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 UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education 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

Lays the groundwork for intermediate learners wishing to strengthen their cybersecurity foundation

Introduces cybersecurity concepts, practices, and tools to prepare learners for entry-level positions in the field

Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography basics and their application in cybersecurity

Requires no prior technical knowledge or software installations

Can be accessed at the learner's own pace, allowing for flexible learning

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 implement cybersecurity plans and procedures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. Daily responsibilities include recommending safeguards and reviewing the effectiveness of implemented safeguards. This course will help you build a foundation in cybersecurity by introducing you to the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. With this knowledge, you'll be better prepared to excel in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst monitors and maintains an organization's computer systems and networks to protect against cyberattacks. To do this, they analyze data, investigate cyberattacks, and develop solutions to prevent future attacks. This course introduces you to the key elements of cybersecurity, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. With this foundational knowledge, you'll be better prepared for the daily challenges of working as a Cybersecurity Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for evaluating an organization's computer systems and networks to ensure that they are secure and compliant with security regulations. This role involves planning and performing audits, and reporting on audit findings. This course is a valuable starting point for aspiring IT Auditors, as it will introduce you to key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on cybersecurity matters. They help organizations to develop and implement cybersecurity plans and procedures, and to respond to cyberattacks. This course may be helpful for aspiring Security Consultants, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This knowledge will provide a solid base to build upon.

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Computer Forensics Analyst

Computer Forensics Analysts investigate computer systems and networks that have been compromised by cyberattacks. They recover and analyze digital evidence to determine the scope of the attack and identify the attackers. This course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a Computer Forensics Analyst, as it covers key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This foundation can aid you in understanding the investigative process and digital evidence analysis in this field.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They work closely with other IT professionals to ensure that security measures are aligned with business objectives. This course may be helpful for aspiring Security Engineers, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage security measures to protect an organization's computer networks from cyberattacks. They work closely with other IT professionals to ensure that security measures are aligned with business objectives. This course may be helpful for aspiring Network Security Engineers, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Cryptographer

Cryptographers develop and implement cryptographic algorithms and protocols to protect data from unauthorized access. This role requires expertise in mathematics and computer science. This course will provide a good foundation for those seeking a career in cryptography, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including cryptography basics, as well as daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers simulate cyberattacks on an organization's computer systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. This helps organizations to improve their cybersecurity posture and prevent real-world attacks. This course may be helpful for aspiring Penetration Testers, as it covers key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This foundation can help you understand the methodologies used in penetration testing.

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Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts investigate and analyze malware to understand how it works and how to protect against it. This role requires technical expertise and an in-depth understanding of malware. This course may be helpful for aspiring Malware Analysts, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This foundational knowledge can aid in understanding the techniques used in malware analysis.

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Security Operations Center Analyst

Security Operations Center Analysts monitor and respond to security incidents. This role requires expertise in cybersecurity and incident response. This course may be helpful for aspiring Security Operations Center Analysts, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security architectures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. This role requires expertise in cybersecurity and IT architecture. This course may be helpful for those seeking a career as a Security Architect, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Data Security Analyst

Data Security Analysts protect an organization's data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This role requires expertise in data security and data protection regulations. This course may be helpful for aspiring Data Security Analysts, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design and implement security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data. This role requires expertise in cloud computing and cybersecurity. This course may be helpful for aspiring Cloud Security Engineers, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts collect and analyze information about cyber threats to help organizations protect themselves from attacks. This role requires expertise in cybersecurity and intelligence analysis. This course may be helpful for aspiring Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts, as it introduces key cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals.

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