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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?

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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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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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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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Provides a deeper dive into the basics of cryptography, which is essential for understanding how cybersecurity works.
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing, which valuable skill for cybersecurity professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, which fundamental aspect of cybersecurity.

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