We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?
Read more
Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?
Read more
Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?
This beginner-friendly and asynchronous course will help you jumpstart your cybersecurity career. Engage in an online learning experience tailored to your experience level.
In it, you will learn to think like a cyber pro, at your own pace. Study the key elements of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals working in the field today.
Key concepts covered in this course include:
-Cybersecurity
-CIA Triad
-Cryptography
-Plaintext
-Ciphertext
-Encryption
-Decryption
-Cipher
-Key
-Caesar Cipher
-Symmetric encryption
No prior experience or technical installations is required to join or complete this course.
Footnote:
1 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts. (2022). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. March 14, 2023.
This Try It is offered in support of the Cybersecurity Boot Camp with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill unless you enroll in the Cybersecurity Boot Camp.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/93xolt/try
Three deals to help you save
We found three deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Use code at checkout.
Valid until December 4
Save on Select Programs
Stay ahead in a competitive job market and save with these programs.
Take
30%
off
EDXCYBER24
Valid for a limited time only
Future-proof your career
Access O'Reilly books, live events, courses, and more. Save with an annual subscription.
Take
15%
off
What's inside
Learning objectives
- -recognize the basics and the importance of cybersecurity.
- -define and apply the cia triad to different scenarios.
- -examine cryptography basics and how they apply to cybersecurity.
- -recognize the basics and the importance of cybersecurity.
- -define and apply the cia triad to different scenarios.
- -examine cryptography basics and how they apply to cybersecurity.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Develops skills that will help learners break into the cybersecurity field
Appropriate for beginners to establish a foundational knowledge base in cybersecurity
Examines foundational concepts, including the CIA Triad and cryptography, that are essential for further exploration in cybersecurity
Offers flexibility with asynchronous learning, allowing learners to set their own pace
No prerequisite experience or technical installations are required, making the course highly accessible to those new to cybersecurity
Save this course
Save Try It: Cybersecurity Basics to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
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 Try It: Cybersecurity Basics with these
activities:
Volunteer at a cybersecurity non-profit organization
Show steps
Contribute to the cybersecurity community by volunteering your time and skills.
Show steps
-
Identify non-profit organizations that align with your interests
-
Research their mission and volunteer opportunities
-
Reach out to the organization and express your interest
-
Assist with cybersecurity initiatives, such as awareness campaigns or educational programs
Practice exercises on key concepts
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of core cybersecurity concepts through repetitive practice.
Browse courses on
CIA Triad
Show steps
-
Complete practice exercises provided in the course materials
-
Explore online resources for additional practice problems
-
Join online communities or forums for peer support and discussion
Review cryptography fundamentals
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of cryptography concepts through a detailed study of relevant textbooks.
View
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read assigned chapters from the recommended textbook
-
Take notes and highlight important concepts
-
Complete end-of-chapter exercises to reinforce learning
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow online tutorials on cybersecurity tools
Show steps
Develop practical skills by following guided tutorials and experimenting with cybersecurity tools.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
-
Identify specific cybersecurity tools relevant to the course
-
Locate and follow comprehensive online tutorials for each tool
-
Set up and configure the tools in a virtual environment
-
Run hands-on exercises and simulations to demonstrate tool functionality
Attend a cybersecurity workshop or conference
Show steps
Gain exposure to cutting-edge cybersecurity trends and network with professionals in the field.
Show steps
-
Research upcoming cybersecurity workshops or conferences
-
Identify sessions and speakers that align with your interests
-
Attend the event and actively participate in workshops and discussions
-
Follow up with speakers and attendees to continue learning
Write a cybersecurity blog post or article
Show steps
Share your knowledge and insights by creating a written piece on cybersecurity.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that aligns with your expertise and interests
-
Research and gather information from credible sources
-
Organize and outline your content in a logical manner
-
Write and edit your post or article, ensuring clarity and accuracy
-
Publish your work on a relevant platform or blog
Build a cybersecurity tool for personal use
Show steps
Demonstrate your mastery of cybersecurity concepts by designing and developing a practical tool.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
-
Identify a specific cybersecurity problem or task you want to address
-
Research and design a tool to solve the problem
-
Implement the tool using appropriate programming languages and technologies
-
Test and refine the tool to ensure its functionality and effectiveness
-
Document the tool and make it available to the community
Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects
Show steps
Contribute to the cybersecurity community by enhancing existing or developing new open-source tools.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
-
Identify open-source cybersecurity projects that align with your skills
-
Review the project documentation and codebase
-
Identify areas for improvement or new features
-
Propose and implement your contributions through code submissions
-
Collaborate with project maintainers and the community
Volunteer at a cybersecurity non-profit organization
Show steps
Contribute to the cybersecurity community by volunteering your time and skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify non-profit organizations that align with your interests
- Research their mission and volunteer opportunities
- Reach out to the organization and express your interest
- Assist with cybersecurity initiatives, such as awareness campaigns or educational programs
Practice exercises on key concepts
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of core cybersecurity concepts through repetitive practice.
Browse courses on
CIA Triad
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Complete practice exercises provided in the course materials
- Explore online resources for additional practice problems
- Join online communities or forums for peer support and discussion
Review cryptography fundamentals
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of cryptography concepts through a detailed study of relevant textbooks.
View
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read assigned chapters from the recommended textbook
- Take notes and highlight important concepts
- Complete end-of-chapter exercises to reinforce learning
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow online tutorials on cybersecurity tools
Show steps
Develop practical skills by following guided tutorials and experimenting with cybersecurity tools.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify specific cybersecurity tools relevant to the course
- Locate and follow comprehensive online tutorials for each tool
- Set up and configure the tools in a virtual environment
- Run hands-on exercises and simulations to demonstrate tool functionality
Attend a cybersecurity workshop or conference
Show steps
Gain exposure to cutting-edge cybersecurity trends and network with professionals in the field.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research upcoming cybersecurity workshops or conferences
- Identify sessions and speakers that align with your interests
- Attend the event and actively participate in workshops and discussions
- Follow up with speakers and attendees to continue learning
Write a cybersecurity blog post or article
Show steps
Share your knowledge and insights by creating a written piece on cybersecurity.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that aligns with your expertise and interests
- Research and gather information from credible sources
- Organize and outline your content in a logical manner
- Write and edit your post or article, ensuring clarity and accuracy
- Publish your work on a relevant platform or blog
Build a cybersecurity tool for personal use
Show steps
Demonstrate your mastery of cybersecurity concepts by designing and developing a practical tool.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific cybersecurity problem or task you want to address
- Research and design a tool to solve the problem
- Implement the tool using appropriate programming languages and technologies
- Test and refine the tool to ensure its functionality and effectiveness
- Document the tool and make it available to the community
Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects
Show steps
Contribute to the cybersecurity community by enhancing existing or developing new open-source tools.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source cybersecurity projects that align with your skills
- Review the project documentation and codebase
- Identify areas for improvement or new features
- Propose and implement your contributions through code submissions
- Collaborate with project maintainers and the community
Career center
Learners who complete Try It: Cybersecurity Basics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
IT Auditor
IT Auditor
The IT Auditor is responsible for auditing an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are compliant with security regulations. They work with other IT professionals to identify security risks, develop and implement security plans, and conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as an IT Auditor.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
The Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's information assets from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with management to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as an Information Security Analyst.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
The Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of computer networks and systems. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Security Engineer.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
The Cybersecurity Analyst is tasked with designing, implementing, and maintaining the security of computer networks and systems. They work to protect against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of information. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Cybersecurity Analyst.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineer
The Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of computer networks. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Network Security Engineer.
Security Consultant
Security Consultant
The Security Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They work with clients to identify security risks, develop and implement security plans, and conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Security Consultant.
Incident Responder
Incident Responder
The Incident Responder is responsible for responding to and resolving security incidents. They work with other IT professionals to identify the root cause of an incident, develop and implement a response plan, and restore normal operations. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as an Incident Responder.
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineer
The Cloud Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of cloud computing environments. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Cloud Security Engineer.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Tester
The Penetration Tester tests the security of computer networks and systems by simulating attacks. They work with other IT professionals to identify security vulnerabilities and develop and implement countermeasures. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Penetration Tester.
Malware Analyst
Malware Analyst
The Malware Analyst investigates and analyzes malware to identify its purpose, behavior, and potential impact. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement countermeasures to protect against malware. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Malware Analyst.
Security Architect
Security Architect
The Security Architect designs and implements the overall security strategy for an organization. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Security Architect.
Cybersecurity Manager
Cybersecurity Manager
The Cybersecurity Manager is responsible for the cybersecurity of an organization. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Cybersecurity Manager.
Forensic Analyst
Forensic Analyst
The Forensic Analyst investigates computer crimes and security breaches. They work with law enforcement and other IT professionals to gather evidence, analyze data, and develop reports. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Forensic Analyst.
Security Manager
Security Manager
The Security Manager is responsible for the overall security of an organization. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as a Security Manager.
Application Security Engineer
Application Security Engineer
The Application Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains the security of software applications. They work with other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they conduct security audits and risk assessments. This course will help build a foundation in cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad, cryptography, and the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals. This course may be useful for those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity or advance their career as an Application Security Engineer.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/93xolt/try
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
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics.
Save
This classic work provides comprehensive coverage of cryptographic algorithms and protocols, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the practical applications of cryptography.
This comprehensive handbook encompasses a wide range of topics in cybersecurity, from risk management and incident response to cloud security and ethical hacking, providing a valuable reference for professionals.
This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics, from cryptography and network security to security management and risk assessment.
Delves into the principles and practices of secure software development, offering insights and guidance for designing and implementing robust and resilient systems.
Save
This thought-provoking book examines the growing threat of cyberwarfare and its potential to reshape modern warfare, offering insights into the strategies and tactics employed by nation-states and cybercriminals.
Save
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of network security, covering topics such as network threats, cryptography, and security protocols.
This practical guide offers insights into the art of ethical hacking, providing techniques and tools for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems.
Save
This investigative journalism book delves into the activities of the infamous Russian hacking group Sandworm, uncovering their role in major cyberattacks and exploring the geopolitical implications of cyberwarfare.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity concepts and practices, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain a foundational understanding of the field.
Offers an accessible introduction to network security principles, protocols, and technologies, making it suitable for those with limited networking knowledge.
Save
This captivating memoir recounts the author's true-life experience of tracking down a hacker who infiltrated a government network, providing a gripping account of the challenges and rewards of cybersecurity investigations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/93xolt/try
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics.
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/445uml/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/5hjpu1/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/s3uvth/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/r954sk/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/955b42/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/6ebk01/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/2s4tdv/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/khm9te/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
OpenCourser.com/course/o64g54/try
Try It: Cybersecurity Basics
Most relevant
Effort
1 to 2 hours per week for 1 week
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Develops skills that will help learners break into the cybersecurity field
Appropriate for beginners to establish a foundational knowledge base in cybersecurity
Examines foundational concepts, including the CIA Triad and cryptography, that are essential for further exploration in cybersecurity
Offers flexibility with asynchronous learning, allowing learners to set their own pace
No prerequisite experience or technical installations are required, making the course highly accessible to those new to cybersecurity
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser