Hands-On Network Security Training
Real network threats don't wait for theory. Our program teaches firewall configuration, threat detection, and security protocols through actual scenarios you'll encounter on the job. Spring 2026 enrollment opens October 2025.
Enterprise Firewall Management
Learn to configure and maintain enterprise-level firewall systems. We work with Fortinet, Palo Alto, and Cisco ASA environments because those are what businesses actually use.
You'll set up rule sets, analyze traffic patterns, and troubleshoot common misconfigurations. By week eight, you're running simulated networks with multiple security zones.
Intrusion Detection Systems
Detection is different from prevention. This track focuses on identifying threats that get past your perimeter—which happens more often than companies like to admit.
We use Snort and Suricata for packet analysis. You'll learn to write custom rules, spot anomalies in network behavior, and respond to alerts without drowning in false positives.
Learn From Active Security Engineers
Our instructors work in network security during the day. That matters because threats evolve constantly. What worked last year might be outdated by next month.
Darcy leads our firewall track and currently manages security infrastructure for a regional healthcare network. She's dealt with ransomware attempts, DDoS attacks, and the nightmare of legacy systems that can't be updated.
When she teaches packet filtering, she's showing you configurations she actually uses. When something breaks in her production environment, that scenario often becomes next week's lab exercise.
Program Timeline
We run cohorts twice per year. Most students balance this with full-time work, so we keep the pace sustainable but focused.
Applications Open
Submit your application and schedule a brief technical assessment. We want to know your current skill level so we can adjust pacing if needed. No trick questions—just making sure everyone starts from a similar baseline.
Pre-Program Prep
Accepted students get access to foundational materials. Basic networking concepts, command line fundamentals, and an introduction to our lab environment. This isn't required, but it helps you hit the ground running.
Program Begins
Classes start with small cohorts—usually fifteen to twenty students. First month covers core concepts: OSI model, TCP/IP, basic firewall architecture. Then we move into hands-on configuration work.
Capstone Projects
Final month involves building a complete security setup from scratch. You'll design network segmentation, configure firewalls, set up monitoring, and document everything like you would for an actual client.
Ready to Start Learning?
Applications for our Spring 2026 cohort open in October. The process is straightforward: fill out an application form, complete a short technical assessment, and schedule a call with our program coordinator.
We're looking for people who are genuinely interested in network security and willing to put in consistent effort. Prior IT experience helps but isn't mandatory—we've had successful students come from helpdesk backgrounds and others who were career switchers.
Get Program Information