Introduction to IT Security from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Security Fundamentals

In this module, you will explore the information security cycle including the concepts of security, risk and the security management process. Then you will leqarn about physical security including the different control types and physical security controls from each type, and addressing environmental exposures.

Authentication and Account Management

In this module, you will explore authentication in depth including learning about authentication factors, multi-factor and single-factor authentication, and strong passwords. You will learn about account management including multiple and shared accounts, single sign-on and access control.

Device Security

In this module, you will learn about securing endpoints including patch management and application control. You will explore integrating mobile and IoT devices, and the effects of location services.

Encryption

In this module, you will learn the basics of cryptography including the difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and some of the algorithms. You will learn about hashes and digital certificates and understand the fundamentals of a Public Key Infrastructure.

Network Security

In this module, you will review network components and learn about defense in depth including firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. You will learn about extending the network perimeter including wireless networks, cloud services and remote access.

Security Management

In this module, you will learn about vulnerability scanning and ethical hacking. You will explore data security, security policies, and gain a deeper understanding of risk. You will also learn about compliance.

Security Threats

In this module, you will learn about attackers and attacks. You will learn about the concepts behind social engineering and some of the more common social engineering attacks. You will learn about web attacks, malware, software attacks, wireless attacks and password attacks.

Managing Security Incidents

In this module, you will learn about how to manage security incidents including prevention techniques. You will gain an understanding of incident response, forensics, business continuity, redundancy, the disaster recovery process, RAID and backups.

Capstone

Students will demonstrate mastery of the material by creating and uploading a capstone project.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Shadow Farrell, who is recognized for their work in security

Develops safe network practices and protocols, which are core skills for cybersecurity

Develops skills in identifying and protecting against cyber attacks

Taught by instructors with hands-on experience in security

May be relevant for beginners who are looking to develop a foundation in cybersecurity

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 Introduction to IT Security with these activities:

Review Security Concepts from Previous Coursework

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Revisit fundamental security principles to strengthen the foundation for this course.

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Review notes and materials from previous security courses.
Take practice quizzes or solve problems to test your understanding.

Review Basic Encryption Practices

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Secure communication begins with encryption, and getting a refresher will prepare you for the key concepts of encryption that are used in this course.

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Read a short article or blog post on symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption.
Review the concept of digital certificates and PKI.

Read 'Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice' by William Stallings

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Gain a deep understanding of cryptographic principles and their application in network security.

View Cryptography and Network Security: Principles... on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-5 to understand basic concepts of cryptography.
Read Chapters 6-10 to learn about network security protocols and applications.
Read Chapters 11-15 to explore advanced topics such as authentication and access control.

Eight other activities

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Practice Network Defense Configuration

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Security defenses depend on careful configuration and management of network devices. Lab exercises will boost your confidence in security device management.

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Set up a basic firewall on a virtual machine
Configure an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor network traffic

Practice Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus

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Develop hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities using industry-leading tools.

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Install Nessus on your computer.
Configure Nessus to scan a target network or system.
Run a vulnerability scan and analyze the results.

Follow Tutorials on Ethical Hacking Techniques

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Learn about common hacking techniques and how to ethically test security systems.

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Find reputable online tutorials on ethical hacking.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, practicing the techniques in a safe environment.
Document your findings and analysis.

Design a Security Plan

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Create a comprehensive security plan that addresses risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.

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Identify potential security risks and threats.
Assess the likelihood and impact of identified risks.
Develop strategies to mitigate identified risks.
Document the security plan and present it to relevant stakeholders.

Explore Password Cracking Techniques

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Understanding password cracking techniques helps you evaluate password security and implement better password policies.

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Follow a tutorial on how to use a password cracking tool
Learn about common password cracking methods, such as brute force and dictionary attacks

Develop a Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign

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Create engaging content to educate users about cybersecurity risks and best practices.

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Identify the target audience for the campaign.
Develop a message and materials that resonate with the audience.
Choose communication channels to reach the target audience.
Implement the campaign and track its effectiveness.

Contribute to Open Source Security Projects

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Collaborate with others to enhance cybersecurity tools and technologies.

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Identify open source security projects that align with your interests.
Read the project documentation and contribute to discussions.
Make bug fixes, feature enhancements, or contribute to testing efforts.

Mentor a Junior Cybersecurity Professional

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Share your knowledge and experience to help others develop their cybersecurity skills.

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Find a junior cybersecurity professional who could benefit from your mentorship.
Establish a regular meeting schedule and provide guidance on their career path.
Share your knowledge and insights to help them overcome challenges.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to IT Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They also develop and maintain security policies and procedures. As a Security Architect, one might spend their career working on cryptography, network security, or ethical hacking. This course may be useful as the modules on cryptography, network security, and ethical hacking will be useful for a Security Architect. Additionally, this course has modules on authentication, device security, and incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst can protect computer networks and systems from cyber attacks. Individuals who are just getting started in this career might be in roles like a Security Analyst or Junior Information Security Analyst. As an Information Security Analyst, you might spend part of your career working in penetration testing or vulnerability assessment. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, encryption, network security, ethical hacking, and incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate the security of computer systems and networks. They also make recommendations for improving security. It is common for IT Auditors to work in risk and compliance. This course may be useful for someone interested in IT Auditing due to its modules on risk and risk management, security control types, compliance, and incident response. While this course does not explicitly discuss IT Auditing, the knowledge it provides about security management, compliance, and incident response may be useful to IT Auditors.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants help organizations to improve their security posture. They assess risks, develop security plans, and implement security measures. Security Consultants usually have backgrounds in information security or computer science. They may specialize in areas including penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, risk and risk management, ethical hacking, and incident response.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators are responsible for maintaining and securing an organization's computer networks. They also troubleshoot problems and make sure that the network is running smoothly. Network Administrators may specialize in data encryption or wireless security. This course may be useful as it has modules on authentication, device security, network security, and wireless security.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify threats and vulnerabilities. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against threats. Security Analysts often specialize in areas such as threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident response. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, risk and risk management, vulnerability management, and incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect computer networks and systems. They also respond to security incidents and investigate security breaches. Cybersecurity Engineers often specialize in networking, operating systems, and security software. This course may be useful as it has modules on network security, encryption, authentication, and incident response.

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Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that an organization complies with laws and regulations. They also develop and implement compliance policies and procedures. Compliance Officers often specialize in areas such as privacy law, data security, and risk management. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, compliance, and risk and risk management.

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Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analysts investigate computer crimes and cyber attacks. They also recover and analyze electronic evidence. Forensic Computer Analysts often specialize in areas such as digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, and incident response. This course may be useful as it has modules on incident response, forensics, and ethical hacking.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design and implement security measures to protect cloud-based systems and data. They also respond to security incidents and investigate security breaches. Cloud Security Engineers often specialize in areas such as cloud architecture, cloud security, and cloud compliance. This course may be useful as it has modules on network security, encryption, and cloud computing.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They use a variety of techniques to simulate attacks and identify weaknesses. Penetration Testers often specialize in areas such as network security, web application security, and mobile security. This course may be useful as it has modules on ethical hacking, network security, and vulnerability management.

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Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems and data. They develop and implement security policies and procedures and manage the security team. Information Security Managers often specialize in areas such as information security, risk management, and compliance. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, risk and risk management, and authentication.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization's operations and assets. They also develop and implement risk management plans and procedures. Risk Managers often specialize in areas such as financial risk, operational risk, and compliance risk. This course may be useful as it has modules on risk and risk management, security management, and vulnerability management.

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Security Operations Center Analyst

Security Operations Center Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify threats and vulnerabilities. They also respond to security incidents and investigate security breaches. Security Operations Center Analysts often specialize in areas such as threat intelligence, incident response, and security monitoring. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, incident response, and network security.

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Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers are responsible for ensuring that an organization's data is protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction. They develop and implement data protection policies and procedures. Data Protection Officers may specialize in areas such as privacy law, data security, and risk management. This course may be useful as it has modules on security management, risk and risk management, authentication, and encryption.

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