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Michael Whitman, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, Dr. Traci Carte, Herbert J. Mattord, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, CDP, Andy Green, Ph.D., and Dr. Humayun Zafar, CEH, CISM, CRISC, PCIP

This course intends to make the student familiar with information security management. When you have finished with this course you will know more about:

• Governance: including the mission, roles and responsibilities of the InfoSec governance function, and the strategic planning process and InfoSec’s role in the organization’s strategic planning effort.

• You will understand the various types of InfoSec policies and how effective information security policy is created and used.

• Risk management and the risk management process

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This course intends to make the student familiar with information security management. When you have finished with this course you will know more about:

• Governance: including the mission, roles and responsibilities of the InfoSec governance function, and the strategic planning process and InfoSec’s role in the organization’s strategic planning effort.

• You will understand the various types of InfoSec policies and how effective information security policy is created and used.

• Risk management and the risk management process

• Certain laws and ethical issues impacting information security in the organization. And some common information security management practices such as benchmarking and performance measures.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Management of Information Security
This module provides a welcome to the course and describes the course modules that follow. The lecture and reading will introduce you to the broad topic of security management and establish the basic terminology needed for later modules. Also, you will begin learning about the case company that you will use in an extended simulation that spans the rest of this course as you build on your learning by engaging in real world analysis and reporting on cybersecurity topics.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores information security management, which is standard in industry
Taught by Michael Whitman, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, who is recognized for their work in information security
Develops governance, strategic planning, risk management, compliance, and security programs, which are core skills for information security management
Provides a comprehensive study of information security management
Requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge first

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Reviews summary

Business-focused cybersecurity management overview

According to learners, this course provides a good overview of the non-technical, business aspects of cybersecurity. Students appreciate the focus on governance, risk management, and compliance, finding it relevant for strategic and leadership roles. The syllabus covers key topics like policy, law, ethics, and security programs, often structured around a case study simulation. Many students found the case study helpful for applying concepts in a practical way. However, a common point raised is the course's emphasis on high-level management concepts, meaning it lacks technical depth, which may not suit those seeking hands-on security skills. It serves well as an introduction to the strategic side of Information Security.
Helps apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
"The case study really helped tie everything together and apply the theoretical frameworks we learned."
"Working through the simulated company issues made the concepts feel more real and practical."
"The case study was a valuable way to synthesize information from across the modules."
"While sometimes challenging, the case study was a highlight for applying the material."
Provides a broad intro to core concepts.
"Provides a solid foundation on the key pillars of information security management from a business perspective."
"A good first step for understanding the strategic and compliance side of InfoSec."
"Covers a comprehensive range of topics from governance to security programs."
"It gives a broad stroke view across essential management areas in cybersecurity."
Valuable for understanding management aspects.
"This course was exactly what I needed to understand the management side of cybersecurity, not the technical one."
"I appreciated the focus on governance and risk management; it's crucial for leadership roles."
"It's less about tools and more about strategy, policy, and compliance, which is a key part of the business."
"The content is highly relevant for anyone in or aspiring to a cybersecurity management position."
Some regulations may need external verification.
"Laws and regulations evolve quickly; some specific examples might need cross-referencing for current applicability."
"The course provides the fundamental understanding, but staying current on specific regulations requires ongoing effort."
"While the concepts are evergreen, students should verify specific regulatory details mentioned."
Course is managerial, not technically focused.
"Do not expect to learn technical security skills here; this is purely about management and policy."
"I was hoping for more integration with actual technical controls, but it stayed high-level."
"This course is great for managers but likely too theoretical or basic for someone hands-on in a technical role."
"Needed more examples of how the policies and governance translate into technical implementation details."

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 The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone with these activities:
Connect with Industry Professionals
Gain insights and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify industry professionals on LinkedIn or other platforms.
  • Reach out and request a meeting or informational interview.
Read Information Security Management Handbook
Build a stronger foundation of information security management practices.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of the Information Security Management Handbook.
  • Read Chapters 1-5
Attend an Information Security Conference
Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in information security management.
Browse courses on Governance
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant information security conferences.
  • Register and attend the conference.
  • Participate in sessions and workshops.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Create a Study Guide
Reinforce key concepts and improve retention.
Browse courses on Governance
Show steps
  • Review course notes and materials.
  • Identify key concepts.
  • Summarize key concepts in a study guide.
CISSP Practice Exam
Practice and test knowledge covered in the course.
Browse courses on Governance
Show steps
  • Identify an online CISSP practice exam.
  • Take the practice exam under timed conditions.
  • Review incorrect answers.
Discussion Group
Engage in discussions with peers to clarify concepts and expand perspectives.
Browse courses on Governance
Show steps
  • Join or create a discussion group related to information security management.
  • Participate in discussions on relevant topics.
  • Contribute to the discussion by sharing knowledge and insights.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment
Gain practical experience in assessing an organization's cybersecurity framework.
Browse courses on Risk Management
Show steps
  • Download the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Assessment Tool.
  • Identify an organization to assess.
  • Conduct the assessment.
Develop an Information Security Policy
Apply knowledge of information security management principles to create a practical deliverable.
Browse courses on Governance
Show steps
  • Identify the scope and objectives of the information security policy.
  • Research industry best practices and relevant regulations.
  • Draft the information security policy.
  • Review and refine the policy with feedback from stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts realize a secure environment by analyzing data to help organizations manage cybersecurity threats. Gaining knowledge from The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone, you will learn to execute preventative actions to protect against potential threats, working with a team of IT specialists to establish a secure network. Moreover, you will learn methods to improve the security of applications and provide counsel to clients concerning security guidelines.
Security Architect
Security Architects design, build, and maintain the security infrastructure of an organization. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the foundation to understand the principles of information security management. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to design and implement security solutions that meet the needs of your organization.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's information systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest information security threats and trends, as well as the best practices for protecting your organization's information assets.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the foundation you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest cybersecurity technologies and trends, as well as the best practices for protecting your organization's information assets.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers identify vulnerabilities in an organization's security systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest penetration testing techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity Auditor
Cybersecurity Auditors assess the security of an organization's information systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest cybersecurity auditing techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for assessing the security of your organization's information assets.
Incident Responder
Incident Responders investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest incident response techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for investigating and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
Vulnerability Manager
Vulnerability Managers identify and manage vulnerabilities in an organization's software and systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest vulnerability management techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for identifying and managing vulnerabilities.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify threats and vulnerabilities. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest security monitoring and analysis techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for identifying and responding to threats and vulnerabilities.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends, as well as the best practices for protecting your organization's information assets.
Privacy Analyst
Privacy Analysts help organizations comply with privacy laws and regulations. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest privacy laws and regulations, as well as the best practices for protecting your organization's customer data.
Compliance Analyst
Compliance Analysts ensure that organizations comply with industry regulations and standards. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest industry regulations and standards, as well as the best practices for ensuring your organization's compliance.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts assess the risks to an organization's information systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest risk assessment techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for assessing the risks to your organization's information assets.
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers oversee the security of an organization's information systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends, as well as the best practices for protecting your organization's information assets.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors assess the security and efficiency of an organization's IT systems. The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone may be useful for this role, as it will provide you with a foundation in information security management. You will learn about the latest IT auditing techniques and tools, as well as the best practices for auditing IT systems.

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 The Business of Cybersecurity Capstone.
This framework provides a set of best practices for managing cybersecurity risks. It valuable resource for organizations of all sizes.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity risk management. It covers topics such as risk assessment, risk management, and risk mitigation.
Valuable resource for students preparing for the CISSP certification exam. It covers all of the domains of the exam, and provides practice questions.
Provides insights into the human element of security. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of secure coding principles and practices. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security principles and practices. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security essentials. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides an introduction to security analysis. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering best practices. It valuable resource for cybersecurity professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cloud security principles and practices. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.

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