Beginners Guide to Cybersecurity from edX

A tech talent shortage continues as organizations adopt higher security standards to address the ongoing risk of threats and breaches. This course builds key skills to address common security threats and risks and provides best practices to guard against them.

This course is designed for everyone, especially those interested in a Cyber Analyst I or an entry-level Cloud & Security Engineer role, as well as Tech Support. Diving into the world of cybersecurity, you’ll gain critical skills employers need, including identifying security threats, understanding encryption uses, demonstrating safe browsing techniques, implementing email security best practices. and identifying and becoming familiar with various types of cybersecurity risks and threats. This course is ideal for technical support roles, often on the front lines of defense for cybersecurity issues.

What you'll learn

Recognize the importance of data security, maintaining data integrity, and confidentiality.
Demonstrate the installation of software updates and patches.
Identify preferred practices for authentication, encryption, and device security.
Discuss types of security threats, breaches, malware, social engineering, and other attack vectors.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Recognize the importance of data security, maintaining data integrity, and confidentiality.
Demonstrate the installation of software updates and patches.

Identify preferred practices for authentication, encryption, and device security.
Discuss types of security threats, breaches, malware, social engineering, and other attack vectors.

Recognize the importance of data security, maintaining data integrity, and confidentiality.
Demonstrate the installation of software updates and patches.
Identify preferred practices for authentication, encryption, and device security.
Discuss types of security threats, breaches, malware, social engineering, and other attack vectors.

Syllabus

Module 1: Common Security Threats and Risks

Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Concerns

Importance of Security and Information Privacy

Security Threats and Ways of Breaches

Different Types of Security Threats

(Optional Activity) Cybersecurity Ops: Terminal

Module 2: Password Management and Security Best Practices

Password Management Techniques

Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting

Ways to Hardening Devices

Validation and Device usage

Encryption Concepts

Emails and Spam Management

Module 3: Security Concerns and Safe Browsing

Application Ecosystem Security

Public Browsing Risks

Browser Security Settings

Safe Browsing Techniques

Security Threats: Virtual Private Networks

Module 4: Final Exam

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners who intend to pursue an entry-level Cyber Analyst I or Cloud & Security Engineer role

Suitable even for learners with no technical background, providing a well-rounded foundation

Covers crucial skills for technical support roles in cybersecurity

Offers hands-on practice through software updates and installation

Provides a comprehensive understanding of various cybersecurity threats and risks

Includes discussions on authentication, encryption, and device security best practices

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 Beginners Guide to Cybersecurity with these activities:

Review concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability

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A solid foundation in the CIA triad will help you understand the importance of data protection.

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Revisit lecture notes, textbooks, or online resources on the CIA triad.

Review basic computer security concepts

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Familiarizing yourself with fundamental ideas in cybersecurity will help you better comprehend the course materials.

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Explore online resources like articles, tutorials, and videos.
Review textbooks or online textbooks on computer security.

Explore tutorials on password management and security

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Understanding best practices for password management and security will help you protect your accounts and systems.

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Identify reputable online platforms or video channels that provide cybersecurity tutorials.
Search for tutorials specifically covering password management and security.
Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the techniques.

Four other activities

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Practice installing software updates and patches

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Hands-on practice with installing software updates and patches will enhance your understanding of how to keep software secure.

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Set up a virtual machine or use a sandbox environment.
Download software updates and patches from official sources.
Install the updates and patches, following best practices.

Attend a cybersecurity meetup or conference

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Networking with cybersecurity professionals can broaden your knowledge, provide insights, and help you build connections.

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Identify relevant cybersecurity meetups or conferences in your area or online.
Register for the event.
Attend the event, actively participate in discussions, and connect with others.
Follow up with connections made at the event.

Create a security awareness poster or presentation

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Creating educational materials on security awareness will help you reinforce your understanding and share knowledge with others.

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Research different types of cybersecurity threats and risks.
Identify best practices for protecting against these threats.
Develop a compelling and informative poster or presentation.
Share your poster or presentation with others, such as colleagues, friends, or family.

Contribute to an open-source cybersecurity project

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Contributing to open-source cybersecurity projects allows you to apply your skills, learn from others, and make a meaningful contribution to the community.

Browse courses on Software Development

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Identify open-source cybersecurity projects that interest you.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Make a small contribution, such as fixing a bug or adding a feature.
Collaborate with other contributors and maintain your contribution.

Career center

Learners who complete Beginners Guide to Cybersecurity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are on the front lines of defense against various forms of cyber threats and attacks. This course entails topics ranging from malware to social engineering, crucial knowledge for those aspiring to become a Security Analyst. Combined with the skills and practices this course provides, such as authentication, encryption, and device security, individuals will be well-equipped to identify, monitor, and mitigate threats aimed at data and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers are the architects and implementers of cybersecurity systems and solutions. With a high demand for skilled individuals in this field, this course provides a solid foundation for aspiring Cybersecurity Engineers. It covers the fundamentals of data security, authentication, authorization, and encryption, all of which are integral components of cybersecurity engineering.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers implement and maintain security mechanisms to protect computer networks from malicious activities and unauthorized access. This course, by covering topics such as authentication, encryption, and network security concerns, offers relevant knowledge and practices for entry-level Network Security Engineers.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers develop and manage security systems for cloud-based applications and data. Given the growing adoption of cloud computing, the demand for Cloud Security Engineers is increasing. This course may prove useful for those transitioning to this role as it introduces security concepts and best practices in cloud environments.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats. This course delves into vital security concepts, threat identification, and risk mitigation strategies, providing a strong foundation for those venturing into this role.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design, implement, and maintain an organization's overall security strategy. This course may be helpful in familiarizing individuals with key security principles, threats, and risks. It covers encryption concepts, authentication techniques, and device security, all essential areas of expertise for aspiring Security Architects.

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Incident Responder

Incident Responders investigate and neutralize cyber threats and data breaches. This course offers insights into threat detection, malware analysis, and email security best practices, providing a foundational understanding of incident response.

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Vulnerability Assessor

Vulnerability Assessors identify and assess vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks to prevent potential security breaches. This course provides a practical understanding of threat identification, network security concerns, and encryption concepts, all crucial for Vulnerability Assessors.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers simulate cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in computer systems and networks. This course covers security threats, malware, and encryption, offering valuable knowledge for aspiring Penetration Testers.

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Certified Ethical Hacker

Certified Ethical Hackers are security professionals authorized to legally penetrate computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This course may prove useful for those interested in this role as it provides hands-on experience in installing software updates and understanding authentication, encryption, and device security concepts.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors examine and evaluate an organization's IT systems and practices to ensure compliance and security. While this course may not directly align with the specific responsibilities of an IT Auditor, it provides a foundational understanding of information privacy, data confidentiality, and encryption, which can be beneficial for career advancement.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage risks within an organization. This course introduces various types of security threats, malware, and social engineering, providing valuable insights for individuals in this role.

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IT Security Consultant

IT Security Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on cybersecurity matters. This course covers the fundamentals of security threats, encryption, and device security, serving as a valuable resource for aspiring IT Security Consultants seeking to build a strong foundation in the field.

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Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers ensure that an organization complies with data protection regulations and best practices. This course offers insights into data security, confidentiality, and encryption, providing a foundational understanding for professionals aspiring to become Data Protection Officers.

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SOC Analyst

SOC Analysts monitor and analyze security events to detect and respond to cyber threats. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security threats, malware, email security, and security concerns, offering a solid foundation for individuals seeking to become SOC Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for SOC Analyst