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Introduction to Cyber Attacks

This course provides learners with a baseline understanding of common cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. An overview of how basic cyber attacks are constructed and applied to real systems is also included. Examples include simple Unix kernel hacks, Internet worms, and Trojan horses in software utilities. Network attacks such as distributed denial of service (DDOS) and botnet- attacks are also described and illustrated using real examples from the past couple of decades.

Familiar analytic models are outlined such as the confidentiality/integrity/availability (CIA) security threat framework, and examples are used to illustrate how these different types of threats can degrade real assets. The course also includes an introduction to basic cyber security risk analysis, with an overview of how threat-asset matrices can be used to prioritize risk decisions. Threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks are examined and mapped in the context of system security engineering methodologies.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Cyber Security

This module provides exposure to basic cyber security concepts including some simple, foundational attack methods.

Understanding Basic Security Frameworks

This module introduces some fundamental frameworks, models, and approaches to cyber security including the CIA model.

Examining Cyber Threats More Closely

This module covers some of the more intense attacks over the past decade including worms and DDOS attacks.

Introducing Security Risk Analysis

This module introduces basic engineering and analysis methods for managing cyber security risk to valued assets.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines common cyber security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, providing a baseline understanding

Uses real-life examples to illustrate cyber attack construction and application, making concepts relatable

Covers basic cyber security risk analysis, introducing threat-asset matrices for prioritizing risk decisions

Includes real examples of intense cyber attacks over the past decade, such as worms and DDOS attacks

Outlines familiar analytic models like the confidentiality/integrity/availability (CIA) security threat framework

Introduces basic engineering and analysis methods for managing cyber security risk to valued assets

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Reviews summary

Cyber threats and risk assessment

learners say Introduction to Cyber Attacks is a largely positive introductory course to the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Instructor Edward Amoroso uses real-world examples to break down the complex world of cyber attacks and risks. According to students, the course is well-organized and engaging, with a good balance of lectures, videos, and readings. They also appreciate the practical focus of the course, which provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to protect their assets from cyber threats. However, some learners note that the course could be improved by providing more feedback on quizzes and ensuring that all links to external resources are up-to-date.

Instructor Edward Amoroso teaches in a way that is more natural.

"Mr Amoroso is an excellent teacher. He teaches in a way that is more natural."

Invites speakers who demonstrated or explained cyber attacks they orchestrated.

"The Professor injected real life experiences into this course by inviting speakers who demonstrated or explained cyber attacks they orchestrated."

Gives a clear understanding of concepts, provides enough theory to understand every concept and enough practice to understand the theory.

"Great course for the starters. Enough theory to understand every concept and enough practice to understand the theory."

Some links do not work, could have some newer examples.

"Good introductory course, some links do not work, could have some newer examples."

No feedback on the final quiz at the end of the course.

"Very few complaints, its a very good introduction and is very informativeMy only gripe is that you receive no feedback on the final quiz at the end of the course. So if you get an answer wrong, it's your best guess as to why, and you could easily be wrong about that too."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Cyber Attacks with these activities:

Review Unix/Linux commands for file management and system administration

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Refreshes fundamental Unix/Linux commands used in cybersecurity, ensuring a solid foundation for understanding system security concepts.

Browse courses on Unix

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Review basic Unix/Linux commands for file management (e.g., ls, cp, mv, rm).
Refresh commands for system administration (e.g., user management, package installation).

Review 'Introduction to Computer Security' by Matt Bishop

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Introduces fundamental computer security concepts and frameworks, enhancing understanding of basic threats, vulnerabilities, and risks covered in the course.

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Read chapters 1-3 and make concise notes on key concepts.
Review the provided security frameworks and models.

Participate in a study group to discuss real-world security incidents

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Facilitates discussions among peers on the nature, impact, and response strategies of security incidents, enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills.

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Find or create a study group with fellow course participants.
Select real-world security incidents for discussion and analysis.

Four other activities

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Complete practice exercises on OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities

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Reinforces understanding of common web application vulnerabilities discussed in the course by providing hands-on practice in identifying and addressing them.

Browse courses on Web Application Security

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Visit OWASP website and select the Top 10 Vulnerabilities page.
Choose an exercise related to a vulnerability covered in the course.
Follow the instructions and complete the exercise.

Follow tutorials on Security Onion

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Provides hands-on experience with a security analysis tool, allowing students to apply the concepts learned in the course to a practical scenario.

Browse courses on Security Tools

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Install Security Onion following official documentation.
Follow tutorials on configuring and using specific features of Security Onion.

Create a presentation on a specific cyber security threat or vulnerability

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Encourages in-depth exploration of a specific threat or vulnerability, fostering a deeper understanding of its technical details, impact, and mitigation strategies.

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Select a cyber security threat or vulnerability to research.
Gather information from credible sources (e.g., academic papers, industry reports).

Organize and review course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams

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Enhances retention and understanding by providing opportunities to revisit and reinforce key course concepts through organized materials.

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Gather all course notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Organize materials in a logical and easily accessible manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Cyber Attacks will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Engineer

An Information Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing security solutions for an organization's computer systems. This course can be helpful to Security Engineers because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineer

A Cybersecurity Engineer shoulders the responsibilities of protecting and defending computer networks and systems. These engineers are tasked with implementing and maintaining security measures, securing against vulnerabilities, staying on top of new threats, as well as responding to and recovering from security breaches and incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst's main function is to assess, mitigate, and remedy security risks, ensuring that information systems are adequately protected and managed. Besides managing vulnerabilities, Security Analysts are also responsible for deploying security solutions that comply with federal, state, and industry regulations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester is responsible for testing the security of an organization's computer systems. This course can be helpful to Penetration Testers because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for monitoring and analyzing an organization's computer systems for security breaches. This course can be helpful to Cybersecurity Analysts because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Researcher

A Security Researcher is responsible for researching and developing new security technologies. This course may be helpful to Security Researchers because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Researcher

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant is employed to provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on security matters. Consultants are brought in to assess risks, develop security strategies, and implement security controls. They also help organizations prepare for and respond to security incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Security Manager

Working at the managerial level, a Security Manager is accountable for coordinating and administering security programs, ensuring that security measures are in place, serving as first responders to incidents, and reporting to key stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst is responsible for assessing and managing risks to an organization's computer systems. This course can be helpful to Risk Analysts because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Security Architect

A Security Architect designs and implements security solutions. This course can be helpful to Security Architects because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Security Auditor

A Security Auditor is responsible for assessing and reporting on the security of an organization's computer systems. This course can be helpful to Security Auditors because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst assesses risks and vulnerabilities within an organization's computer systems. This course can be helpful to Systems Analysts because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an expert in information security. CISSPs are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing security programs, as well as auditing and assessing security risks. This course may be helpful to those seeking CISSP certification, as it provides a good foundation for understanding the concepts covered on the CISSP exam.

See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. This course can be helpful to Network Administrators because it provides a good foundation for understanding cyber security threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer may play a role in securing an organization's systems. While not the primary focus, Software Engineers are often responsible for writing and implementing secure code, as well as testing and deploying software updates. This course may assist Software Engineers in building a foundation for understanding the threats their software may face and how to protect against them.

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Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Cyber Attacks.

Security Engineering

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Provides a comprehensive guide to security engineering. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to design and build secure systems.

Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...

Hardcover

Introduction to Cyber Attacks

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Cyber threats and risk assessment

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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