Training Outline — Khawar Nehal’s 4-Layer Security Model
Course Duration:
1 day (intensive) or 4 × 2-hour sessions (modular)
Target Audience:
IT Administrators, Security Officers, Network Engineers, System Integrators, CIO/CTO staff, Security Trainers
Module 0 — Introduction & Context
Duration: 30 min
Learning Objectives
- Understand why sequence in security matters.
- Recognize gaps in traditional “random layering” approaches.
- Position KN’s model alongside other frameworks.
Topics
- The philosophy of “Real Security”
- Common security myths (patching ≠ secure system)
- Overview of other models (Defense in Depth, NIST CSF, CIS Controls, Onion Model) and how KN’s differs
Activities
- Group discussion: “What layer do you normally start with in your company?”
- Quick poll: Which breach type is most feared in your environment?
Module 1 — Layer 1: Physical Security 🏢🔒
Duration: 1 hour
Learning Objectives
- Identify and implement physical access controls.
- Understand how physical access defeats all other layers.
- Recognize common physical breach scenarios.
Topics
- Definition & importance
- Common controls:
- Locked server rooms & racks
- RFID, biometrics, PIN pads
- CCTV and guard protocols
- Tamper-evident seals & cable routing
- Real-world failure examples
- Applied example: Securing a server room
Activities
- Case study: “The 2-minute USB Rubber Ducky breach”
- Facility walk-through (or virtual photos) to identify physical weaknesses
Assessment
- Checklist exercise: Audit your office/server environment against Layer 1 best practices
Module 2 — Layer 2: Software Security 💻🛡️
Duration: 1 hour
Learning Objectives
- Ensure the code and applications are secure.
- Select software vendors with a proven patch history.
- Avoid reliance on slow-patch commercial products.
Topics
- Secure coding principles
- Vendor selection & patch cycles
- Using open-source for transparency
- Role of vulnerability scanning
- Why penetration testing is not a replacement for Layer 3
- Failure scenarios (e.g., unpatched VPN appliances)
Activities
- Demonstration: Exploiting an outdated WordPress site
- Vendor patch history comparison exercise
Assessment
- Identify 3 insecure vendor traits from real software product datasheets
Module 3 — Layer 3: Configuration Security ⚙️🔐
Duration: 1 hour
Learning Objectives
- Harden system setups to reduce accidental exposures.
- Apply least privilege and network segmentation.
- Recognize misconfiguration as a leading breach cause.
Topics
- Strong password policies
- Avoiding default credentials
- Least privilege principle
- Network segmentation best practices
- Logging & monitoring setup
- Disabling risky defaults (test accounts, debug interfaces)
Activities
- Lab: Hardening a database server (change defaults, segment network)
- Spot-the-misconfiguration challenge (config file review)
Assessment
- Short quiz: Match the misconfiguration to the potential breach impact
Module 4 — Layer 4: Social Engineering / User-Layer Security 🧠🎭
Duration: 1.5 hours
Learning Objectives
- Identify different types of social engineering.
- Build awareness training programs.
- Apply minimal privilege with temporary access.
Topics
- Human as the last line of defense
- Phishing, baiting, pretexting, insider threats
- Access control policies for people
- Simulated phishing campaigns
- Training resources (Counterphish, Phishing Dark Waters, Beyond the Hook)
Activities
- Live phishing email dissection
- Role-play: Helpdesk password reset scam
Assessment
- Simulated phishing test for all trainees
Module 5 — Applied Case Studies & Cross-Framework Comparison
Duration: 45 min
Learning Objectives
- Map KN’s model to other well-known security frameworks.
- Identify best-fit scenarios for KN’s approach.
Topics
- Case study: Full breach scenario across all four layers
- Comparison table vs. DiD, NIST CSF, CIS Controls, Onion Model
- Choosing the right framework for your organization
Activities
- Group mapping exercise: Match your company’s controls to the KN model
- Debate: “Is strict order more important than coverage?”
Module 6 — Implementation Roadmap & Final Assessment
Duration: 45 min
Learning Objectives
- Develop a rollout plan for KN’s 4-Layer Model.
- Prioritize actions based on current gaps.
Topics
- Gap assessment tools
- Sequenced rollout planning
- Metrics to track security maturity
- Maintaining effectiveness over time
Activities
- Create a 90-day action plan per participant/company
- Peer review of plans
Assessment
- Written test + plan presentation
Training Materials
- Slide deck with diagrams for each layer
- Physical security audit checklist
- Vendor patch history template
- Configuration hardening guide
- Social engineering awareness handouts
- Comparison chart PDF
Certification
Participants scoring 80%+ in final assessment receive:
“Certified 4-Layer Security Practitioner (C4LSP)” — endorsed by trainer/organization.