Udemy: Practical Server and Network Security Courses
Udemy offers a range of affordable, hands-on courses focused on server security, particularly for Windows and network environments. Standout options include:
- "Windows Server 2022 Security Hardening & Patch Management": A 6-hour course teaching how to secure Windows Server installations, harden configurations, and implement patch management strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- "Complete Cybersecurity Course: Hackers Exposed!": Covers fundamental server security concepts (e.g., firewalls, encryption, access control) alongside broader cybersecurity topics, with over 200,000 enrollments.
- "Linux Server Security: Harden & Secure Your Linux Servers": Focuses on securing Linux-based servers (common in enterprise environments) through user management, file permissions, and intrusion detection tools. These courses are beginner-friendly and include practical labs to reinforce skills.
Cybrary: Free and Advanced Server Security Training
Cybrary provides free and paid courses tailored to server security, with a focus on hands-on learning. Key offerings include:
- "Server Security Fundamentals": A free beginner course covering server vulnerabilities, access control, and basic hardening techniques for Windows and Linux servers.
- "Advanced Server Hardening": A paid course (approximately $49/month) that dives deeper into advanced topics like kernel hardening, network segmentation, and vulnerability scanning for enterprise servers.
- "Windows Server Security": A paid course focused on securing Windows Server environments, including Active Directory hardening, patch management, and threat detection.
TryHackMe: Gamified Learning for Server and Network Defense
TryHackMe uses a gamified approach to teach server security through interactive labs and real-world scenarios. Recommended paths include:
- "Complete Beginner Path": A 20-30 hour course that introduces server security basics (e.g., Linux fundamentals, web server vulnerabilities) through guided challenges.
- "Offensive Pentesting": A more advanced path (approximately 50 hours) that teaches offensive security techniques to test server defenses, including penetration testing and exploit development.
- "Network Services": A module within the beginner path that focuses on securing network services (e.g., SSH, FTP, DNS) commonly running on servers.
Coursera: Structured Server Security Specializations
Coursera partners with top universities to offer structured courses on server and network security. Popular options include:
- "Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization" (New York University): A 4-course series covering server security fundamentals (e.g., threat modeling, access control) and practical skills like penetration testing. The specialization includes a certificate and can be audited for free (with optional paid certificates).
- "Security Engineering Specialization" (University of Maryland): Focuses on designing and implementing secure server systems, with courses on cryptography, network security, and secure software development.
edX: University-Level Server Security Courses
edX offers server security courses from prestigious institutions, blending theory with hands-on labs. Notable courses include:
- "CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity" (Harvard University): A beginner-friendly course that covers server security basics (e.g., encryption, authentication) and introduces students to common threats like DDoS and SQL injection.
- "Cybersecurity Fundamentals" (RITx): A free course that covers server hardening, network security, and incident response, with hands-on labs using virtual machines.
Noble Desktop: In-Person and Live Online Server Security Bootcamps
Noble Desktop provides immersive, instructor-led training for server security, with both in-person and live online options. Key programs include:
- "Cybersecurity Bootcamp": A 3-month, $7,995 program that covers server security in depth, including penetration testing, risk analysis, and ethical hacking. The bootcamp includes career support and hands-on projects.
- "Intro to Cybersecurity & Networks": A 24-hour, $1,295 course that introduces server security fundamentals (e.g., firewalls, access control) and network defense, with practical labs to reinforce skills.
