Try It: Cybersecurity Basics from edX

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.

This Try It is offered in support of the Cybersecurity Boot Camp with Rice University. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with Rice University unless you enroll in the Cybersecurity Boot Camp.

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.

-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

Teaches the key elements of the CIA Triad, which is standard in cybersecurity

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Develops skills and knowledge that are relevant to cybersecurity

Builds a strong foundation for cybersecurity beginners

Runs through cryptography basics, which are core to cybersecurity

Provides a beginner-friendly introduction to cybersecurity

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:

Read Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice

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Enhance your theoretical understanding of cybersecurity concepts by reading a comprehensive textbook on cryptography and network security.

View Cryptography and Network Security: Principles... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book.
Set aside dedicated time for reading and comprehension.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.

Volunteer at a cybersecurity organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the cybersecurity community by volunteering your time and skills.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Identify cybersecurity organizations or events in your area.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in activities such as awareness campaigns, workshops, or research projects.
Network with cybersecurity professionals and learn from their experiences.

Solve cybersecurity practice problems

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Sharpen your analytical and problem-solving skills by attempting cybersecurity practice problems.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Find online platforms or textbooks that provide cybersecurity practice problems.
Select problems that align with your skill level and interests.
Attempt to solve the problems самостоятельно or with guidance from resources.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Five other activities

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Join a cybersecurity study group

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Enhance your learning experience by collaborating with peers, discussing concepts, and working on projects together.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Find or create a study group with other cybersecurity learners.
Establish regular meeting times and a study schedule.
Discuss course material, share resources, and work on assignments together.
Provide support and motivation to each other.

Create a cybersecurity resource compilation

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Enhance your learning and future reference by gathering and organizing valuable cybersecurity resources.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Identify and collect relevant cybersecurity articles, websites, videos, and tools.
Organize and categorize the resources based on topic or type.
Create a document or online platform to share your compilation with others.
Regularly update and maintain your resource compilation.

Create a cybersecurity blog post

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Deepen your understanding of cybersecurity concepts by researching, writing, and explaining them in a blog post.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Choose a specific topic related to cybersecurity.
Research and gather credible information from reputable sources.
Organize your content into a logical structure.
Write a clear and engaging blog post that explains the topic comprehensively.
Proofread your blog post for clarity and accuracy.

Develop a cybersecurity presentation

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Enhance your communication skills and understanding of cybersecurity principles by creating and presenting a comprehensive presentation.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Identify your target audience and define the scope of your presentation.
Research and gather relevant information from credible sources.
Design visually appealing and informative slides using appropriate software.
Practice your presentation to ensure clear delivery and smooth transitions.
Present your cybersecurity presentation confidently and engage with your audience.

Build a basic cybersecurity tool

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Gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity by developing a simple tool that addresses a specific security need.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Identify a specific cybersecurity problem you want to address.
Research and explore different programming languages and frameworks for cybersecurity.
Design and develop your cybersecurity tool using appropriate algorithms and techniques.
Test and refine your tool to ensure its functionality and effectiveness.
Document your tool's purpose, usage, and limitations.

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Cybersecurity Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become an Information Security Analyst. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They may also be responsible for investigating and responding to security breaches. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Cybersecurity Analyst. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security systems and networks. They may also be responsible for investigating and responding to security breaches. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Security Engineer. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Architects are responsible for designing and implementing cybersecurity solutions. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Cybersecurity Architect. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

Cryptographer

Cryptographers are responsible for developing and implementing encryption and decryption methods. They may also be responsible for designing and implementing cryptographic protocols. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Cryptographer. You will learn about cryptography basics, including plaintext, ciphertext, encryption, decryption, cipher, and key.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer

Security Consultant

Security Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance on security matters. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security plans and policies. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Security Consultant. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Computer Network Architect

Computer Network Architects are responsible for designing and implementing computer networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing network security measures. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Computer Network Architect. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Network Architect

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for designing and implementing computer systems. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures for these systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Systems Analyst. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analysts are responsible for investigating and analyzing computer systems and networks for evidence of cybercrimes. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures to prevent cybercrimes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Forensic Computer Analyst. You will learn about the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Computer Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures for these networks. This course may be useful for Network Administrators who want to learn more about cybersecurity. The course will help you develop a basic understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing and developing websites. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures for these websites. This course may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn more about cybersecurity. The course will help you develop a basic understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures for these databases. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about cybersecurity. The course will help you develop a basic understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures for these applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about cybersecurity. The course will help you develop a basic understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing machine learning and artificial intelligence models. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about cybersecurity. The course will help you develop a basic understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of an organization's information technology department. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing security measures for the organization's computer systems and networks. This course may be useful for Information Technology Managers who want to learn more about cybersecurity. The course will help you develop a basic understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager