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Chris Mitchell

This course is intended to provide a general introduction to key concepts in cyber security. It is aimed at anyone with a good general knowledge of information and communications technology. The nature, scope and importance of cyber security are explained, and key concepts are justified and explored. This includes examining the types of threat that cyber security must address, as well as the range of mechanisms, both technological and procedural, that can be deployed.

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This course is intended to provide a general introduction to key concepts in cyber security. It is aimed at anyone with a good general knowledge of information and communications technology. The nature, scope and importance of cyber security are explained, and key concepts are justified and explored. This includes examining the types of threat that cyber security must address, as well as the range of mechanisms, both technological and procedural, that can be deployed.

The role of cryptography in providing security is explored, including how algorithms and keys play their part in enabling cyber security. The key supporting function played by key management is identified, including why the use of cryptographic functions depends on it.

The need for security management in an organisation is explained, and its main elements are introduced - including the key role played by risk management. The importance of standardised approaches to security management is explained, as is the notion of compliance.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Cyber security basics
This module provides an introduction to cyber security. The scope of the subject is reviewed, and a definition is introduced based on the three key security objectives of confidentiality, integrity and availability.
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Cryptography – the basics
The importance of cryptography in providing cyber security is explained, and key elements of cryptography are introduced.
Security management
In an organisational context, security management covers the design and implementation of all aspects of the information security management system (ISMS), that is, the set of policies, processes, and procedures established to provide cyber security. The role of the ISMS is introduced and key elements of its functioning explained.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines cyber security threats, which is standard in the industry
Explores cryptography basics, which are a foundation for cyber security
Introduces security management concepts, which are core understanding for the role
Teaches risk management, which is a key aspect of security management

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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 Cyber Security Fundamentals with these activities:
Tutorial: Public Key Infrastructure
Review the fundamentals and key concepts of Public Key Infrastructure, reinforcing essential knowledge for the course.
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Show steps
  • Identify a reputable tutorial or resource on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).
  • Watch or read the tutorial, taking notes on the key concepts.
  • Summarize the main components and principles of PKI in your own words.
Attend: Local Cyber Security Meetup
Join a local cyber security meetup group to connect with professionals, learn about industry trends, and expand your network.
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  • Find a local cyber security meetup group through platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite.
  • Attend a meetup event, actively participate in discussions and engage with other attendees.
  • Follow up with individuals you meet, exchanging contact information and exploring collaboration opportunities.
  • Share your experiences and insights from the meetup with classmates or colleagues.
Cyber Security Awareness Poster
Design and develop a poster that visually communicates best practices for cyber security, enhancing understanding and promoting awareness.
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Show steps
  • Research common cyber security threats and best practices.
  • Design a poster that effectively conveys the researched information.
  • Present the poster to classmates or colleagues for feedback.
  • Revise and refine the poster based on feedback, ensuring clarity and impact.
  • Display the poster in a prominent location to promote cyber security awareness.
Two other activities
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Blog Post: Current Cyber Security Trends
Research and write a blog post on the latest cyber security trends, summarizing key findings and providing your own analysis.
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Show steps
  • Identify reliable sources of information on cyber security trends.
  • Gather data and insights from reputable reports, articles, and industry experts.
  • Organize and summarize the information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Write the blog post, using strong writing skills and proper grammar.
  • Publish the blog post on a platform of your choice.
Practice cryptography problems
By engaging in practice cryptography problems, you can strengthen your comprehension of various cryptographic techniques and algorithms, as well as improve your ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios. 
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Show steps
  • Identify different types of cryptographic algorithms
  • Understand the principles of encryption and decryption
  • Practice solving cryptography problems involving encryption, decryption, and key management

Career center

Learners who complete Cyber Security Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst helps protect an organization's computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks. They identify and assess vulnerabilities in an organization's security systems and implement measures to mitigate risks. This course provides a solid foundation in cyber security, including cryptography, risk management, and security management. It will help you to understand the threats that organizations face and the measures that can be taken to protect against them.
Computer Security Specialist
A Computer Security Specialist is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with other IT professionals to implement and maintain security measures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Network Security Engineer
A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security measures to protect an organization's computer networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Security Consultant
A Security Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They work with organizations to identify and assess risks and develop and implement security measures. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Cybersecurity Engineer
A Cybersecurity Engineer designs, implements, and maintains security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Security Architect
A Security Architect designs and implements the security architecture for an organization's computer systems and networks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is responsible for the overall security of an organization's computer systems and networks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Security Manager
A Security Manager is responsible for managing the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Risk Manager
A Risk Manager identifies and assesses risks to an organization's computer systems and networks and develops and implements measures to mitigate those risks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Cryptographer
A Cryptographer develops and implements methods to protect information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Compliance Manager
A Compliance Manager ensures that an organization's computer systems and networks comply with applicable laws and regulations. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Penetration Tester
A Penetration Tester simulates cyberattacks on an organization's computer systems and networks to identify and assess vulnerabilities. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Auditor
An Auditor examines an organization's computer systems and networks to assess their security and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Incident Responder
An Incident Responder investigates and responds to security incidents in an organization's computer systems and networks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst monitors and analyzes an organization's computer systems and networks for potential security threats. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures and respond to security incidents. This course may help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to work in this field.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Cyber Security Fundamentals.
A classic textbook that delves into the fundamentals of cryptography and network security, providing a strong foundation for understanding encryption algorithms and protocols.
A comprehensive textbook that covers various aspects of security in computing, including security policies, risk management, and incident response.
Provides insights into cloud security challenges and best practices, particularly relevant in the context of increasing cloud adoption.
Provides a practical guide to ethical hacking and penetration testing techniques, useful for gaining hands-on experience in vulnerability assessment.

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