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Cybersecurity basics for everyone

Ignacio Despujol

Computer devices connected to the Internet are a great work and leisure tool that has become indispensable in our lives, but their use poses increasingly significant risks, with a growing cybercrime that is already making profits equal to or greater than those of drug trafficking.

That is why in this course we tell you what threats you face and what means you have to defend yourself as a user, all illustrated with real examples and practical advice to improve your cybersecurity.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The threats you will encounter on the internet and some measures to mitigate them
  • The concepts of hacker, malware, worm, trojan horse, computer virus and their types
  • The different techniques of social engineering
  • Best practices for managing your passwords
  • Practical tips to improve your computer security

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores threats encountered on the Internet, offering practical advice to improve cybersecurity for everyday users, which is highly relevant in today's digital landscape
Covers concepts like malware, worms, and Trojan horses, providing a foundational understanding of common cyber threats, which is useful for personal growth and development
Examines social engineering techniques, which helps learners recognize and avoid phishing scams and other manipulative tactics, which is useful for personal growth and development
Presents best practices for password management, which is a core skill for protecting personal accounts and data, and is highly relevant in today's digital landscape
Produced by Universitat Politècnica de València, an institution recognized for its contributions to technology and engineering, which may add credibility to the course material

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Reviews summary

Basic cybersecurity for everyday users

According to students, this course provides a clear and practical introduction to cybersecurity for a general audience. Learners found the content on threats, social engineering, and passwords particularly useful, offering actionable tips for improving personal digital security. Many highlight its suitability for absolute beginners, appreciating the easy-to-understand explanations and bite-sized modules. While largely seen as informative and well-presented, a few felt it was too basic if they already had some knowledge.
Short, easy-to-digest lessons.
"The short modules made it easy to fit learning into my busy schedule."
"Liked the bite-sized structure, it kept me engaged."
"Each section was just the right length to understand without feeling overwhelmed."
Good coverage of essential basic threats.
"Good review of common threats like phishing, malware, and password best practices."
"Covered social engineering effectively and gave insights into how attacks work."
"Learned a lot about the different types of malware and viruses."
"The modules on passwords and social networks were particularly insightful."
Concepts are explained simply and clearly.
"The course was well structured and presented information in a clear and concise manner."
"Explanations were very clear, making complex topics easy to understand for a non-technical person."
"I appreciated how the instructor broke down concepts into simple terms."
"Very clear and direct in its approach."
Provides useful tips for daily security.
"Very practical advice that can be applied immediately to improve personal security."
"The course provides valuable, practical tips on how to protect yourself online."
"Aprendi mucho sobre ingenieria social y como protegerme mejor. Consejos muy utiles."
"Focuses on the 'how-to' for average users, which is exactly what I needed."
Perfect for those new to cybersecurity.
"Great course for beginners, it covers all basic concepts required for everyday life in the cyber world."
"Excellent course for learning the very basics of internet security and privacy. Good place to start."
"This is a perfect starter course for learning basic concepts of cybersecurity for everyone."
"I had zero knowledge about cybersecurity before this, and now I feel much more aware and capable."
May be too simple if you know basics.
"If you have any prior knowledge in IT or cybersecurity, this course might be too basic."
"Found some parts to be very elementary, but it fulfills the 'basics' promise."
"I was hoping for a bit more depth, but it is titled 'basics' after all."
"Might be repetitive for those with prior experience."

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 basics for everyone with these activities:
Review Basic Networking Concepts
Reviewing basic networking concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding cybersecurity threats and protection measures discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on networking fundamentals.
  • Take a practice quiz on TCP/IP and OSI model.
  • Summarize key networking concepts in your own words.
Read 'Cybersecurity for Dummies'
Reading this book will provide a broad overview of cybersecurity concepts in an accessible manner.
View Cybersecurity For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to threats and protection.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
  • Reflect on how the book's content relates to your own online habits.
Create a Password Management Guide
Creating a password management guide will reinforce your understanding of best practices for password security and help you communicate these practices to others.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for password creation and management.
  • Write a guide explaining these practices in simple terms.
  • Include examples of strong and weak passwords.
  • Share your guide with friends and family.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Phishing Email Identification Practice
Practicing identifying phishing emails will sharpen your ability to recognize social engineering tactics and avoid falling victim to scams.
Show steps
  • Find examples of real or simulated phishing emails online.
  • Analyze each email for red flags, such as suspicious links or urgent requests.
  • Document your reasoning for identifying each email as phishing or not.
Read 'Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the psychology behind social engineering attacks.
View Social Engineering on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the psychological principles behind social engineering.
  • Identify examples of these principles in real-world scenarios.
  • Reflect on how you can protect yourself from social engineering attacks.
Home Network Security Audit
Conducting a security audit of your home network will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world scenario and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Show steps
  • Inventory all devices connected to your home network.
  • Assess the security of each device, including password strength and software updates.
  • Identify potential vulnerabilities in your network configuration.
  • Implement security measures to address these vulnerabilities.
Security Awareness Presentation
Creating a security awareness presentation will solidify your understanding of cybersecurity best practices and allow you to share this knowledge with others.
Show steps
  • Research key cybersecurity threats and protection measures.
  • Develop a presentation that explains these concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
  • Include real-world examples and practical tips.
  • Present your presentation to a group of friends, family, or colleagues.

Career center

Learners who complete Cybersecurity basics for everyone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cybersecurity Analyst
As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you are at the forefront of defending digital assets. You will actively monitor systems for threats, analyze security incidents, and implement protective measures. This course helps you understand the landscape of threats you'll encounter. Gaining familiarity with malware, social engineering, and security best practices will enhance your ability to identify and respond to security incidents. This introductory material will help you succeed as a Cybersecurity Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst protects an organization's data and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. You'll achieve this by applying analytical and problem-solving skills to implement security measures. This course's overview of online threats and protective strategies helps provide a foundational understanding of the challenges faced by information security professionals. Learning about the types of malware, social engineering techniques, and best practices for password management can serve as a valuable starting point for a career as an Information Security Analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Security Operations Center Analyst
A Security Operations Center Analyst monitors security systems, analyzes security events, and responds to security incidents. This role involves working as part of a team to defend against cyberattacks. This course introduces various threats encountered on the Internet and offers mitigation measures, which helps to prepare someone for this role. Learning about real-world examples and practical advice to improve cybersecurity helps the candidate to understand the subject matter. If you want to become a Security Operations Center Analyst, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center Analyst
IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist is responsible for maintaining computer systems and networks, ensuring they operate efficiently and securely. This role involves troubleshooting hardware and software issues, implementing security protocols, and educating users on best practices. This course helps an IT Support Specialist to understand potential threats and how to mitigate them. A course, which covers the concepts of malware, worms, Trojan horses, and computer viruses, will help to prepare someone to protect computer systems against these threats. If this sounds appealing, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Support Specialist
Help Desk Technician
A Help Desk Technician provides technical support to end-users, often serving as the first point of contact for IT-related issues, including security concerns. In this role, you might assist users with password resets, software installations, and troubleshooting potential malware infections. This course helps to prepare an individual for this role by discussing threats and protection measures relevant to end-users. The coverage of social engineering techniques, password management, and practical tips to improve computer security helps a Help Desk Technician to better assist users and recognize potential security risks. This course may be useful if you wish to enter this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Help Desk Technician
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for maintaining and managing an organization's computer network. This involves configuring network devices, monitoring network performance, and implementing security measures to protect the network from threats. This course introduces fundamental cybersecurity concepts, which helps to prepare a network administrator to protect the network from threats. The coverage of malware, worms, Trojan horses, and computer viruses, along with practical tips to improve computer security, helps the candidate to better protect the network. If you wish to enter this field, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
System Administrator
As a System Administrator, you'll oversee the configuration, maintenance, and security of computer systems. This includes applying security patches, managing user access controls, and responding to security incidents. This course introduces fundamental cybersecurity concepts, which helps to prepare a system administrator to protect systems from threats. The coverage of malware, worms, Trojan horses, and computer viruses, along with practical tips to improve computer security, helps the candidate to better protect the systems. If you want to become a System Administrator, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator
Security Awareness Trainer
A Security Awareness Trainer plays a vital role in educating individuals and organizations about potential cybersecurity threats and best practices. This role involves developing and delivering training programs that cover topics such as identifying phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and understanding social engineering tactics. This course introduces various threats encountered on the Internet and offers mitigation measures, which helps to build a foundation for understanding the subject matter that a security awareness trainer imparts to others. Learning about real-world examples and practical advice to improve cybersecurity helps one succeed in this role. If you aspire to become a Security Awareness Trainer, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Awareness Trainer
Security Analyst
As a Security Analyst, you are tasked with safeguarding an organization's digital assets. This involves identifying vulnerabilities, monitoring for security breaches, and developing security policies. This course helps in understanding the fundamental threats encountered on the Internet and the means to defend against them. Knowledge of social engineering techniques, password management, and practical tips to improve computer security are highly relevant when analyzing potential security risks and recommending preventative measures. If you aspire to become a Security Analyst, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their security posture. They assess risks, recommend security solutions, and help implement security policies and procedures. In this role, you will need to be aware of the latest threats and vulnerabilities, as well as best practices for mitigating them. This course helps to build a foundation in cybersecurity, introducing the various threats encountered on the Internet and the means to defend against them. Learning about social engineering techniques, password management, and practical tips to improve computer security helps you succeed in this role. If you aspire to become a Cybersecurity Consultant, this course may be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant
Risk Analyst
A Risk Analyst identifies and assesses potential risks that could impact an organization, including cybersecurity risks. This role involves analyzing data, developing risk mitigation strategies, and monitoring the effectiveness of risk management programs. This course provides a general view of the cybersecurity landscape, which may be useful for understanding potential threats and vulnerabilities. The coverage of social engineering techniques, password management, and practical tips to improve computer security provides a basis for assessing cybersecurity risks. If you aspire to become a Risk Analyst with a focus on cybersecurity, this course may be helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst
Information Security Manager
An Information Security Manager oversees an organization's information security program. This role involves developing and implementing security policies, managing security risks, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This course helps one understand the threats encountered on the Internet and the means to defend against them. This background knowledge is essential for developing effective security policies and managing security risks. If you aspire to become an Information Security Manager, this course may be useful and relevant. Typically, this role requires an advanced degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager
Privacy Officer
The Privacy Officer is responsible for ensuring an organization's compliance with data privacy laws and regulations. This involves developing privacy policies, conducting privacy risk assessments, and training employees on privacy best practices. This course may be helpful for understanding the threats to data security and the importance of protecting sensitive information. You may find that the coverage of social engineering techniques and password management are particularly useful in developing effective privacy training programs. If this sounds appealing, this course may be relevant and useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Privacy Officer
Computer Forensics Investigator
A Computer Forensics Investigator examines digital devices to uncover evidence of cybercrimes or policy violations. This role involves analyzing data, recovering deleted files, and documenting findings in a manner suitable for legal proceedings. This course helps to develop general awareness of common cybersecurity threats and attack vectors. Understanding concepts like malware, social engineering, and password vulnerabilities helps frame an investigation. If you want to become a Computer Forensics Investigator, this course may be useful. Typically, this role requires an advanced degree.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensics Investigator
Application Security Engineer
An Application Security Engineer is responsible for ensuring the security of software applications. This involves identifying vulnerabilities in code, conducting security testing, and recommending security improvements. This course helps to introduce fundamental cybersecurity concepts, which may be useful for understanding potential threats and vulnerabilities that applications face. If you aspire to become an Application Security Engineer, this course may be helpful. For this role, it would be beneficial to have knowledge of secure coding principles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Security Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Cybersecurity basics for everyone.
Cover image
Social Engineering
Save
Delves into the psychology behind social engineering attacks. It provides a deeper understanding of how attackers manipulate human behavior to gain access to systems and information. While the course covers social engineering, this book offers a more comprehensive and nuanced perspective. It is more valuable as additional reading to deepen understanding of the topic.
Social Engineering
Paperback
Check
Social Engineering
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cybersecurity For Dummies
Save
Provides a broad overview of cybersecurity concepts in an accessible manner. It is particularly useful for beginners who want to understand the landscape of threats and defenses. While not a deep dive, it serves as a good introductory text and provides context for the course material. It is helpful for understanding the jargon and basic principles.
Cybersecurity For Dummies
Paperback
Check
Cybersecurity For Dummies
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 2 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Universitat Politècnica de València
Instructor
Ignacio Despujol
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores threats encountered on the Internet, offering practical advice to improve cybersecurity for everyday users, which is highly relevant in today's digital landscape
Covers concepts like malware, worms, and Trojan horses, providing a foundational understanding of common cyber threats, which is useful for personal growth and development
Examines social engineering techniques, which helps learners recognize and avoid phishing scams and other manipulative tactics, which is useful for personal growth and development
Presents best practices for password management, which is a core skill for protecting personal accounts and data, and is highly relevant in today's digital landscape
Produced by Universitat Politècnica de València, an institution recognized for its contributions to technology and engineering, which may add credibility to the course material
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