01
Secure network architecture and segmentation
Explain, demonstrate and verify **secure network architecture and segmentation** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Secure network architecture and segmentation60 min
← Course catalogue
NSC-201Intermediate
Certification preparation
Cisco-Aligned Network Security Preparation
Practical network-security preparation aligned to Cisco security knowledge and device-hardening workflows; any external examination and certification remain with Cisco or its authorised provider.
Part of these pathways
Course outline: enrolment opens after THNF content and assessment review.
What you will be able to do
Clear outcomes. Practical evidence.
- Design segmented secure networks
- Harden Cisco device administration
- Configure access controls and secure connectivity
- Investigate network threats using logs and packet evidence
Course structure
Modules and lessons
02
Cisco IOS access and management hardening
Explain, demonstrate and verify **cisco ios access and management hardening** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Cisco IOS access and management hardening60 min
03
AAA, identity and administrative control
Explain, demonstrate and verify **aaa, identity and administrative control** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- AAA, identity and administrative control60 min
04
Layer 2 security and secure switching
Explain, demonstrate and verify **layer 2 security and secure switching** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Layer 2 security and secure switching60 min
05
Routing controls, ACLs and firewalls
Explain, demonstrate and verify **routing controls, acls and firewalls** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Routing controls, ACLs and firewalls60 min
06
VPN, secure remote access and wireless security
Explain, demonstrate and verify **vpn, secure remote access and wireless security** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- VPN, secure remote access and wireless security60 min
07
IDS, IPS, telemetry and logging
Explain, demonstrate and verify **ids, ips, telemetry and logging** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- IDS, IPS, telemetry and logging60 min
08
Network threat hunting with packet evidence
Explain, demonstrate and verify **network threat hunting with packet evidence** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Network threat hunting with packet evidence60 min
09
Resilience, response and configuration recovery
Explain, demonstrate and verify **resilience, response and configuration recovery** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Resilience, response and configuration recovery60 min
10
Secure branch-network capstone
Explain, demonstrate and verify **secure branch-network capstone** using an authorised lab and a realistic Sierra Leone scenario.
- Secure branch-network capstone60 min
Access and progression
Know what the course requires.
The required capability matters; the learner does not have to personally own every device.
Who it is for
Aspiring developers, technical learners, career changers and practitioners seeking applied computing skills.
Hardware access
Personal 64-bit computer with 4 GB RAM and 20 GB free, or use the required device and software at a readiness-approved THNF centre.
Software and practical access
Course software is available through the text-first pack, an approved offline installer or a readiness-approved THNF centre.
Possible progression
Authorised security-support, SOC, vulnerability-management or digital-forensics trainee; external certifications remain separately awarded.
Progression is not a guarantee of employment or external certification.Sierra Leone context
Authorised scenarios involving local SMEs, schools, NGOs, mobile-money fraud and shared devices, with safeguarding and Sierra Leonean legal and ethical boundaries.
Skills in context
Career directions and next steps
These are realistic directions that the skills can support—not promises of employment, job titles or external certification.
- Junior network-support technician
- Systems-support assistant
- Cloud-support trainee
- Cybersecurity-support trainee
- Security-operations trainee
- Vulnerability-management assistant
Possible progression pathways
Networking, systems and cloud · Cybersecurity