Foundations: IT, Networking & Operating Systems
Every SOC analyst starts with the same foundation: how networks actually work, how IP addressing and subnetting hold an enterprise together, and real administration fluency across Windows and Linux. This module builds that base before any security concept is introduced.
What You Will Learn
A detailed, industry-aligned breakdown of every topic covered in this module.
- IT infrastructure & software fundamentals
- Networking essentials: LAN, MAN, WAN & Internet
- Network topologies, devices & the OSI/TCP-IP models
- IP addressing, classifications & subnetting
- Routers, switches, firewalls & IDS/IPS placement
- Windows & Linux installation and administration
- Linux terminal / CLI & command-line practice
- Reputation checks for suspicious IPs & URLs
Tools You Will Use
Hands-on time with the same tools used in real Security Operations Centers today.
Windows Server
Enterprise server operating system used to build and administer the lab's Windows infrastructure.
Linux / Ubuntu
Open-source operating system used for administration, log analysis and security tooling across the lab.
CLI
Command-line fluency across Windows and Linux, used for configuration, investigation and automation tasks.
Wireshark
Network protocol analyzer used to capture and inspect live traffic at the packet level.
Nmap
Network mapping and port-scanning engine used to discover hosts, services and open ports.
VirtualBox
Virtualization platform used to build and isolate the SOC lab environment.
Hands-On Labs
Production-style SOC lab scenarios, built using the same stack real security teams monitor with.
Configure IP addressing, subnetting and a virtual lab with Windows and Linux systems.
Install and administer Windows Server and Linux (Ubuntu) environments.
Capture and analyse network traffic using Wireshark.
Scan a lab network for open ports and services using Nmap.
Practise Linux CLI navigation, file operations and reputation checks on suspicious IPs and URLs.
Assessment
Knowledge Assessment
Quiz covering networking fundamentals, the OSI/TCP-IP models, subnetting and Windows/Linux administration.
Practical Evaluation
Students must configure a working virtual lab with correctly subnetted IP addressing and both Windows and Linux hosts.
Projects
Industry-style deliverables added directly to your project portfolio.
Network & Lab Environment Setup
Configure IP addressing, subnetting and a virtual lab with Windows and Linux systems.
What This Module Builds
Students build a strong technical foundation for security work by configuring networks, working across Windows and Linux, and understanding how IT infrastructure actually operates.