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Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?

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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 Vanderbilt University. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with Vanderbilt University unless you enroll in the Cybersecurity Boot Camp.

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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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops and strengthens baseline cybersecurity skills
Introduces key concepts in cybersecurity
Builds essential knowledge in the basics of cryptography
Suitable for beginners with no prior experience or technical installations
Engages learners in an online learning experience tailored to their experience level
Designed to help learners jumpstart their cybersecurity career

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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:
Review cryptography basics
Build a baseline knowledge of the core concepts of cryptography before starting the course.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Read a brief overview of cryptography concepts
  • Review basic encryption and decryption algorithms
  • Explore different types of ciphers
Practice Caesar Cipher encryption and decryption
Hone your understanding of encryption and decryption by practicing with the Caesar Cipher.
Browse courses on Caesar Cipher
Show steps
  • Implement the Caesar Cipher algorithm in a programming language
  • Encrypt and decrypt messages using the Caesar Cipher
  • Experiment with different key values and observe the results
Participate in a study group to discuss CIA Triad applications
Deepen your understanding of the CIA Triad by discussing its applications in real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on CIA Triad
Show steps
  • Join or form a study group with other course participants
  • Choose specific CIA Triad applications to discuss
  • Share perspectives, insights, and examples
  • Summarize key takeaways and document the discussion
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Explore online tutorials on symmetric encryption
Broaden your knowledge of symmetric encryption by exploring online resources.
Browse courses on Symmetric Encryption
Show steps
  • Find reputable online tutorials on symmetric encryption
  • Follow the tutorials to understand the concepts and algorithms
  • Practice implementing symmetric encryption in a programming language
Compile a cybersecurity resource repository
Organize and expand your cybersecurity knowledge base by creating a personalized resource collection.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity
Show steps
  • Identify and gather relevant resources (articles, tutorials, videos)
  • Categorize and organize the resources for easy reference
  • Include annotations or summaries to provide context
  • Share the repository with fellow students or the instructor for feedback
Develop a cryptography cheat sheet
Create a comprehensive resource to reinforce your understanding of cryptography.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Gather information from course materials and external resources
  • Organize the information into a logical and concise format
  • Include examples, definitions, and diagrams for clarity
  • Review and refine the cheat sheet for accuracy and completeness
Attend a workshop on advanced cryptography techniques
Engage with experts and gain practical experience in advanced cryptography.
Show steps
  • Find and register for a relevant workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in sessions
  • Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding
  • Follow up with the instructors or attendees for further discussion
Mentor a beginner in cybersecurity
Consolidate your knowledge and develop leadership skills by guiding a beginner's journey in cybersecurity.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity
Show steps
  • Connect with a beginner who needs guidance
  • Establish clear communication and set goals
  • Provide tailored advice, support, and resources
  • Monitor progress and offer encouragement

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Cybersecurity Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. They use their knowledge of cybersecurity to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as an Information Security Analyst.
Data Protection Officer
Data Protection Officers are responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with data privacy laws and regulations. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Data Protection Officer.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems for computer networks. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Network Security Engineer.
Incident Responder
Incident Responders investigate and respond to cyberattacks. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as an Incident Responder.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect organizations from cyber threats. They work closely with Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Cybersecurity Engineer.
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems for cloud computing environments. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Cloud Security Engineer.
Computer Forensics Analyst
Computer Forensics Analysts investigate cybercrimes and collect and analyze digital evidence. They work with law enforcement and other agencies to identify and prosecute criminals. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Computer Forensics Analyst.
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security frameworks and architectures to protect organizations from cyber threats. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Security Architect.
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on cybersecurity issues. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Cybersecurity Consultant.
Threat Intelligence Analyst
Threat Intelligence Analysts collect and analyze information about cyber threats. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Threat Intelligence Analyst.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers develop and implement encryption and decryption algorithms to protect data from unauthorized access. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Cryptographer.
Cyber Risk Analyst
Cyber Risk Analysts assess the financial impact of cyberattacks. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Cyber Risk Analyst.
Cybersecurity Auditor
Cybersecurity Auditors assess the effectiveness of an organization's cybersecurity program. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Cybersecurity Auditor.
Vulnerability Assessor
Vulnerability Assessors identify and assess vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as a Vulnerability Assessor.
Information Technology Security Manager
Information Technology Security Managers are responsible for the overall security of an organization's IT systems and networks. They work with Cybersecurity Engineers and Information Security Analysts to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop and implement security measures. This course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity and prepare you for a career as an Information Technology Security Manager.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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.
Provides a systems perspective on cybersecurity, covering the interactions between different security components. It valuable resource for learners who want to gain a holistic understanding of cybersecurity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, covering the technical, legal, and policy aspects of the field. It valuable resource for learners who want to gain a holistic understanding of cybersecurity.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security engineering, covering the principles and practices used to design and build secure systems. It valuable resource for learners who want to gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity.
A comprehensive textbook on network security, this book covers a wide range of topics, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. It valuable reference for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of network security.
Provides a unique perspective on cybersecurity, focusing on the human element of security. It valuable resource for learners who want to understand the psychological factors that contribute to cybersecurity breaches.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to cryptography, covering the basics of encryption, decryption, and key management. It useful reference for learners who want to understand the technical details of cryptography.
Provides a practical guide to penetration testing, covering the tools and techniques used by hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. It useful resource for learners who want to gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity.

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