Network Defense Essentials (N|DE)

Course Overview

The Network Defense Essentials (N|DE) course provides foundational knowledge in network security, equipping learners with the skills to protect IT infrastructures from cyber threats. Designed for individuals new to cybersecurity, this course covers key concepts such as network security fundamentals, authentication, access control, firewalls, VPNs, wireless and IoT security, cryptography, and network traffic monitoring.

Through hands-on labs and an integrated Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge, learners will gain practical experience in securing networks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing security controls. Upon completion, participants will have job-ready network defense skills and a clear pathway to more advanced cybersecurity certifications.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone looking to develop fundamental skills in network security and cybersecurity.

• Students and career starters
• College or University Students
• Working Professionals
• IT/Technology/Cybersecurity teams with little or no work experience

What You'll Learn

The Network Defense Essentials (N|DE) course will equip you with the fundamental skills to secure networks, manage access control, and mitigate cyber threats. Through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, you will learn how to:

• Understand network security fundamentals and key security protocols
• Implement authentication, authorization, and access control mechanisms
• Apply firewall, IDS/IPS, and VPN security controls
• Secure wireless networks, mobile devices, and IoT environments
• Implement cryptography, encryption techniques, and PKI fundamentals
• Detect, analyse, and mitigate network-based attacks
• Perform network traffic monitoring to identify suspicious activity
• Understand cloud security best practices and virtualisation security

What you need to know

The Network Defense Essentials (N|DE) training program equips students with key cybersecurity skills, enabling them to secure networks, implement security controls, and detect cyber threats. This course provides a structured approach to network security, wireless security, cryptography, and network monitoring, ensuring learners gain hands-on experience through labs and CTF exercises.

Through real-world scenarios, students will develop the ability to secure IT infrastructures, identify potential network threats, and apply industry-standard cybersecurity practices.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to build practical network defense skills and gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity.

Course Delivery

This course is delivered through self-paced, online learning, featuring expert-led video lessons, hands-on labs, and a Capture The Flag (CTF) challenge to reinforce security techniques for network protection.

Course Duration

Students receive 12 months of access to course materials and 6 months of access to labs, allowing flexible study and real-world application of skills.

About the Exam

This exam assesses your understanding of network security principles, including authentication, firewalls, wireless security, cryptography, and network monitoring.

• Exam Title: Network Defense Essentials (N|DE)
• Exam Code: 112-51
• Number of Questions: 75
• Test Duration: 2 hours
• Test Format: Multiple-choice
• Exam Availability: EC-Council Exam Portal

It evaluates your ability to implement security controls, detect cyber threats, and protect IT infrastructures.

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 13 years old to attend the training or attempt the (N|DE) exam.

• Candidates Under 13: Individuals younger than 13 are not eligible to participate in the training or exam unless they provide:

  • A written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
  • A supporting letter from a nationally accredited institution of higher learning.

These policies ensure that participants have the appropriate consent and institutional support to undertake the certification.

Course Structure

This course will provide in-depth coverage of the following topics:

• Module 1: Network Security Fundamentals

• Module 2: Identification, Authentication, and Authorisation

• Module 3: Network Security Controls - Administrative Controls

• Module 4: Network Security Controls - Physical Controls

• Module 5: Network Security Controls - Technical Controls

• Module 6: Virtualisation and Cloud Computing

• Module 7: Wireless Network Security

• Module 8: Mobile Device Security

• Module 9: IoT Device Security

• Module 10: Cryptography and PKI

• Module 11: Data Security

• Module 12: Network Traffic Monitoring