Network Security Course | IIT Bombay | Prof. Gaurav S. Kasbekar | Learn Cryptography, VPNs, Firewalls
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1737 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Communication and Signal Processing |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Art of Defending Digital Frontiers: A Deep Dive into Network Security
In an era where our personal, financial, and professional lives are deeply intertwined with digital networks, the importance of robust network security has never been greater. Malicious actors constantly seek to exploit vulnerabilities, making the knowledge to defend against these attacks a critical skill. This comprehensive 12-week course, led by an expert from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, is designed to equip you with the foundational and advanced principles needed to secure modern communication networks.
Course Instructor: Learn from an Industry Expert
This course is taught by Prof. Gaurav S. Kasbekar of the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay. With a stellar academic background including a B.Tech. from IIT Bombay, an M.Tech. from IISc Bangalore, and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, Prof. Kasbekar brings a wealth of knowledge. His research in communication networking and network security, coupled with accolades like the CEDT Design Medal, ensures you are learning from a leader in the field.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is meticulously designed for a wide audience:
- Students (Undergraduate/Postgraduate) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and related fields.
- Faculty Members looking to enhance their curriculum.
- Industry Practitioners in IT and cybersecurity seeking to solidify their theoretical understanding and learn about modern threats.
Prerequisite: A basic understanding of computer networking concepts and programming is recommended to fully benefit from the course material and hands-on sessions.
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
The course is structured to take you from fundamental concepts to cutting-edge topics in network security.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Review of Communication Networks Basics & Introduction to Network Attacks |
| Week 3 | Principles of Cryptography: Symmetric & Public Key Cryptography |
| Week 4 | Message Integrity, Hash Functions, and Digital Signatures |
| Week 5 | Authentication Protocols |
| Week 6 | Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Digital Certificates |
| Week 7 | Transport-Layer Security (TLS/SSL) & Network-Layer Security (IPsec, VPNs) |
| Week 8 | Security in Wireless Networks (WLAN, Cellular) |
| Week 9 | Defensive Systems: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) |
| Week 10 | Emerging Paradigms: Cryptocurrencies and Blockchain Security |
| Week 11 | Modern Challenges: Cloud Security, IoT Security, and Hardware Security |
| Week 12 | Advanced Topics: Anonymous Routing (e.g., Tor) and Post-Quantum Cryptography |
Why This Course is Essential for Your Career
The course goes beyond theory. It includes hands-on demonstration sessions that translate complex concepts into practical skills. With industry support from IT and security companies, the curriculum is aligned with real-world needs. You will not only learn about classic cryptographic principles but also delve into the security of modern technologies like IoT, Cloud, and Blockchain, making you relevant in today's job market.
Key Learning Outcomes
- Understand the landscape of network-based attacks and threats.
- Master the principles of cryptography, including symmetric, asymmetric, and post-quantum techniques.
- Implement security at different network layers (TLS, IPsec, VPNs).
- Design and understand defensive architectures using firewalls and IDS.
- Evaluate security challenges and solutions for wireless, cloud, and IoT systems.
- Gain insight into secure protocols for anonymity and financial transactions (Blockchain).
Recommended Textbooks and Resources
To supplement the video lectures, the course references authoritative texts, including:
- Kaufman, Perlman, et al., "Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World" (3rd Ed., 2024)
- Kurose & Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach" (8th Ed., 2022)
- Stallings, "Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice" (8th Ed., 2023)
- Menezes & Kumar, "Cryptography, Network Security, and Cyber Laws" (2018)
- Various contemporary research papers for advanced topics.
Embark on this 12-week journey to build a formidable understanding of network security. Whether you aim to secure corporate networks, pursue advanced research, or simply understand the technology protecting your daily online interactions, this course provides the essential knowledge and perspective from one of India's premier technical institutions.
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