Cybercrime from Coursera

This course introduces fundamental notions of cybercrime. Namely, what cybercrime is, the main questions surrounding cybercrime, how cybercrime can be defined, and how it can be studied.

You will learn about the difficulties in measuring the occurrence, the frequency and the impact of cybercrime, and build a scepticism on the reliability and the interpretation of cybercrime reports.

You will be introduced to discussion about human aspects of cybercrime, in particular, the actors related to cybercrime, that is, the criminals, the victims, and law enforcement.

You will also learn about aspects such as personality, national and organisational culture, security culture, training, and other components which affect cybercriminal activity. Finally, you will dive into what is arguably the most important attack vector in cybercrime, that is, social engineering. You will gain an understanding of how it occurs, which techniques social engineers utilise, and which are the underlying psychological principles which make all of us – as humans – susceptible to social engineering attacks.

By the end of the course you should be able to:

• Reflect on the main questions related to cybercrime.

• Explain the meaning, definitions, importance, and impact of cybercrime.

• Assess the reliability and the interpretation of reports and surveys related to cybercrime.

• Identify the various classifications of cybercrime, the related threats, and threat actors.

• Explain the key role of human aspects in cybercrime.

• Differentiate between the various actors involved in cybercrime and their associated perspectives.

• Evaluate the underlying psychological principles which make social engineering the most successful attack vector in cybercrime.

• Describe how deception and social engineering manifest and how they can be defended against.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Cybercrime

In Week 1 we explain the concept of cybercrime and provide the various definitions of it. Some important cybercrime reports, surveys and guides (e.g. from Europol) are introduced. You will learn about cyber vs traditional crime and the threats that we face.

Cybercrime threats, actors and surveys

In this week we identify the approaches for classifying related crimes and threat actors and we discuss various reports and surveys on the manifestation, frequency and impact of cybercrime. We elaborate on the accuracy and the statistics of such reports and we compare and contrast traditional and cyber or online crime.

Humans and cybercrime

This week we explain the importance of human aspects in cybercrime. We look primarily at introducing the breadth of the offensive and criminal activity, the types of threats, and the crimes which are observed. We also discuss the various types of offenders, criminals and hackers, that is, the threat actors. We also discuss some of the big issues relating to cyber threats, at individual, organisational and national level. 

Social engineering

In this week you will be introduced to social engineering in cybercrime that is as a manipulation technique where cyber criminals exploit human trust to obtain confidential information, enabling further cyber crimes. Using disguised communication such as emails or calls, they trick individuals into revealing passwords or personal details.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces fundamental notions in the field of cybercrime

Combines theoretical knowledge and practical examples to enhance understanding

In-depth exploration of social engineering techniques and their implications

Taught by Konstantinos Mersinas, an expert in cybercrime

Suitable as a foundational course or refresher for individuals interested in cybercrime

May require prerequisites in computer science or information technology for deeper understanding

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 Cybercrime with these activities:

Review Network Security Concepts

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Strengthen your knowledge of network security concepts before starting the course to better understand the impact of cybercrime.

Browse courses on Network Security Fundamentals

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Revisit lecture notes or online resources on network security.
Take practice quizzes or review questions.

Review cybercrime definitions

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It will help you establish a solid foundation in understanding the basics of cybercrime and its various definitions.

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Read the course syllabus and introduction
Review the provided readings on cybercrime definitions
Summarize the key concepts in your own words

Follow a tutorial on Cybercrime Terminology

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Provides a deeper understanding of the technical terms used in cybercrime.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Terminology

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Search for a reputable tutorial on cybercrime terminology.
Follow the steps outlined in the tutorial.
Take notes and Clarify any unfamiliar terms.

Five other activities

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Explore Cybercrime Investigations

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Enhance your understanding of cybercrime investigations by following guided tutorials and case studies to learn best practices.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Incident Response

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Identify reputable sources for cybercrime investigation tutorials and case studies.
Select a tutorial or case study that aligns with your interests.
Follow the instructions carefully and take notes.

Complete Cybercrime Simulation Exercises

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Enhances your ability to identify and respond to cyber threats.

Browse courses on Penetration Testing

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Locate online simulations or exercises related to cybercrime.
Set up a safe testing environment.
Follow the instructions provided and complete the exercises.
Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement.

Develop a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

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Enhances your ability to respond effectively to cyber incidents.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Incident Response

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Gather information on best practices for cybersecurity incident response.
Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Develop a step-by-step response plan, including roles and responsibilities.
Document the plan and ensure it is accessible to all relevant stakeholders.
Test the plan through simulations or exercises.

Contribute to Open-Source Cybercrime Detection Tools

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Provides hands-on experience in analyzing and detecting cybercrime threats.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Tools

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Identify open-source cybercrime detection tools.
Review the documentation and familiarize yourself with their capabilities.
Locate opportunities to contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation updates.
Fork the repository, make changes, and submit a pull request.
Collaborate with the community to improve the tool's effectiveness.

Develop a cybersecurity awareness training program

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It will challenge you to apply your understanding of cybercrime to create a practical solution for preventing and mitigating its impact.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Awareness

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Research best practices and guidelines for cybersecurity awareness training
Design the training program, including modules on cybercrime threats, prevention measures, and incident response
Develop training materials, such as slides, handouts, and interactive exercises
Test and evaluate the training program's effectiveness

Career center

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

Security Analyst

Understanding the nature of cybercrime is fundamental to understanding the role of a Security Analyst. This course defines and explains this role, exploring its threats, and discussing its related surveys and reports. It helps build a foundation for success in this career by providing a deep examination of the human element of cybercrime, which Security Analysts frequently engage with in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers need a comprehensive knowledge of cybercrime to defend against it. This course provides that knowledge, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also dives into the psychological principles that contribute to social engineering, a common attack vector. As such, it may be useful to Cybersecurity Engineers looking to strengthen their defenses against cybercrime.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analysts investigate cybercrimes, so understanding the nature of those crimes is crucial. This course provides that understanding, exploring the definitions, threats, actors, and impact of cybercrime. Additionally, it delves into the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Forensic Computer Analysts with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Computer Analyst

Cybercrime Investigator

Cybercrime Investigators specialize in investigating cybercrimes. This course provides them with the foundational knowledge they need to succeed in this role, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, including the psychological principles behind social engineering. This knowledge may be useful for Cybercrime Investigators as they work to understand and prevent cybercrimes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybercrime Investigator

Digital Forensics Analyst

Digital Forensics Analysts examine digital devices to uncover evidence of cybercrimes. This course provides them with a deep understanding of cybercrime, including its definitions, threats, actors, and impact. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Digital Forensics Analysts with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Forensics Analyst

Incident Responder

Incident Responders handle the aftermath of cybercrimes. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and respond to these incidents, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, including the psychological principles behind social engineering. This knowledge may be useful for Incident Responders as they work to mitigate the damage caused by cybercrimes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Cybersecurity Consultant

Cybersecurity Consultants advise organizations on how to protect themselves from cybercrimes. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and assess cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Cybersecurity Consultants with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their recommendations to clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and exploit these vulnerabilities, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, including the psychological principles behind social engineering. This knowledge may be useful for Penetration Testers as they work to improve the security of computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Cybersecurity Architect

Cybersecurity Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and address cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Cybersecurity Architects with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their design and implementation decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and manage cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing CISOs with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their security strategies and decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Security Officer

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures for organizations. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and manage cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Information Security Managers with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their security strategies and decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate the security of an organization's information systems. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and assess cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing IT Auditors with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their audit procedures and findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks to organizations, including cybercrime risks. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and manage cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Risk Managers with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their risk assessments and mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations, including cybersecurity laws and regulations. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and manage cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Compliance Officers with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their compliance strategies and decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Cyber Insurance Underwriter

Cyber Insurance Underwriters assess and price cyber insurance risks. This course provides them with the knowledge they need to understand and manage cybercrime risks, defining cybercrime, discussing its impact, and identifying its threat actors. It also explores the human aspects of cybercrime, providing Cyber Insurance Underwriters with insights into the psychology behind cybercriminal behavior. This knowledge may be useful for informing their underwriting decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Insurance Underwriter

Cybercrime

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