Network Security

This course provided a comprehensive introduction to the principles and real-world applications of cryptography and network security, combining theoretical foundations with hands-on exercises and analysis. It covered everything from classical encryption schemes to modern protocols like TLS and IPsec, preparing students for both practical security challenges and industry certifications.

university

University of Maryland • graduate course

focus areas

cryptography TLS IPsec PKI network defense MFA security

🧠 key topics covered

classical & modern encryption: implemented AES (ECB), DES, Triple DES, and RC4 using Python.
public-key cryptography: studied RSA, Diffie-Hellman, and ECC with real-world secure communication use cases.
hashing & integrity: applied cryptographic hash functions and MACs for secure data exchange.
digital signatures & certificates: explored PKI, X.509 certificates, and integration into protocols.
TLS & IPsec: analyzed how these protocols secure internet and private network communications.
network security design: learned firewalls, IDS/IPS, remote access security, and cloud security fundamentals.

🧪 hands-on learning

configured and tested cryptographic algorithms and protocols with Python.
captured & analyzed encrypted traffic using Wireshark.
experimented with network layer security mechanisms in labs inspired by CompTIA Network+.

Analyzing encrypted network traffic in Wireshark — Encrypted Network Traffic Analysis

📽️ final project

Delivered a voice-over presentation on “Current MFA Methods and Vulnerabilities”, exploring:

Modern MFA techniques (TOTP, biometrics, push-based).
Real-world MFA bypass cases (SIM swapping, misconfigurations, insecure fallback).
Best practices to strengthen MFA in enterprise networks.

tools & environment

languages: Python
protocol analysis: Wireshark
crypto libraries: PyCryptodome
labs: virtualized lab environment for network security exercises

outcomes

Strengthened foundational knowledge in cryptographic theory and practical network defense, while enhancing my ability to explain complex security concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

references & practice

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