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Dr. Edward G. Amoroso

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.

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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.
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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
Refreshes fundamental Unix/Linux commands used in cybersecurity, ensuring a solid foundation for understanding system security concepts.
Browse courses on Unix
Show steps
  • 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
Introduces fundamental computer security concepts and frameworks, enhancing understanding of basic threats, vulnerabilities, and risks covered in the course.
Show steps
  • 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
Facilitates discussions among peers on the nature, impact, and response strategies of security incidents, enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • 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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Show all seven activities
Complete practice exercises on OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities
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
Show steps
  • 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
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
Show steps
  • 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
Encourages in-depth exploration of a specific threat or vulnerability, fostering a deeper understanding of its technical details, impact, and mitigation strategies.
Show steps
  • 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
Enhances retention and understanding by providing opportunities to revisit and reinforce key course concepts through organized materials.
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Provides a hands-on guide to cybersecurity for beginners. It useful resource for students who want to learn the basics of cybersecurity.
Provides an overview of the cyberweapons arms race. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the future of cybersecurity.
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to test the security of systems.
Provides a step-by-step guide to cybersecurity incident response. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to respond to cybersecurity incidents.
Provides an in-depth look at the Stuxnet cyberattack. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the technical and geopolitical aspects of cybersecurity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the fundamentals of network security.
Provides an overview of cybersecurity and cyberwar. It useful resource for students who want to learn more about the geopolitical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity.

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