Cybersecurity Compliance and System Administration from edX

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In this course you will hear from IBM Cybersecurity specialists who will share their expertise from supporting some of the world’s largest organizations.

Various compliance and industry standards will be discussed including standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Center of Internet (CIS) controls and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Global considerations will be addressed around the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Data protection regulations concerning personal data including phone number, credit card information and other sensitive data for healthcare and credit cards are reviewed.

You will learn the basic commands for user and server administration as it relates to information security. You will need this skill to be able to understand vulnerabilities within your organizations operating systems.

You will learn the concepts of endpoint security and patch management. Both of these topics are important to keep systems current to avoid cybersecurity risks against an organization.

Finally you will learn in depth skills around cryptography and encryption to understand how these concepts affect software within a company.

What you'll learn

Describe the challenges organizations face which require compliance and regulation.
Describe the key privacy and data protection requirements for GDPR.
Define the three rules established as standards for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Describe the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Describe the differences between basic, foundational and organizational Center for Internet Security (CIS) controls.
Describe the basics of endpoint protection and response.
Understand why patching is important to avoid cybersecurity threats.
Describe the principle of least privileges.
Describe Windows and Linux security management considerations.
Define cryptography and encryption.
Define common pitfalls of cryptography.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe the challenges organizations face which require compliance and regulation.
Describe the key privacy and data protection requirements for gdpr.
Define the three rules established as standards for the health insurance portability and accountability act (hipaa).
Describe the payment card industry data security standard (pci dss).
Describe the differences between basic, foundational and organizational center for internet security (cis) controls.
Describe the basics of endpoint protection and response.

Understand why patching is important to avoid cybersecurity threats.
Describe the principle of least privileges.
Describe windows and linux security management considerations.
Define cryptography and encryption.
Define common pitfalls of cryptography.

Describe the challenges organizations face which require compliance and regulation.
Describe the key privacy and data protection requirements for gdpr.
Define the three rules established as standards for the health insurance portability and accountability act (hipaa).
Describe the payment card industry data security standard (pci dss).
Describe the differences between basic, foundational and organizational center for internet security (cis) controls.
Describe the basics of endpoint protection and response.
Understand why patching is important to avoid cybersecurity threats.
Describe the principle of least privileges.
Describe windows and linux security management considerations.
Define cryptography and encryption.
Define common pitfalls of cryptography.

Syllabus

Module 1: Compliance Frameworks and Industry Standards

In this module you will learn the importance of understanding compliance frameworks and industry standards as it relates to Cybersecurity. You will learn about and investigate additional resources from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the American Institute of CPAs and the Center for Internet Security. You will learn different industry standards for Healthcare and the Payment Card industries.

Module 2: Client System Administration, Endpoint Protection and Patching

In this module you will learn about client system administration, endpoint protection and patching. You will learn the differences between endpoint protection; endpoint protection and detection; and unified endpoint management. You will learn what patching is and the patching process most organizations execute to secure their environments from threats.

Module 3: Server and User Administration

In this module you will learn about user management for Windows and Linux. You will also learn about security vulnerabilities for both operating systems and key components that you should be aware of as you develop skill in the Cybersecurity industry.

Module 4: Cryptography and Compliance Pitfalls

In this module you will learn about cryptography and encryption through the eyes of a penetration tester. You will learn about common pitfalls organizations face with cryptography especially when developing products. You will learn the different digital states of data including Data at Rest, Data in Use and Data in Transit. You will learn about hashing and how it relates to encryption

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores compliance frameworks and industry standards, which are standard in Cybersecurity

Taught by IBM, who are recognized for their work in Cybersecurity

Develops skills for user and server administration, which are core skills for Cybersecurity

Examines endpoint protection and patching, which are highly relevant to Cybersecurity

Introduces cryptography and encryption, which are essential concepts in Cybersecurity

Teaches industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO, which are essential for Cybersecurity compliance

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 Cybersecurity Compliance and System Administration with these activities:

Review of basic computer commands

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Computer commands form the backbone of several tasks and understanding these will help improve learning as the course progresses.

Browse courses on User Administration

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Review the basic commands for managing files and directories, creating and editing text files, and performing basic system tasks.
Practice using these commands in a command-line interface (CLI) or terminal window.

Review Windows Security Management

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Familiarize yourself with basic Windows Security Management concetps.

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Review Windows Security Features
Configure User Account Control (UAC)
Implement Local Security Policy
Manage Windows Firewall

Review Linux Security Management

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Familiarize yourself with basic Linux Security Management concetps.

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Review Linux Security Features
Configure User and Group Permissions
Implement SELinux or AppArmor
Manage Linux Firewall

11 other activities

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Complete a Cybersecurity MOOC or Online Course

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Enhance your cybersecurity knowledge and skills through structured online learning.

Browse courses on Professional Development

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Identify Relevant MOOCs or Online Courses
Enroll and Complete the Course
Participate in Discussions and Forums
Apply New Knowledge to Practical Situations

Review and Synthesize Course Materials

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Enhance your understanding by reviewing, organizing, and connecting course materials.

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Gather and Organize Notes, Quizzes, and Assignments
Review and Summarize Key Concepts
Identify and Fill in Knowledge Gaps
Create Mind Maps or Concept Diagrams

Build a Personal Cybersecurity Toolkit

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Hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools will greatly enhance your ability to understand and apply concepts.

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Identify the essential cybersecurity tools and software for your needs.
Install and configure these tools on your computer or virtual machine.
Learn how to use each tool effectively through tutorials or documentation.

Workshop: Understanding Cryptography Concepts

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Cryptography is a complex but vital topic, and this workshop will help bring the concepts to life.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Attend a workshop or webinar on cryptography concepts.
Follow along with the instructor and ask questions as needed.
Complete any exercises or assignments provided by the instructor.

Analyze Security Logs and Events

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Develop your ability to analyze security logs and events to identify potential threats.

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Collect and Review Security Logs
Use Tools for Log Analysis
Identify and Investigate Security Incidents
Document and Report Findings

Join a Cybersecurity Study Group or Discussion Forum

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Engage with peers to discuss cybersecurity concepts, share knowledge, and solve problems.

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Identify and Join a Relevant Study Group or Forum
Participate in Discussions and Ask Questions
Share Your Knowledge and Insights
Collaborate on Projects or Assignments

Endpoint Security and Patch Management Exercises

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Endpoint security and patch management are critical for preventing cyberattacks. This activity will reinforce what you learn in the course.

Browse courses on Endpoint Security

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Find practice exercises or online quizzes on endpoint security and patch management.
Complete the exercises or quizzes to test your understanding of the concepts.
Review your results and identify areas where you need additional study.

Introduction to Penetration Testing

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By learning the same techniques used by attackers, you'll gain valuable insights into cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

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Follow online tutorials or take a course on penetration testing.
Set up a virtual lab environment for practice.
Practice using penetration testing tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity Capture the Flag (CTF) Competition

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CTF competitions provide an immersive and gamified approach to practicing cybersecurity skills.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Find a CTF competition that aligns with your skill level and interests.
Join a team or participate individually.
Solve the challenges presented in the competition.
Collaborate with your team and learn from others.

Develop a Security Incident Response Plan

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Create a comprehensive plan to guide your organization's response to security incidents.

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Define Incident Response Roles and Responsibilities
Establish Communication and Notification Procedures
Develop Incident Response Procedures
Test and Revise the Incident Response Plan

Contribute to an Open-Source Cybersecurity Project

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the cybersecurity community.

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Identify a Suitable Open-Source Project
Understand the Project's Codebase and Requirements
Make Code Contributions
Test and Review Your Contributions

Career center

Learners who complete Cybersecurity Compliance and System Administration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Information Security Administrator

An Information Security Administrator is responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization's information security program. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different compliance frameworks and industry standards that organizations must adhere to, as well as how to implement and manage endpoint protection and patching solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Administrator

Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and responding to cybersecurity threats. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different types of cybersecurity threats that organizations face, as well as how to investigate and respond to them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor is responsible for assessing an organization's IT systems and controls to ensure that they are compliant with regulatory requirements. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different compliance frameworks and industry standards that organizations must adhere to, as well as how to conduct IT audits.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Compliance Manager

A Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that an organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different compliance frameworks and industry standards that organizations must adhere to, as well as how to develop and implement compliance programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Manager

Risk Manager

A Risk Manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different types of risks that organizations face, as well as how to develop and implement risk management plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Security Architect

A Security Architect is responsible for designing and implementing an organization's security architecture. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different components of a security architecture, as well as how to design and implement security solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer network. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different components of a computer network, as well as how to manage and maintain network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

System Administrator

A System Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different components of a computer system, as well as how to manage and maintain system security.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's database systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different components of a database system, as well as how to manage and maintain database security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect is responsible for designing and implementing an organization's cloud computing infrastructure. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different components of a cloud computing infrastructure, as well as how to design and implement cloud security solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Information Security Consultant

An Information Security Consultant is responsible for providing advice and guidance to organizations on cybersecurity matters. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different aspects of information security, as well as how to develop and implement information security solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Consultant

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing security solutions for an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different types of security solutions, as well as how to design and implement them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in a career as a Software Engineer, as it will provide you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different aspects of software development, as well as how to develop secure software applications.

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Cybersecurity Instructor

A Cybersecurity Instructor is responsible for teaching cybersecurity courses to students. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in a career as a Cybersecurity Instructor, as it will provide you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different aspects of cybersecurity, as well as how to develop and deliver cybersecurity courses.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for writing technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may be useful for you if you are interested in a career as a Technical Writer, as it will provide you with a strong foundation in cybersecurity compliance and system administration. You will learn about the different types of technical documentation, as well as how to write clear and concise technical documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer