Network Security Labs

WIRESHARK LAB

Wireshark Part 1: Packet Analysis

Observe the difference between unencrypted HTTP and encrypted HTTPS traffic using Wireshark. Capture, filter, and analyze real packets to understand why encryption matters.

Topics: HTTP, HTTPS, TLS, packet capture
Time: 30–45 minutes

Open Lab

SECURITY LAB

Wireshark Part 2: Hashing & Encryption

Demonstrate data integrity through SHA-256 hashing and data confidentiality through AES encryption using interactive online tools.

Topics: SHA-256, AES, hashing, symmetric encryption
Time: 30–40 minutes

Open Lab

BEGINNER LAB

Wireshark Introduction

A gentler introduction to Wireshark for complete beginners. Capture DNS queries, ping packets, and ICMP traffic with guided instructions.

Topics: DNS, ICMP, ping, packet structure
Time: 25–35 minutes

Open Lab

LINUX & SQL LAB

Linux Part 1: Command Practice

Practice foundational Linux file system commands in a terminal. Master pwd, ls, mkdir, cd, touch, and other essential commands for security professionals.

Topics: File system, navigation, file management
Time: 20–30 minutes

Open Lab

LINUX & SQL LAB

SQL Part 1: Query Basics

Analyze failed login attempts using SQL queries. Write SELECT, WHERE, and ORDER BY queries to investigate security incidents using db-fiddle.com.

Topics: SQL, database queries, security investigation
Time: 30–40 minutes

Open Lab

THREATS LAB

Lab 6: Threats & Vulnerabilities

Investigate a compromised account using SQL and research real-world vulnerabilities. Understand attack scenarios and mitigation strategies.

Topics: Incident investigation, CVE research, Log4j, Heartbleed
Time: 45–60 minutes

Open Lab

SOC & RESPONSE LAB

Lab 7: Log Analysis & Incident Response

Analyze security logs to detect malicious activity. Design detective controls and outline incident response procedures for real-world threats.

Topics: Log analysis, threat detection, detective controls, incident response
Time: 40–50 minutes

Open Lab

PYTHON LAB

Lab 8: Python Fundamentals

Get started with Python for cybersecurity automation. Write scripts using variables, loops, and conditional logic to solve a basic security problem.

Topics: Python basics, loops, conditionals, automation
Time: 40–50 minutes

Open Lab

About These Labs

Complete cybersecurity curriculum: Six comprehensive labs covering network security, cryptography, Linux commands, SQL databases, and threat analysis.

Hands-on learning: Each lab guides you through real security concepts step-by-step with interactive elements and hands-on practice.

Submission ready: Complete any lab and download a PDF with your answers, screenshots, and findings ready to submit to Blackboard.

Cross-platform: All labs work on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Instructions include OS-specific guidance where needed.

No installation required: Most labs use free browser-based tools — no software installation needed.

Tools used across labs:

Wireshark — open-source packet sniffer for capturing and analyzing network traffic
SHA-256 & AES Tools — browser-based cryptographic tools (emn178.github.io/online-tools)
db-fiddle.com — free SQL database playground for writing and testing queries
Linux Terminal — for practicing command-line commands

All tools are free, browser-based, and require no accounts. No personal data is uploaded anywhere.