TryHackMe Pre Security 101 — Extending Your Network

In this tutorial, I’ll be covering how to complete the Extending Your Network room on TryHackMe’s Pre Security 101 course.

Look out for italics; these are the answers.

Description: Learn about some of the technologies used to extend networks out onto the Internet and the motivations for this.

Task 1: Introduction to Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is an essential component in connecting applications and services to the Internet. Without port forwarding, applications and services such as web servers are only available to devices within the same direct network.

What is the name of the device that is used to configure port forwarding?

Router

Task 2: Firewalls 101

A firewall controls network traffic by allowing or blocking data based on rules about source, destination, port, and protocol. Stateful firewalls monitor entire connections for smarter decisions, while stateless firewalls filter individual packets using fixed rules.

What layers of the OSI model do firewalls operate at?

3 & 4

What category of firewall inspects the entire connection?

Stateful

What category of firewall inspects individual packets?

Stateless

Task 3: Practical — Firewall

1. Click View Site

2. Start the simulation

3. Change the network settings, configure the firewall to prevent the malicious packets from reaching the web server 203.0.110.1.

4. Task complete

Task 4: VPN Basics

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between devices over the internet, allowing private communication across different locations. Businesses use VPNs to connect offices and share resources, while individuals use them for privacy, security on public WiFi, and some anonymity online. Common VPN technologies include PPP (authentication/encryption), PPTP (easy setup but weak security), and IPSec (strong encryption but harder to configure).

What VPN technology only encrypts & provides the authentication of data?

PPP

What VPN technology uses the IP framework?

IPSec

Task 5: LAN Networking Devices

A router connects networks and directs data between them by finding the best path, working at Layer 3 of the OSI model. It can be configured for rules like port forwarding or firewalling, and chooses paths based on factors like distance, reliability, and speed.

A switch connects multiple devices within the same network. Layer 2 switches forward data frames using MAC addresses, while Layer 3 switches add routing functions using IP addresses. Switches can also use VLANs to virtually separate devices on the same network, improving security and control.

What is the verb for the action that a router does?

Routing

What are the two different layers of switches? Separate these by a comma I.e.: Layer X,Layer Y

Layer 2,Layer 3

Task 6: Practical — Network Simulator

1. Click View Site

2. Set up the packets

3. Task complete

What is the flag from the network simulator?

THM{YOU’VE_GOT_DATA}

Congratulations, you've now completed the Extending Your Network room, and the Network Fundamentals section of the pathway!