Summary
Do you work with computer networks or want to develop specialist cyber security skills? Network Security (Infrastructure) focuses on the technologies, tools and techniques used to protect enterprise networks from attack.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to network security, covering threat identification, device hardening, secure management, access control, firewalls, intrusion prevention, VPN technologies, cryptography and security testing. It is ideal for network engineers, IT support professionals, cyber security practitioners, and anyone looking to develop practical infrastructure security skills.
Through a combination of theory and hands on activities, learners will understand how organisations protect critical network services and data from modern cyber threats.
The course is based on the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum and develops industry relevant knowledge and practical skills that can be applied immediately in professional environments.
Benefits of Network Security (Infrastructure)
- Develop practical network security skills recognised by employers.
- Understand modern cyber threats and effective mitigation strategies.
- Learn to secure routers, switches and network infrastructure.
- Configure access control, authentication, authorisation and accounting.
- Implement firewall, VPN and intrusion prevention solutions.
- Gain hands on experience using Cisco technologies and Packet Tracer.
- Develop skills relevant to network security, cyber security and infrastructure support roles.
- Build knowledge that supports progression towards Cisco security certifications.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
However, due to the technical nature of the content, it is strongly recommended that learners hold a Cisco CCNA certification (200 301 CCNA) or have successfully completed the equivalent Cisco Networking Academy courses, CCNA 1 Introduction to Networks, CCNA 2 Switching, Routing and Wireless Essentials, and CCNA 3 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation.
Alternatively, learners with relevant industry experience in networking, infrastructure support, systems administration or network engineering may be suitable for the course.
A working knowledge of IP networking, routing, switching and basic network troubleshooting is strongly recommended. Familiarity with Cisco Packet Tracer would be beneficial, although guidance is provided throughout the programme.
This course is designed for network engineers, infrastructure technicians, IT professionals, and aspiring network security specialists looking to develop practical security skills using Cisco technologies.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
01 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Nov 2026
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Jan 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Mar 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 May 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
|
|
01 Jul 2027
|
University Centre
|
3 Hours
/
£270
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
After successfully completing the course, learners may progress into roles including:
Network Security Technician, Network Security Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Administrator, IT Security Specialist, Security Operations Analyst, Technical Support Engineer, and Systems Administrator.
Learners may also progress to more advanced Cisco Security programmes and professional cyber security certifications.
Next steps at B&FC
Learners can progress towards more advanced Cisco Security programmes and professional cyber security certifications, building on the network security foundations developed during this course.
Other study options
Learners without a current Cisco CCNA certification may benefit from completing CCNA 1, CCNA 2 and CCNA 3 through the Cisco Networking Academy before starting this course, to build the underlying networking knowledge this programme assumes.
Employment Opportunities
The skills developed within this course are applicable across organisations that operate secure network infrastructures, including:
Managed Service Providers, corporate IT departments, government organisations, education providers, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, and telecommunications providers.
Key information
Qualification obtained
Cisco Certified Network Associate (Network Security (Infrastructure))Extra costs and equipment
Online learners will require a computer or laptop, reliable internet access, Cisco Packet Tracer, which is a free download from Cisco, Wireshark, and SSH client software.
Software used on the programme is either provided or freely available for educational use.
What will I learn?
The course is structured around modern network security technologies and industry practices.
Network Security Fundamentals
Understand the current cyber security landscape, explore security principles and risk management, learn how organisations protect critical infrastructure, and examine common security architectures and defence strategies.
Threats, Attacks and Mitigation
Identify threat actors and attack methodologies, understand malware and social engineering attacks, examine denial of service and reconnaissance attacks, and implement security controls to reduce risk.
Secure Device Administration
Configure secure administrative access, implement SSH for secure remote management, use privilege levels and role based administration, and protect configuration and operating system files.
Network Monitoring and Management
Configure secure device monitoring, implement Syslog, NTP and SNMP, secure network management services, and monitor infrastructure for security events.
Authentication, Authorisation and Accounting
Understand AAA concepts and protocols, configure local and server based authentication, implement authorisation and accounting services, and strengthen user and administrative access controls.
Access Control Lists
Create standard and extended ACLs, implement IPv4 and IPv6 traffic filtering, use ACLs to restrict unauthorised access, and mitigate common network attacks.
Cryptography and Publi
Key Infrastructure: encryption, hashing, digital signatures, key management and PKI technologies.
VPN Technologies
VPN architectures, IPsec operation and configuring site to site VPN solutions between remote locations.
Cisco ASA Security
ASA firewall architecture and configuring NAT, ACLs and security policies.
Network Security Testing
security testing methodologies and assessment tools to identify vulnerabilities and evaluate controls.
Essential skills: English and Maths
N/A
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
N/A
How will I learn?
Online Self Paced Learning
Study anywhere and anytime, with interactive learning materials, knowledge checks and quizzes throughout, and practical Packet Tracer simulations, allowing flexible progression around work and personal commitments.
Guided Practical Learning
In addition to all online content, learners can attend upto six tutor led practical workshops, each a three hour hands on laboratory session covering Cisco router, switch and security appliance configuration and real-world network security scenarios, with direct support from experienced instructors.
Expert Tutors
Our networking and cyber security specialists provide guidance and support throughout your studies, helping you develop both theoretical understanding and practical infrastructure security skills.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is designed to measure both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Ongoing Assessment
Interactive quizzes throughout the course, knowledge check activities, Packet Tracer practical exercises, guided laboratory tasks, and scenario-based security exercises.
Final Assessment
Practical networking and security activities, end of module assessments, and a final online examination.
Learners demonstrate their ability to configure, secure, monitor and troubleshoot network infrastructure using the technologies covered throughout the programme.