In today’s rapidly advancing digital landscape, the need for skilled professionals in networking and security has never been higher. Whether you’re looking to start a new career path or enhance your existing skillset, networking and security courses can provide you with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the world of networking and security courses, including both free and paid options and how they can help you take your career to the next level.
Understanding Networking and Security Courses
Before we dive into the extensive list of networking and security courses, let’s first gain a clear understanding of what these courses entail.
What is a Computer Networking Course?
Computer networking directs to corresponding computing devices that can swap data and transfer resources with each other. These networked devices work on the system’s rule sets or communications protocols to transfer information over physical or wireless technologies.
Computer Networking education is essential for conquest in the modern digital world. It enriches technological skills, which are vital in today’s digital era. Knowledge about software, hardware, and internet usage profits in personal and professional tasks.
What is a Network Security Course?
Network security is a well-defined method of defending a computer network infrastructure against network interruption. As security pressures become more refined, the necessity for businesses to alter has become critical.
Network Security defends your network and data from violations, intrusions, and other threats. This is a vast and overarching term that represents hardware and software solutions as well as processes or rules and configurations connecting to network use, accessibility, and all-around threat protection.
What are the top Computer Networking and Security courses?
Top courses in computer networking include-
Cisco CCNA 200-301:
The CCNA Course helps learners with all the necessary skills required in the field of networking. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a beginner-level technical certification course offered by Cisco which serves as the stepping stone in your IT career catering to you with all the necessary skills required in the field of Networking. CCNA Certification is one of the most popular & in-demand Networking certifications in the industry. The CCNA course covers the essentials of Networking such as Network Security Fundamentals, Automation, Programmability, and Routing and switching. You’ll get in-depth CCNA training after enrolling & can become a skilled Network Engineer in the tech world.
Topics under Cisco CCNA 200-301:
- Routing and Switching
- Network fundamentals
- Network access
- Routing and Switching protocols
- Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
- Internet Protocol (IP) services
- Automation and programmability
- Infrastructure services
- Infrastructure security
This course has 3-levels: specialist, professional, and expert level.
CCNP Enterprise: The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an intermediate-level course offered by Cisco that provides in-depth knowledge, understanding, functioning, and maintenance of the study of everything regarding Service Providing Solutions and Networking. The Cisco CCNP course consists of the core technologies with Enterprise Specialization as it is an upgrade of the pre-existing Networking experience provided through Cisco CCNA certification for CCNP training. CCNP Enterprise training involves advanced Routing, Switching, Troubleshooting, Security, SDN, etc.
Topics covered in CCNP Enterprise:
- Advanced Routing and Switching
- VPN technologies: MPLS and DMVPN
- Configuring and troubleshooting OSPF, EIGRP, and OSPF
- Dual stack architecture
- Virtualization
- Infrastructure
- Security and automation
- Network assurance
Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure:
The CCIE course training is a perfect solution for you! The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise course is an advanced-level certification offered by Cisco Systems. The CCIE training program validates your skills in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting complex enterprise networks. CCIE course is one of the most prestigious certifications for those learners who want to gain advanced knowledge and skills in various networking areas.
Topics covered in CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure:
- Dual stack architecture
- Virtualization
- Network assurance
- Security and automation
Cisco SD-WAN Solutions:
The SD-WAN Certification helps in upgrading skills and knowledge regarding in-depth networking. The Software-Defined Wide Area Network or SD-WAN course builds expertise in designing, installing, arranging, and managing SD-WAN solutions in wide networks in a short period. The Cisco SD-WAN training Certification also teaches the SD-WAN installation and migration, placement of controllers, deploying and replacing edge devices, and the ways to configure Direct Internet Access (DIA).
Topics covered in Cisco SD-WAN:
- Configuring routing protocols
- Switching from traditional WAN to SD-WAN
- SD-WAN installation and migration
- Deploying WAN Edge devices
- Configure Direct Internet Access (DIA) breakout
CCNP Enterprise: The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an intermediate-level course offered by Cisco that provides in-depth knowledge, understanding, functioning, and maintenance of the study of everything regarding Service Providing Solutions and Networking. The Cisco CCNP course consists of the core technologies with Enterprise Specialization as it is an upgrade of the pre-existing Networking experience provided through Cisco CCNA certification for CCNP training. CCNP Enterprise training involves advanced Routing, Switching, Troubleshooting, Security, SDN, etc.
Topics covered under CCNP Enterprise:
- Applying routing and switching protocols in the Data Center environment
- Executing Fibre Channel fabric
- Apply Cisco automation
- Using scripting tools in data center
- Learn Cisco Cloud service
- Monitor infrastructure
Cisco CCIE Security:
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert or CCIE course Certification is meant for Senior Engineers and falls under the category of expert certifications offered by Cisco. CCIE training or CCIE Security training certification deals with the study of complex Security Solutions and further helps in understanding, designing, deploying, and managing the Network Systems to keep them secure.
Topics covered under CCIE Security:
Network security principles and technologies
Security protocols and technologies
Network infrastructure security
Network security management and monitoring
Security policies and compliance
Cisco DevNet:
The Cisco DevNet Associate certification or DevNet course is an entry-level course offered by Cisco that provides an in-depth understanding of Security, Automation, and Network Infrastructures. One can learn the best practices of modern Software Development, DevOps, and how to securely interact with Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to automate existing manual processes with DevNet training.
Topics covered under Cisco DevNet:
- Software Development & Design
- Understanding and Using APIs
- Cisco Platforms & Development
- Application Deployment & Security
- Infrastructure & Automation
- Network Fundamentals
Python:
Python for Network Engineers course is designed for Network Engineers to learn Python course and other forms of Automation skills using Python Programming Language to manage Networks and Devices. Python for Network Engineers training deals with the study of how to Automate tasks on Routers and Switches using Python. With a proper knowledge of Networking coupled with Python training, one can automate networking tasks.
Topics covered in Python:
- Python Foundation for Network Engineers
- Python Libraries & Data Types
- API Concepts & YANG Data-Modelling
- IAC and DevOps Introduction
Here, are the top courses in Network Security:
CeH v12: A Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course is a skilled professional training program that covers a wide range of topics, including network security, cryptography, web application security, and system hacking. The sole purpose of the CEH course is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to understand and identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in a computer system through CEH training. During the course program, you will learn to prevent the chance of any malicious hacking that can exploit the system if not detected on time. The CEH Certification course has a global recognition that imitates the skills and techniques of Hostile Hackers.
You will learn Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking Vulnerability Assessment, and much more with CEH V12 course certification.
Exam Format of CeH V12:
Exam Name Certified Ethical Hacker (312-50)
Exam Cost USD 550
Exam Format Multiple Choice
Total Questions 125 Questions
Passing Score 60% to 85%
Exam Duration 4 Hours
Languages English
Testing Center Pearson Vue
Eligibility of CeHv12 Training:
- Graduation
- Basic understanding of the IT industry
- 2-3 years of experience in Networking
- Basic understanding of Servers
- Understanding Ethical Hacking
- Fundamental knowledge of Cloud management
CISSP Training: The CISSP training program comprises designing, implementing, and managing best-in-class cybersecurity programs. With a CISSP certification, one can validate the expertise and evolve as an (ISC)² member by opening an expansive exhibition of premier resources, scholarly devices, and peer-to-peer networking possibilities.
Eligibility of CISSP training: The CISSP training program comprises designing, implementing, and managing best-in-class cybersecurity programs. With a CISSP certification, one can validate the expertise and evolve as an (ISC)² member by opening an expansive exhibition of premier resources, scholarly devices, and peer-to-peer networking possibilities.
Exam Code of CISSP training:
Exam Name ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Exam Code CISSP
Exam Cost USD 749
Exam Duration 4 hours
Number of Questions 125-175
Exam Format Multiple choice and advanced innovative questions
Passing Marks 700/1000 points
Exam Language English
Testing Center (ISC)^2 authorized PPC, PVTC Select Pearson VUE tests
Eligibility of CISSP training:
- Graduation
- Basic understanding of the IT industry
- A minimum of 5 years of work experience
- Any ISC2-approved course certification (Preferred)
- 1-2 years of experience in developing and maintaining Cisco Applications
- Fundamental knowledge of Programming Language
CompTIA Pentest+: The CompTIA PenTest+ Certification course provides the skills required to plan, scan, and perform vulnerability and penetration testing as it is both, a knowledge-based and performance-based PenTest+ exam. Since the PenTest+ course refers to the practice of testing a computer system, network, or web application to find security vulnerabilities that can be damaged by malicious cyber attacks, CompTIA PenTest+ training covers the security of all the technologies. It is the only exam available to date that covers all the vulnerability management requirements. The exam includes cloud, hybrid environment, web applications, Internet of Things (IoT), and traditional on-premises testing skills.
Exam format of CompTIA PenTest+:
Exam Code PT0-002
Number of Questions Maximum of 85 questions
Exam Cost $392
Type of Questions Performance-based and multiple-choice
Length of Test 165 minutes
Passing Score 750 (on a scale of 100-900)
Languages English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Thai
Testing Provider Pearson VUE
Eligibility of CompTIA PenTest+
- Graduation
- Basic understanding of the IT industry
- Basic understanding of Networking
- Understanding Security fundamentals
- 3-4 years of experience in IT Security
CompTIA Security+: The CompTIA Security+ course certification is offered by the non-profit trade association CompTIA which focuses on providing interactive information along with managing the risks. CompTIA Security+ training is considered an entry-level credential of CyberSecurity which helps in learning all the foundational skills that demand cybersecurity skills, including system administrator, security administrator, and network administrator for IT Jobs.
Exam Format of CompTIA Security+:
Exam Code SY0-601
Number of Questions Maximum of 90 questions
Type of Questions Multiple choice and performance-based
Length of Test 90 minutes
Passing Score 750
Exam Cost USD 392
Testing Provider Pearson VUE
Languages English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese
CompTIA A+
The CompTIA A+ course certification is offered by the non-profit trade association CompTIA which focuses on providing all the knowledge and skills associated with the Initial Security Protocols in IT Systems and also teaches how to run and manage different kinds of OS on Multiple Devices at the same time. CompTIA A+ training also prepares you to learn and run the basic level Data Backup and Recovery Services. A+ course is considered a certification course that can brush up your skills in troubleshooting and supporting and maintenance of IT Infrastructure.
Exam Code for CompTIA A+
Exam Code Core 1 (220-1101), Core 2 (220-1102)
Degree Certificate
Duration Course Duration of CompTIA A+ is 10+ Hours.
Qualification Graduate
Average Salary Upto INR 2+ LPA
Eligibility of CompTIA A+
- Graduation
- Basic understanding of the IT industry
- 9-12 months of experience in Networking
- Basic understanding of Data Recovery
- Understanding Security domains
- Fundamental knowledge of Risk Management
CompTIA Network+:
The CompTIA Network+ course certification is offered by the non-profit trade association CompTIA which helps you learn the skills essential to establish, maintain, and troubleshoot important networks without any threat or danger as a lot of businesses are dependent on those networks. CompTIA Network+ training also prepares you to provide support to networks on any kind of platform. The CompTIA Network+ course is known to be the way to progress for those Individuals who want to carry on further to the path of CompTIA’s Network+ training certification as it helps in designing and implementing functional networks.
Exam format of CompTIA Network+
Exam Code N10-008
Exam Cost USD 338
Number of Questions 90
Types of Questions Multiple-choice, performance-based
Exam Duration 90 minutes
Passing Marks 720 out of 900
Exam Language English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese
Experience Needed Over 9-12 months
Expiry After Three years
Eligibility of CompTIA Network+
- Graduation
- Basic understanding of the IT industry
- 9-12 months of experience in Networking
- Basic understanding of Troubleshooting
- Fundamental knowledge of Risk Management
- CompTIA A+ Certification is required
CompTIA CySA+:
The CompTIA CySA+ course certification is offered by the non-profit trade association CompTIA which helps you in emphasizing software and application security, automation, threat hunting, and IT regulatory compliance, which affects the daily work of security analysts.
CompTIA CySA+ training is known to be the only intermediate high-stakes CyberSecurity analyst certification that leads to the learning of-
- The most updated core security analytical skills
- The latest technologies for stopping threats related to the Security Operations Center (SOC)
- Intelligence and threat detection techniques
- Analyze and interpret data
- Apply proactive threat intelligence
- The analytics-based approach in the IT security industry
Exam Format of CySA+
Exam Name CompTIA CySA+
Exam Code CS0-003
Exam Cost USD 392
Exam Format Multiple-choice and performance-based questions
Total Questions 85 questions
Passing Score 750/900
Exam Duration 165 minutes
Languages English, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish
Testing Center Pearson VUE
Eligibility of CySA+
- Graduation
- Basic understanding of the IT industry
- 3-4 years of experience in Information Security
- Basic understanding of Data Security
- Fundamental knowledge of CyberSecurity
- CompTIA Security+ or CompTIA Network+ Certification is required
Benefits of Networking and Security Courses
Enrolling in networking and security courses offers numerous advantages for both aspiring professionals and experienced individuals. Some key benefits include:
- Career Advancement Opportunities
By acquiring in-depth knowledge of networking and security, you position yourself for greater career opportunities. Organizations across various industries actively seek professionals who can design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructures.
- Industry-Relevant Skills
Networking and security courses equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required to tackle real-world challenges. From configuring network devices to implementing robust security measures, these courses provide hands-on experience that aligns with industry standards.
- Stay Updated with Evolving Technologies
The field of networking and security is constantly evolving. By enrolling in relevant courses, you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends. This ensures that your skills remain relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
- Networking Opportunities
Networking courses not only teach you about computer networks but also provide an opportunity to build professional connections. Interacting with like-minded individuals and industry experts can open doors to new job prospects, collaborations, and mentorship opportunities.
Free Networking and Security Courses
There are many paid options available for networking and security courses, but also reputable platforms that offer free courses online. Network Kings is a notable platform where you can find free networking and security courses. They offer a range of free networking and security courses suitable for beginners. Their courses cover topics such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), network troubleshooting, network design, and more. These courses provide a solid foundation for anyone looking to enter the field of networking and security.
Paid Networking and Security Courses
While free courses are a great starting point, investing in paid networking and security courses can provide you with more comprehensive training and certification opportunities. At Network Kings you’ll cover a wide range of topics such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, Palo Alto Networks certifications, ethical hacking, cybersecurity operations, and more.
What is the scope of the Computer Networking courses?
Here is the future of the Computer Networking course:
- Growing Opportunities – Every sector demands networking in some or the other way. In the business sector, networking is available from manufacturing to business processing. As organizations and institutions support domains like technology, cloud computing, big data, etc. they all rely on a workforce with networking skills to enhance technology. High-demand in technological advancement demands more Network Engineers, which ensures more job opportunities in the future.
- Automation – Technology is experiencing constant automation. Automation plays a crucial role in cost decrease, productivity, and performance. Automation is evolving the base of networking. Automating the composition, deployment, supervision, and troubleshooting has become a part of automation. Everyday network tasks like these grow the extent of networking. There is a myth that automation might take away jobs in the future, which is not true. It will add to the resume of a network engineer.
- Innovation – Innovation is quite necessary for companies to expand. The change could be superficial for a better requirement of products and services to the customers or internal for the better performance of the internal networks. If you are an investor, you have the opportunity to take up your career to a higher level.
- Job Opportunities – The networking profession is huge with sub-domains like routing and switching, security, service provider, collaboration, etc. As we know, routing and switching are major components of security and the network computing course includes knowledge of both. Hence, the job opportunities in this domain multiply day by day.
What is the scope of Security Engineer Courses?
Cybersecurity is a burgeoning career field. As the global business environment transitions to cloud data storage and online administration, demand for cybersecurity. Commercial organization data and personal data are at risk of being misused as the internet becomes more widely used. This has increased the demand for cybersecurity experts who are conversant with and experienced in the field.
The ever-changing technical landscape requires compelling brilliant people with differing degrees of knowledge, which is one of the key causes for the industry’s rapid growth. While there are many job roles in cybersecurity, suitable applicants are in short supply, as this area mandates technical knowledge that is typically taught in cybersecurity professional degrees and training programs.
According to a report by some sources, there is a lack of 1 million cyber security personnel to deal with cyber threats. As a result, there has never been a more suitable time for any young person desiring to create a name for themselves in this difficult field. They can initiate by earning an IT degree gaining the most significant certifications, such as a cyber security certification, or enrolling in a well-designed cyber security school.
Tips for Choosing the Right Networking and Security Course
With so many options available, choosing the right networking and security course can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Identify your goals: Determine your specific career goals in networking and security to find a course that aligns with your objectives.
Research course content: Look for courses that cover the topics you want to learn or specialize in. Check if they provide hands-on exercises or real-world projects to enhance your practical skills.
Read reviews: Before enrolling in any course, read reviews from previous students to gauge the quality of instruction and course materials.
Consider certifications: If you aim to earn industry-recognized certifications, ensure that the course you choose aligns with the certification requirements.
Instructor expertise: Look for courses taught by instructors who have relevant industry experience and credentials.
What are the job opportunities after completing the Computer Networking and Security courses?
Here are the job opportunities after completing the computer networking course:
- Network support specialist.
- Network technician.
- Network administrator.
- Field service engineer.
- Computer systems analyst.
- Computer systems administrator.
- Network engineer.
- Wireless engineer.
Here are the job opportunities after Network Security Engineer Training:
- CyberSecurity Trainers
- Security Engineer L3
- Network Security Professional
- Salesforce Administration Security Engineer Accenture
- Trainee Cyber Security
- Security Engineer L3
- Chief Information Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Malware Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Computer Forensic Analyst
- Application Security Engineer
- Cloud Security Specialist
- Database Administrator
- Incident Manager
What are the salary expectations after the computer networking and security courses?
Here are the salary expectations after the computer networking course in different countries:
USA: USD 57,000 per year
UK: £47,847 per year
Canada: $90,419 per year
Australia: USD 65,000 per year
Brazil: $64,239 per year
UAE: AED 48,828 per year
Singapore: $57600 per year
New Zealand: $85,000 per year
Here are the salary expectations after the Network Security Engineer Training in different countries:
- United States: USD 100,000 – USD 200,000 per year
- Canada: CAD 80,000 – CAD 150,000 per year
- United Kingdom: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- Germany: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
- France: $60,000 – $100,000 per year
- Australia: AUD 80,000 – AUD 140,000 per year
- United Arab Emirates: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
- Saudi Arabia: $50,000 – $100,000 per year
- Singapore: $60,000 – $120,000 per year
- India: INR 20,000 – INR 70,000 per year
- China: $50,000 – $100,000 per year
- Japan: $70,000 – $120,000 per year
- South Africa: $30,000 – $70,000 per year
- Brazil: $30,000 – $70,000 per year
- Mexico: $30,000 – $60,000 per year
Conclusion
Networking and security courses are essential for anyone aspiring to excel in the field of computer networks and cybersecurity. Whether you opt for free or paid options, these courses provide valuable knowledge, practical skills, and career advancement opportunities. Remember to choose courses that align with your goals, offer comprehensive content, and have positive reviews from previous students. Invest in your professional development today by enrolling in a networking and security course that suits your needs!
Happy Learning
