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PAGE: https://alison.com/course/network-server-security-protecting-the-server-and-client-computers-revised
PROMISE: Gain a clear mental map of firewall and threat basics to back up scaling decisions.
WHO: Small business owners who need to formalize their network security basics.
WHYNOW: The network is growing and default settings are no longer sufficient for the current stack.
DESC: In this free online network server security course learn with Alison about the fundamentals of security within a computer network.
BEFORE: Scaling the tech stack without a clear security policy.
BEFORE: Relying on default settings for access control.
BEFORE: Unfamiliar with the specific threat vectors in a growing network.
AFTER: The reader builds a simple security policy based on fundamentals.
AFTER: Access control rules are mapped to specific isolation methods.
AFTER: Threat detection is guided by the list of identified risks.
GAIN: The ability to categorize firewall types for the network layout.
GAIN: Practical isolation methods for managing client access.
GAIN: A working list of network threats like malware and rootkits.
STEP: Feeling unsure whether the current firewall setup handles new client traffic correctly. || List the different firewall types || The reader can name the firewall categories and map them to the business network zones.
STEP: Struggling to isolate specific devices to prevent malware from spreading across the whole office. || Discuss different network access methods and isolation methods || The reader segments the network into controlled zones using the isolation concepts learned.
STEP: Worried that common network attacks are slipping past basic endpoint defenses. || Identify different threats to your computer, and/or network such as malware, worms, rootkits etc || The reader recognizes the specific threat vectors to monitor on the new systems.
NOTFOR: Teams that need hands-on configuration training for specific hardware.
NOTFOR: Advanced users who already have deep knowledge of protocol-level security.
FACT: Average duration: 1.5-3 Hours (Contains Video)
FACT: CPD-accredited certificate available
FACT: Beginner level
COVERS: Having completed this course you will be able to:
COVERS: List the different firewall types
COVERS: Discuss different network access methods and isolation methods
COVERS: Describe different protocols for network security
COVERS: Identify different threats to your computer, and/or network such as malware, worms, rootkits etc
COVERS: Explain how you can protect your computer and/or network from different threats
COVERS: Describe how to use Internet Explorers security features
COVERS: Programming
COVERS: Technology
COVERS: Course Overview
COVERS: About This Course
COVERS: Course Description
MODULE: Understanding Network Security || Firewalls | Network Access and Isolation Protection | Protocol and Wireless Network Security
MODULE: Protecting the Server and Client || Protecting Your Computer from Malware | Protecting the Client Computer, Email and Server | Securing Internet Explorer
What you are probably seeing
You notice that the number of user accounts in your systems does not match your headcount because departing employees are not fully removed from every platform.
Your audit logs show repeated failed login attempts or administrative actions occurring outside business hours without clear ownership.
Why it happens
Access management was designed for a small team and has not kept pace with the expansion of tools and contractors.
Critical systems remain exposed because permissions are granted broadly to avoid friction rather than being reviewed regularly.
You are assuming that security is an IT problem that will be solved later instead of a business risk that must be managed now.
What changed recently
Step by step
1. List every system and data source that would halt operations if it were compromised or lost.
2. Assign each user a specific role and limit their permissions to the minimum required for that role.
3. Enforce multi-factor authentication for all users who have access to critical systems.
4. Schedule a quarterly test to verify that your backup and recovery procedures actually work.
5. Review access logs monthly to identify accounts that are active but no longer need the clearance they hold.
6. Document the current state of access for every critical system so you have a baseline for future reviews.
Ways to go further
Start here: Network Server Security – Protecting the Server and Client Computers Open the free course on Alison ↗
Affiliate links: CHEAPUNO may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
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