Here's how you can master computer network security with the best online resources.

nowadays, we all are busy, so one of the best ways to keep our knowledge up is to engage in online courses. connections to others and labs are so important on face-to-face classes but sometimes the best choice is online courses.

Coursera: Offers courses in partnership with leading universities and companies worldwide. For network security, you might check out courses like "IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate" or "Cybersecurity Specialization" by the University of Maryland. Udemy: Known for a wide range of courses on almost any topic. Udemy offers highly practical courses on network security, ethical hacking, and more, which are typically very application-focused. LinkedIn Learning: Offers courses that also include certification preparation, such as for CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or Cisco’s CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).

Online training tools such as Udemy can be a strong resource to familiarizing one's self with basic network security. These courses do a good job of sharing currently used tools used conduct cyber research, analysis, and some basic level triage.

Online courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and convenience, allowing an individual to balance learning with other commitments.

Virtual labs allow you to quickly increase your skills on a new subject in network security while reducing the costs of having a real infrastructure. It’s a good way to understand basic concepts to improve your skills. I recommend using solutions like VirtualBox, EVE, GNS3 etc.

Labs often include realistic, pre-configured networks and security challenges that develop practical problem-solving skills. Labs cover a wide range of security topics, including firewalls, intrusion detection, and VPNs, providing comprehensive learning. Cisco Networking Academy offers guided lessons, interactive exercises, and performance tracking.

In my professional opinion, practical application is paramount for solidifying one's understanding of network security. This is most effectively accomplished through hands-on laboratory exercises.

Virtual labs offer a level of scalability and flexibility that traditional physical labs cannot match as learners can access virtual environments from anyway with internet connection, eliminating the need for expensive hardware and dedicated lab space. Additionally, virtual labs can be easily reset or customized to simulate different network architectures and security scenarios, providing learners with a diverse range of learning opportunities. Tools like Oracle Virtualbox allows an individual to build and test their own virtual machines.

To master computer network security using webinars and podcasts, attend live or recorded webinars hosted by cybersecurity experts, vendors, or organizations like SANS Institute, Cisco, or Fortinet. These webinars often delve into specific security topics, offering insights, demonstrations, and best practices. Subscribe to popular cybersecurity podcasts which feature interviews with industry professionals, discussions on current threats, and advice on securing networks. Engage with the presenters or hosts by asking questions, participating in Q&A sessions, or joining associated online communities. Apply the knowledge gained from webinars and podcasts to your own network environment, testing and implementing the security strategies discussed.

One of my favourite Cybersecurity podcast is Darknet Diaries by Jack Rhysider. This is an investigation podcast which takes you on a journey through the chilling world of hacking, data breaches, and cyber crime.

Engage in community-driven platforms like Stack Exchange's Information Security or GitHub's security-related repositories to collaborate on problem-solving and learn from experienced practitioners. Participate in CTF (Capture The Flag) competitions and hackathons organized by online communities to sharpen your practical skills and learn from other participants. Contribute to the forums and communities by sharing your own experiences, insights, and solutions, fostering a mutually beneficial learning environment.

Open-source projects have large, active communities that contribute to development, provide support, and share knowledge through forums and documentation. With access to source code, you can customize tools to suit your learning needs or simulate real-world scenarios. Many tools, like Wireshark and Nmap are widely used in the industry, providing practical experience with tools you'll encounter professionally. Explore popular tools and leverage online communities like GitHub and Stack Exchange for resources, tutorials, and projects.

One significant benefit of open-source tools is their accessibility. Many open-source projects are available for free, making them ideal for individual and organizations with limited budgets. One of my favourite open-source tool is Nmap, a powerful network scanning tool used for network discovery and security auditing.

Always documentation and e-books are always a great way to gather knowledge and get reliable information and guides written by experts and professionals provide you with in-depth details.

To master computer network security using documentation and e-books, dive into the official documentation of security tools, frameworks, and protocols to gain a deep understanding of their functionalities, configurations, and best practices. Study vendor-specific documentation from companies like Cisco, Juniper, or Palo Alto Networks to learn about their security products and how to effectively implement them. Explore online libraries like O'Reilly or Safari Books Online, which offer a vast collection of e-books on various network security topics.

Certifications play a crucial role in mastering computer network security. They provide structured learning paths, ensuring you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA Security, or CISSP are widely recognized in the industry and validate your expertise to potential employers. Moreover, the process of preparing for certification exams reinforces your understanding of key concepts and enhances your problem-solving abilities.