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Try It

Cybersecurity Basics

edX Boot Camps

Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?

This beginner-friendly and asynchronous course will help you jumpstart your cybersecurity career. Engage in an online learning experience tailored to your experience level.

In it, you will learn to think like a cyber pro, at your own pace. Study the key elements of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

Key concepts covered in this course include:

Read more

Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?

This beginner-friendly and asynchronous course will help you jumpstart your cybersecurity career. Engage in an online learning experience tailored to your experience level.

In it, you will learn to think like a cyber pro, at your own pace. Study the key elements of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

Key concepts covered in this course include:

  • Cybersecurity
  • CIA Triad
  • Cryptography
  • Plaintext
  • Ciphertext
  • Encryption
  • Decryption
  • Cipher
  • Key
  • Caesar Cipher
  • Symmetric encryption

No prior experience or technical installations is required to join or complete this course.

Footnote:

1 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts. (2022). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. March 14, 2023.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Recognize the basics and the importance of cybersecurity.
  • Define and apply the cia triad to different scenarios.
  • Examine cryptography basics and how they apply to cybersecurity.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers core concepts and responsibilities, suitable for beginners in cybersecurity
Provides a comprehensive overview of the CIA Triad and its significance
Focuses on understanding the basics and applications of cryptography in cybersecurity
Suitable for individuals with no prior experience or technical requirements
Provides a foundation for further learning and career exploration in cybersecurity
Aligned with the projected growth and importance of cybersecurity as a profession

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Foundational cybersecurity introduction for beginners

According to students, this course serves as an excellent and accessible starting point for understanding cybersecurity basics. Learners widely appreciate its beginner-friendly approach, requiring no prior experience or technical installations. The course is frequently praised for its clear and concise explanations of core concepts like the CIA Triad and cryptography fundamentals. Its asynchronous and self-paced format is highlighted as a significant benefit, offering flexibility for busy schedules. However, some learners note a strong theoretical focus, wishing for more hands-on exercises and deeper dives into practical applications, suggesting it's more of a broad introduction than a direct path to a career-ready skill set.
Offers convenient, self-directed learning modules.
"I appreciated the self-paced format, making it easy to fit into my schedule."
"The self-paced nature was a huge plus for my busy schedule."
"Being asynchronous, it allowed me to learn at my own pace and convenience."
Simplifies complex foundational cybersecurity topics effectively.
"Covered CIA triad and cryptography clearly."
"The explanations of plaintext, ciphertext, and keys were very clear."
"This course really simplifies complex topics into digestible chunks, especially the CIA Triad."
Ideal for absolute novices entering the cybersecurity field.
"Excellent introduction! Covered CIA triad and cryptography clearly. Perfect for someone like me with zero background in cybersecurity."
"Truly beginner-friendly, I appreciated the self-paced format. A great foundational course."
"Exactly what I needed to understand what cybersecurity is about. No complex setups, just core concepts."
Provides a wide overview without deep specialization.
"It just scratches the surface. Good for absolute novices, but not much practical application."
"Too basic for me. Felt like a high-level overview without any real substance to apply to a job."
"It's very broad and doesn't prepare me for anything specific, more like 'what is cybersecurity'."
Focuses on theory with limited hands-on application.
"I wished for a bit more hands-on exercises, but it's a solid starting point."
"It's okay as a very light intro... not much practical application."
"Waste of time if I'm looking for real skills. It's just definitions and high-level theory."

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 Try It: Cybersecurity Basics with these activities:
Review Notes on Cryptography Fundamentals
Refreshes your understanding of cryptography basics, ensuring a strong foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous courses or online resources on cryptography.
  • Practice solving simple cryptography problems to reinforce your understanding.
Read Introduction to Cryptography by Wade Trappe
Examines the fundamental concepts of cryptography, building a solid foundation for understanding the topics covered in this course.
View Introduction to Cryptography with Coding Theory on Amazon
Show steps
  • Skim through the table of contents to gain an overview of the book's structure and coverage.
  • Read each chapter carefully, taking notes on key concepts and definitions.
  • Work through the practice problems and exercises to test your understanding.
Follow Tutorials on Network Security Best Practices
Provides practical guidance on implementing network security best practices, enhancing your understanding of cybersecurity principles.
Browse courses on Network Security
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials or courses on network security best practices.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, implementing the recommendations in your own network environment.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Join a Cybersecurity Study Group or Online Forum
Fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing you to engage with others who share your interest in cybersecurity.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity
Show steps
  • Search for online forums or study groups dedicated to cybersecurity.
  • Join the group and actively participate in discussions, asking questions and sharing insights.
Solve Caesar Cipher Puzzles Online
Provides hands-on practice in solving Caesar ciphers, reinforcing the concepts of encryption and decryption.
Browse courses on Caesar Cipher
Show steps
  • Find online Caesar cipher puzzles or generators.
  • Attempt to solve the puzzles manually using the Caesar cipher algorithm.
Cybersecurity Workshop
Develop your practical cybersecurity skills by attending a hands-on workshop.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant cybersecurity workshops in your area.
  • Register for the workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises.
Cryptography - EdX Course | Coursera
Refresh your understanding of cryptography concepts covered in this course through another provider's tutorial.
Browse courses on Digital Signature
Show steps
  • Create an account on Coursera.
  • Enroll in the 'Cryptography' course offered by EdX.
  • Progress through the course and complete the interactive exercises.
Cybersecurity Practice Questions | HackerRank
Test your understanding of cybersecurity concepts by solving practice questions on HackerRank.
Browse courses on Encryption
Show steps
  • Create an account on HackerRank.
  • Search for cybersecurity challenges.
  • Attempt to solve the challenges and review the solutions.
Attend a Workshop on Cyber Threat Intelligence
Explores advanced concepts in cybersecurity, such as threat intelligence, expanding your understanding of the field.
Browse courses on Cyber Threat Intelligence
Show steps
  • Research and locate workshops on cyber threat intelligence offered by industry experts or reputable organizations.
  • Register for the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
  • Apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to your own cybersecurity practices.
Build a Simple Password Generator
Applies the concepts of cryptography and random number generation to create a practical tool for generating secure passwords.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Research different password generation algorithms and select one to implement.
  • Write code to generate random numbers and apply the chosen algorithm to create passwords.
  • Create a user interface for the password generator.
  • Test the password generator to ensure it produces strong and unique passwords.

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Cybersecurity Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Developer
Blockchain Developers design and develop blockchain applications to improve security and transparency. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Blockchain Developers, as it covers the basics of cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems to improve security. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Penetration Testers, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester
Security Auditor
Security Auditors assess the security of computer systems and networks to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Security Auditors, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor
Cryptographer
Cryptographers design and implement cryptographic algorithms to protect data from unauthorized access and disclosure. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Cryptographers, as it covers the basics of cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect information systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Information Security Analysts, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Security Consultant
Security Consultants help organizations develop and implement security strategies to protect their information systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Security Consultants, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Cloud Security Architect
Cloud Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Cloud Security Architects, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Cybersecurity Engineers, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer
Security Analyst
Security Analysts monitor and analyze security systems and data to identify and respond to security threats. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Security Analysts, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Incident Responder
Incident Responders investigate and respond to security incidents. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Incident Responders, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder
Digital Forensics Analyst
Digital Forensics Analysts investigate and analyze digital evidence to identify and apprehend cybercriminals. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Digital Forensics Analysts, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensics Analyst
Malware Analyst
Malware Analysts investigate and analyze malware to identify and mitigate its impact. This course may be a useful foundation for aspiring Malware Analysts, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography.
See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst
Network Engineer
Network Engineers design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course may be helpful for Network Engineers, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography, which are essential for protecting computer networks from unauthorized access and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course may be helpful for Database Administrators, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography, which are essential for protecting databases from unauthorized access and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer systems and their components. This course may be helpful for Computer Hardware Engineers, as it covers the basics of cybersecurity and cryptography, which are essential for protecting computer systems from unauthorized access and data breaches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Hardware Engineer

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Try It: Cybersecurity Basics.
Cover image
Cryptography Engineering
Save
Provides a deeper dive into the basics of cryptography, which is essential for understanding how cybersecurity works.
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Paperback
$$
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Introduction to Machine Learning with Applications...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of information security, including cybersecurity.
Introduction to Machine Learning with Applications...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Machine Learning with Applications...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Security in Computing
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of security in computing, including cybersecurity.
Security in Computing
Paperback
$$$$
Security in Computing
Mass Market Paperback
$$
Security in Computing, 4th Edition
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Hacker Playbook 2
Save
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing, which valuable skill for cybersecurity professionals.
The Hacker Playbook 2: Practical Guide To...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Hacking Exposed 7
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, which fundamental aspect of cybersecurity.
Hacking Exposed 7: Network Security Secrets and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Practical Malware Analysis
Save
Provides a hands-on guide to malware analysis, which valuable skill for cybersecurity professionals.
Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Practical Malware Analysis: The Hands-On Guide to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Art of Deception
Save
Provides insights into the human element of security, which is often overlooked in cybersecurity.
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Hardcover
$$
The Art of Deception: Controlling the Human Element...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Language
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Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers core concepts and responsibilities, suitable for beginners in cybersecurity
Provides a comprehensive overview of the CIA Triad and its significance
Focuses on understanding the basics and applications of cryptography in cybersecurity
Suitable for individuals with no prior experience or technical requirements
Provides a foundation for further learning and career exploration in cybersecurity
Aligned with the projected growth and importance of cybersecurity as a profession
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