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Try It

Cybersecurity Basics

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

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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.

-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

Offers lessons that are beginner-friendly and designed for learners with no prior experience

Introduces the fundamentals of cybersecurity, making it a suitable starting point for those interested in the field

Designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing learners to study at their own convenience

Emphasizes practical applications by examining the responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals in real-world scenarios

Covers essential concepts such as cryptography, the CIA Triad, and encryption methods

Lacks hands-on exercises or interactive materials for practical application of the concepts

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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 Basic Networking Concepts

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Refreshes foundational networking knowledge, ensuring a better understanding of cybersecurity concepts that rely on network communication.

Browse courses on Computer Networks

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Review topics like IP addresses, network protocols, and network topologies
Refer to textbooks, online resources, or notes from previous courses

Read 'Introduction to Cybersecurity' by Michael Gregg

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Introduces core concepts, threats, and countermeasures in cybersecurity, building a strong foundation for further learning.

View Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Version 10 Cert... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to understand foundational principles
Read chapters 4-6 to learn about cryptography and security mechanisms

Create a Cybersecurity Terminology Glossary

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Reinforces understanding by actively defining and compiling key terms and concepts in cybersecurity.

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Identify important cybersecurity terms from course materials
Define each term clearly and concisely
Organize terms alphabetically or by category

Four other activities

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Complete Online Tutorials on Cryptographic Algorithms

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Enhances understanding of cryptographic concepts through practical examples and interactive exercises.

Browse courses on Cryptographic Algorithms

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Search for reputable online tutorials on cryptographic algorithms
Choose tutorials that cover algorithms such as AES, DES, and RSA
Follow the steps and examples to implement the algorithms

Create a Simple Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

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Applies course concepts to develop a practical plan for responding to cybersecurity incidents, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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Identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
Define roles and responsibilities for incident response
Create step-by-step procedures for incident detection, analysis, and containment

Solve Cryptographic Puzzles and Challenges

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Provides hands-on experience in solving cryptographic problems, fostering problem-solving skills and improving analytical abilities.

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Find online platforms or resources that offer cryptographic puzzles
Attempt to solve puzzles using techniques covered in the course
Review solutions and analyze your approach

Attend Local Cybersecurity Meetups or Webinars

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Provides opportunities to connect with industry professionals, learn about current trends, and expand your cybersecurity network.

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Search for upcoming cybersecurity events in your area
Register and attend the events
Introduce yourself, ask questions, and engage in discussions

Career center

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

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst's work centers around assessing, monitoring, and defending computer networks against potential harm. The position largely deals with mitigating cybersecurity risks, and as a result, building a foundation in cybersecurity basics through this Try It course may prove extremely helpful in one's career progression within this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

A security engineer is responsible for identifying and resolving cybersecurity risks within an organization's network and computer systems. In this role, cybersecurity basics are absolutely vital, and this Try It course may help you gain foundational knowledge to prepare for this career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Architect

A cybersecurity architect is responsible for designing and implementing an organization's cybersecurity strategy. They must stay up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends and threats, and they must be able to think like a hacker in order to anticipate potential attacks. This Try It course can be useful in your pursuit of a career in this role by providing an overview of cybersecurity concepts that may help you succeed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

Penetration Tester

A penetration tester is responsible for testing an organization's cybersecurity defenses by simulating real-world attacks. This Try It course may be useful in your pursuit of a career in this role as it provides an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to think like a hacker, which can be valuable skills for this job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Consultant

A security consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. They help organizations identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, and they can also help organizations develop and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures. Cybersecurity basics are key to this role, and this Try It is a great place to start if you're thinking about a career in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Incident Responder

An incident responder is responsible for responding to and resolving cybersecurity incidents. They must be able to quickly assess the situation, contain the damage, and restore normal operations. This Try It course can help you prepare for this role by providing an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to respond to cybersecurity incidents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Malware Analyst

A malware analyst is responsible for analyzing malware to understand how it works and how to stop it. They must be able to quickly identify and classify malware, and they must be able to develop and implement countermeasures. This Try It course may be helpful in introducing you to the basics of cybersecurity and malware that can prepare you for this type of role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Ethical Hacker

An ethical hacker is a computer security professional who uses their skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. They work with organizations to help them improve their security posture and prevent cyberattacks. This Try It course may be useful in your pursuit of a career in this field, as it provides an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to think like a hacker, which can be valuable skills for this job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Network Security Engineer

A network security engineer is responsible for designing and implementing an organization's network security architecture. They must be able to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, and they must be able to configure and manage network security devices. This Try It course may be helpful in your pursuit of a career in this field by providing an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to design and implement network security solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Computer Forensic Analyst

A computer forensic analyst is responsible for investigating and analyzing computer crimes. They must be able to identify, collect, and preserve digital evidence, and they must be able to testify in court. This Try It course may be helpful for gaining some foundational knowledge in cybersecurity concepts which may be beneficial for this career path.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensic Analyst

Security Auditor

A security auditor is responsible for assessing an organization's cybersecurity posture and making recommendations for improvements. They must be able to identify and assess cybersecurity risks, and they must be able to communicate their findings to management. This Try It course may be helpful in your pursuit of a career in this field by providing an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to assess cybersecurity risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Cloud Security Engineer

A cloud security engineer is responsible for securing an organization's cloud computing environment. They must be able to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks, and they must be able to configure and manage cloud security services. This Try It course may be helpful as an introduction to cybersecurity concepts that may be beneficial when seeking this type of role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Information Security Manager

An information security manager is responsible for overseeing an organization's cybersecurity program. They must be able to develop and implement cybersecurity policies and procedures, and they must be able to manage cybersecurity risks. This Try It course may be helpful in your pursuit of a career in this field by providing an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to manage cybersecurity risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Data Protection Officer

A data protection officer, also known as a privacy officer, is responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with data protection laws and regulations. They must be able to identify and assess data protection risks, and they must be able to develop and implement data protection policies and procedures. This Try It course may be helpful in your pursuit of a career in this field as it provides an overview of cybersecurity concepts and how to protect data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Protection Officer

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts monitor and investigate cybersecurity threats and incidents. They work to protect an organization's computer networks and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This Try It course can serve as a strong starting point in your pursuit of this career path, by providing essential cybersecurity fundamentals that will contribute to your success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

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 Try It: Cybersecurity Basics.

Cryptography Engineering

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Provides a deep dive into cryptography, covering topics such as encryption algorithms, key management, and cryptanalysis. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the technical aspects of cryptography.

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Cybersecurity Basics

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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