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Shadow Farrell
Students will learn about the security management process. They will examine risk and risk management, including quantitative and qualitative risk assessments. The course includes discussion of security control types and physical security controls. Students will explore all aspects of Identity and Access Management (IAM) including single-factor and multi-factor authentication, account and access control, single sign-on and federation. Students will learn to harden endpoint devices including mobile and IoT devices. Students explore cryptography including symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing and digital signatures, and using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to create and manage certificates. Students explore network security including defense in depth, firewalls, IDS/IPS, wireless security, remote access, and cloud computing. Students explore vulnerability management, ethical hacking, and compliance. Then they learn about attackers, social engineering, malware, software/network attacks, wireless and password attacks. Students learn about incident response, forensics, and planning for business continuity. Labs encourage students to apply security concepts to their personal lives, practice applying security to networks, and even include hacking and forensic simulations. At the end of the course, students will complete a capstone project to demonstrate mastery of course objectives and use for personal branding.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/6h6b9u/introduction
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive it security introduction with practical labs
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured introduction to IT security. Many highlight the practical, hands-on labs as a major strength, noting their effectiveness in solidifying complex concepts. Students appreciate the clear explanations from the instructor and find the course valuable for building a strong foundational understanding for further studies or a career in cybersecurity. While some mention that the broad coverage means certain topics lack deep dives, making it more suited for beginners rather than experienced professionals, the capstone project is seen as an excellent way to apply knowledge and build a portfolio.
Instructor provides clear and easy-to-follow explanations.
"The instructor's explanations were clear and easy to follow, making even challenging topics accessible."
"The instructor also did a fantastic job explaining complex ideas."
Labs are highly engaging and effective for applying security concepts.
"The labs were incredibly practical and helped solidify complex concepts."
"The hands-on labs are the best part of this course! They really help in understanding the practical applications of security concepts."
"The capstone project was a great opportunity to apply everything learned and build a portfolio piece."
Offers a broad, foundational understanding of IT security topics.
"This course provides an excellent foundation in IT security... Highly recommend for anyone starting in cybersecurity."
"A very comprehensive introduction. It covers a lot of ground, which is great for beginners."
"The course covers a lot of ground... the fundamental concepts are well explained. Good for building a baseline."
Older reviews mentioned content could benefit from periodic updates.
"I struggled with the clarity of some explanations, particularly in the encryption module. Not what I expected."
"Outdated content in some modules, especially regarding specific tools or threat landscapes. The videos could use an update."
"While recent content feels current, some older segments could benefit from periodic review to stay entirely up-to-date with rapid changes in IT security."
Excellent for newcomers, but may lack depth for experienced learners.
"While it covers a lot, some sections felt very high-level. As someone with a little prior IT experience, I was hoping for more depth."
"It's truly for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge."
"The breadth of topics is impressive, but sometimes it felt a bit rushed, especially the module on malware."
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
Show steps
Revisit fundamental security principles to strengthen the foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Security Concepts
Show steps
-
Review notes and materials from previous security courses.
-
Take practice quizzes or solve problems to test your understanding.
Review Basic Encryption Practices
Show steps
Secure communication begins with encryption, and getting a refresher will prepare you for the key concepts of encryption that are used in this course.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Gain a deep understanding of cryptographic principles and their application in network security.
View
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice Network Defense Configuration
Show steps
Security defenses depend on careful configuration and management of network devices. Lab exercises will boost your confidence in security device management.
Browse courses on
Firewall Configuration
Show steps
-
Set up a basic firewall on a virtual machine
-
Configure an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor network traffic
Practice Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus
Show steps
Develop hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities using industry-leading tools.
Browse courses on
Vulnerability Scanning
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Learn about common hacking techniques and how to ethically test security systems.
Browse courses on
Ethical Hacking
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Create a comprehensive security plan that addresses risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.
Browse courses on
Security Management
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Understanding password cracking techniques helps you evaluate password security and implement better password policies.
Browse courses on
Ethical Hacking
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Create engaging content to educate users about cybersecurity risks and best practices.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Awareness
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Collaborate with others to enhance cybersecurity tools and technologies.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience to help others develop their cybersecurity skills.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
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.
Review Security Concepts from Previous Coursework
Show steps
Revisit fundamental security principles to strengthen the foundation for this course.
Browse courses on
Security Concepts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes and materials from previous security courses.
- Take practice quizzes or solve problems to test your understanding.
Review Basic Encryption Practices
Show steps
Secure communication begins with encryption, and getting a refresher will prepare you for the key concepts of encryption that are used in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Gain a deep understanding of cryptographic principles and their application in network security.
View
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice Network Defense Configuration
Show steps
Security defenses depend on careful configuration and management of network devices. Lab exercises will boost your confidence in security device management.
Browse courses on
Firewall Configuration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Set up a basic firewall on a virtual machine
- Configure an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor network traffic
Practice Vulnerability Scanning with Nessus
Show steps
Develop hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities using industry-leading tools.
Browse courses on
Vulnerability Scanning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Learn about common hacking techniques and how to ethically test security systems.
Browse courses on
Ethical Hacking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Create a comprehensive security plan that addresses risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.
Browse courses on
Security Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Understanding password cracking techniques helps you evaluate password security and implement better password policies.
Browse courses on
Ethical Hacking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Create engaging content to educate users about cybersecurity risks and best practices.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Awareness
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Collaborate with others to enhance cybersecurity tools and technologies.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Share your knowledge and experience to help others develop their cybersecurity skills.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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:
Information Security Analyst
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.
Security Architect
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.
IT Auditor
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.
Network Administrator
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.
Security Consultant
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.
Cybersecurity Engineer
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.
Security Analyst
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.
Data Protection Officer
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.
Cloud Security Engineer
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.
Security Operations Center Analyst
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.
Forensic Computer Analyst
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.
Penetration Tester
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.
Compliance Officer
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.
Risk Manager
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.
Information Security Manager
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6h6b9u/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 11 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
Introduction to IT Security.
This document provides a comprehensive set of security and privacy controls for information systems and organizations. It valuable resource for anyone who is responsible for the security of an information system or organization.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about these topics.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of applied cryptography. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about cryptography.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security in computing. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about security in computing.
Save
Provides insights into the mind of a social engineer and offers practical advice on how to protect yourself from social engineering attacks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to build secure systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of malware analysis. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to analyze malware.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer security. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about computer security.
Provides a comprehensive overview of hacking. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about how to hack.
Comprehensive guide to network security fundamentals. It valuable resource for anyone who is preparing for the Security+ certification exam.
Provides a step-by-step guide to protecting your network. It valuable resource for anyone who is responsible for the security of a network.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/6h6b9u/introduction
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Rating
4.9
Effort
22 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Instructor
Shadow Farrell
Language
English
Transcripts
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Akamai Customer Consulting and Support. It's comprised of six courses:
- Introduction to IT Security (viewing)
- Networking Fundamentals
- Python Scripting Fundamentals
- Operating Systems Fundamentals
- Introduction to Web Applications
- Managing Relational Databases
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