Infrastructure, and Modern Routing
  4. 7.4 HTTP Request-Response Cycle: How Browsers Fetch Pages and Why It Matters for Security
  5. 7.5 SMTP Protocol Operations: Mail Relay Chains, MX Record Resolution, and Outbound Message Delivery Workflows
  6. 7.6 POP3 Retrieval Model: Download-and-Delete Workflow and Its Limitations for Multi-Device Users
  7. 7.7 IMAP Synchronization Model: Server-Side Storage, Folder Mirroring, and Cross-Device Consistency
  8. 7.8 Moving Files Across Networks with FTP: Active vs. Passive Mode and Known Exploitation Risks
  9. 7.9 Telnet's Plaintext Problem vs. SSH's Encrypted Channel: A Security-Focused Comparison
  10. 7.10 Service-Oriented Architecture vs. Client-Server Design: Comparing Security Models, Data Flow Patterns, and Scalability Tradeoffs
  11. 7.11 Web Technologies and Secure Page Design: How HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, and JavaScript Contribute to Frontend Security
  12. 7.12 Transport Layer Protocol Analysis: TCP vs. UDP Transmission Behavior, Port Assignment Logic, and Native Security Mechanisms
  13. 7.13 How DoS and DDoS Attacks Operate: SYN Flood Mechanics, Amplification Vectors, Botnet Coordination, and Documented Outage Case Studies
  14. 7.14 Why Mobile Devices Are High-Value Targets: OS Fragmentation, App Store Risks, and BYOD Challenges
  15. 7.15 Detecting Mobile Malware: Static Code Analysis, Dynamic Sandbox Testing, and Behavioral Pattern Recognition Methods
  16. 7.16 Convergence of Wireless Computing Devices: GPS Receivers, Handheld Terminals, Cellular Radios, and Satellite Communication Links
  17. 7.17 Access Control Matrices in Practice: Subject-Object Mapping, Permission Inheritance, and Worked Scenarios
  18. 7.18 Biometric Authentication Systems: Fingerprint Scanning, Iris Recognition, Facial Geometry Mapping, and False Accept/Reject Rate Analysis
Chapter 8

Access Control, VPNs, Perimeter Defense, and Risk Management

15 lessons · 7.5 hrs
  1. 8.1 Network Access Protection Enforcement: Health Policies, Quarantine VLANs, and Remediation Server Workflows
  2. 8.2 Smart Card Deployment Models: Contact vs. Contactless Chips, PKI Integration, and Industry Use Cases
  3. 8.3 Packet Capture in Practice: Using Wireshark, tcpdump, and Protocol Analyzers for Forensic Insight
  4. 8.4 Building a Traffic Audit Program: Log Correlation, Baseline Profiling, and Compliance Reporting Workflows
  5. 8.5 Network Interface Card Operations: Promiscuous Mode Configuration, Driver Architecture, and Hardware-Level Packet Processing
  6. 8.6 How Domain Controllers Centralize Authentication: Active Directory Roles, LDAP Lookups, and Trust Relationships
  7. 8.7 Kerberos Ticket Lifecycle: TGT Requests, Service Tickets, Session Keys, and Cross-Realm Authentication Flows
  8. 8.8 VPN Deployment Models Compared: Site-to-Site, Remote Access, Hub-and-Spoke, and Cloud-Based Architectures
  9. 8.9 Encryption Inside the Tunnel: IKEv2, OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, and Protocol Selection Criteria
  10. 8.10 Network Edge Protection Strategies: How Perimeter Firewalls, Honeypot Decoys, and Bastion Hosts Defend Boundary Infrastructure
  11. 8.11 Intranet and Extranet Access Control: Defining Visibility Rules and Managing Information Flow Between Internal and Partner Networks
  12. 8.12 Risk Taxonomy for Network Environments: Operational, Strategic, and Compliance Risk with Contingency Mapping
  13. 8.13 Disaster Recovery Planning and Execution: Setting RTO/RPO Objectives, Selecting Hot/Warm/Cold Recovery Sites, and Validating Failover Procedures
  14. 8.14 Compliance Verification Lab: Capturing, Analyzing, and Reporting Network Traffic Against Audit Standards
  15. 8.15 NAT and PAT in Practice: How Private IP Addresses Get Translated for Public Internet Communication
Chapter 9

Configuration Management, IDS/IPS, Change Management, and IT Governance

15 lessons · 7 hrs
  1. 9.1 Complete Configuration Management Process: Asset Identification, Change Control, Status Accounting, and Audit Tool Integration
  2. 9.2 Managing Configuration Items: Establishing Version Baselines, Processing Change Requests, and Handling Configuration Deviations
  3. 9.3 Cisco ASA Platform Capabilities: Firewall Modules, VPN Termination, and Hardware Variant Comparison
  4. 9.4 Planning a Cisco ASA 5505 Deployment: Interface Assignment, NAT Rules, and Access Control List Objectives
  5. 9.5 Hands-On Lab: Physical Installation, Initial Setup, and Step-by-Step Configuration of the Cisco ASA 5505 Appliance
  6. 9.6 How Intrusion Detection Works: Signature Matching, Anomaly Baselines, and Alert Triage Strategies
  7. 9.7 Intrusion Prevention Beyond Detection: Inline Blocking, Rate Limiting, and Automated Response Classification
  8. 9.8 Hands-On Breach Simulation: Using IDS Signatures and IPS Policies to Detect and Neutralize Live Threats
  9. 9.9 Strategic Change Management Frameworks: Applying Lewin's Three-Stage Model, Kotter's Eight-Step Process, and Organizational Transformation Case Studies
  10. 9.10 Executing a Planned Change Initiative: Stakeholder Analysis, Phased Communication Strategies, and Overcoming Organizational Resistance
  11. 9.11 Conducting a Network Security Audit: Selecting Assessment Tools, Structured Interview Methods, and Systematic Evidence Collection
  12. 9.12 ISACA Body of Knowledge: COBIT Alignment, IT Audit Standards, and Practitioner Certification Pathways
  13. 9.13 IT Project Risk Lifecycle: Identification Workshops, Qualitative Scoring, and Mitigation Action Plans
  14. 9.14 Driving Continuous Improvement in IT: Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycles, Kaizen Methodology, and Embedding Feedback Loops into Operational Workflows
  15. 9.15 Choosing an IT Governance Framework: COBIT vs. ITIL vs. ISO 38500 and Fit-for-Purpose Evaluation Criteria

These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.

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A 57-second look at Network and Systems Security.

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Everything you need to know about Network and Systems Security — credits, grading, transfer, and how it compares to traditional options.

What is Network and Systems Security?
Network and Systems Security is a college-level technology course covering core concepts and practical skills in the subject area. It is Computer Science 252 — worth 3 credit hours, carrying an NCCRS recommendation from NCCRS.
What technical background do I need for Network and Systems Security?
No specific technical background is required to start. The course is structured to build from foundational concepts to practical application, making it accessible to students at any level.
Is the Network and Systems Security course self-paced for college credit?
Yes. The course is fully self-paced with no deadlines or fixed class times. Most students complete it in 28–30 days, but you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
How many college credits is Network and Systems Security worth?
This course carries an NCCRS recommendation for 3 semester credit hours in Cybersecurity or Information Technology. UPI Study courses follow the same evaluation standard used across hundreds of NCCRS cooperating colleges and universities.
How is the Network and Systems Security course graded? Are there exams?
Yes — the course includes quizzes, assignments, and a final exam. Your grade is equally weighted: 25% Attendance · 25% Quizzes · 25% Assignments · 25% Final Exam.
Will my university accept Network and Systems Security credits from UPI Study?
Check our Find My College directory. If your university recognizes NCCRS credit recommendations, UPI Study courses can be considered; the final decision is with the university. You can also book a free call with our team.
Why take Network and Systems Security online instead of at a traditional university?
A traditional university course in this subject typically costs $500–$1,500+ per credit hour and requires fixed schedules, campus attendance, and semester timelines. UPI Study covers the same NCCRS-recommended content at $250 total, with no deadlines and no campus requirement.
Can international students take Network and Systems Security for college credit?
Yes. UPI Study courses carry an NCCRS recommendation — recognized by NCCRS cooperating institutions in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and other countries. Students have submitted credits across 26+ countries.
What's the difference between Cybersecurity and Network & Systems Security?
The Cybersecurity ACE course is a broader foundational overview; Network and Systems Security focuses specifically on network defense and system hardening.
Do I need networking background first for Network and Systems Security?
Recommended, though intro-level content assumes limited prior knowledge.
Are these good for entry-level security certification prep?
They build foundational knowledge but aren't a substitute for certification-specific study (e.g., Security+).
Where will my college put this credit?
Usually as transfer credit, credit for prior learning (CPL), or noncollegiate/alternative credit, the same route colleges use for professional training evaluated by NCCRS. The final decision is with the university.

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