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The Foundations of Cybersecurity

Herbert J. Mattord, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, CDP and Michael Whitman, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP

In order to manage the cybersecurity function business, you must first understand its language and its environment. This course covers the foundations of cybersecurity, including threats and vulnerabilities as well as the tools, technologies, and strategies used to manage it.

After completing this course, a learner will be able to:

● Define key concepts and terminology in Cybersecurity

● Identify threats to cybersecurity

● Identify strategies to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in information assets

Read more

In order to manage the cybersecurity function business, you must first understand its language and its environment. This course covers the foundations of cybersecurity, including threats and vulnerabilities as well as the tools, technologies, and strategies used to manage it.

After completing this course, a learner will be able to:

● Define key concepts and terminology in Cybersecurity

● Identify threats to cybersecurity

● Identify strategies to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in information assets

● Identify the systemic components (including personnel) necessary for an effective cybersecurity program

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to The Foundations of Cybersecurity (Course 1)
This is an overview of the learning objectives for the course.
Introduction to Cybersecurity (Module 1.1)
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for beginners, this course introduces the basics of cybersecurity
Taught by industry experts with certifications like CISM and CISSP
Builds a foundation for further study or a career in cybersecurity
Course materials include videos, readings, and discussions
No prerequisites are required
Suitable for those with no prior cybersecurity knowledge or experience

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Solid foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals

According to students, "The Foundations of Cybersecurity" is a largely positive introductory course, especially for those with little to no prior knowledge in the field. Learners praise its ability to provide a solid theoretical groundwork by covering key concepts and terminology in a clear and concise manner. The modules are well-structured and easy to follow, making complex topics digestible. However, some learners noted that the course is primarily theoretical, occasionally lacking practical, hands-on exercises or in-depth technical discussions. A few reviews also suggest that some content, particularly regarding threat examples, could benefit from more contemporary updates.
The course content is logically organized and easy to navigate.
"The modules are well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for absolute beginners."
"The structure is logical, building knowledge module by module."
"This course is perfect for establishing a baseline understanding of cybersecurity. It's well-organized and presents complex ideas in a digestible format."
Clearly defines key terms and systemic components of cybersecurity.
"It covers the key concepts and terminology effectively. I found the section on threats and vulnerabilities particularly insightful."
"I now feel like I have a good grasp of the basic terminology and common threats."
"The course successfully defines key terms and explains the components of a cybersecurity program."
Provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction for new learners.
"This course provides a solid introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals... making it accessible for absolute beginners."
"Absolutely fantastic for a beginner! I had zero knowledge of cybersecurity, and this course made it all understandable and engaging."
"Highly recommend this course for anyone looking to enter the cybersecurity domain! It provides a comprehensive yet accessible foundation."
Some parts of the material might need updates for contemporary relevance.
"I hoped for more contemporary examples of threats. It felt like it could use an update in some areas."
"My main feedback would be to perhaps integrate more current case studies or examples, as the threat landscape evolves rapidly."
"It serves as a foundation, but it really needs to be supplemented with current industry news and more practical exercises."
Focuses on concepts; less on practical application or technical depth.
"While it doesn't go deep into technical implementations, it lays a strong theoretical groundwork."
"If you're looking for practical, hands-on skills or in-depth technical discussions, you'll need to look elsewhere."
"I enrolled hoping for practical skills, but this course is almost entirely theoretical. There's no hands-on component whatsoever."

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 The Foundations of Cybersecurity with these activities:
Review Networking Concepts
Refresh your knowledge of networking concepts to strengthen your understanding of cybersecurity principles.
Browse courses on Networking
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on networking fundamentals.
  • Take online quizzes or practice tests to assess your understanding.
  • Set up a simple network to experiment with different configurations.
Practice Cybersecurity Terminology and Concepts
Reinforce your grasp of cybersecurity terminology and concepts through repetitive exercises.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity Terminology
Show steps
  • Create flashcards with key cybersecurity terms and definitions.
  • Take online quizzes or practice tests to test your knowledge.
  • Engage in discussions with peers or mentors to clarify any misunderstandings.
Review 'Introduction to Computer Security' by Michael Whitman and Herbert Mattord
Review the foundational concepts of cybersecurity as outlined in this text by the course instructors.
View Principles of Information Security (MindTap... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and unfamiliar terms.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises and quizzes to test your understanding.
  • Create a summary of each chapter, highlighting the main points and how they relate to the course objectives.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Participate in Study Group Discussions
Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and reinforce your learning through collaborative study sessions.
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to review course material, solve problems, and quiz each other.
  • Facilitate discussions and contribute your own perspectives.
Attend a Cybersecurity Awareness Workshop
Participate in a cybersecurity workshop to gain practical insights and best practices from industry experts.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity Awareness
Show steps
  • Identify and register for reputable cybersecurity workshops or conferences.
  • Attend the workshop and actively engage in discussions and demonstrations.
  • Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
Design an Incident Response Plan
Create a comprehensive plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a security incident, ensuring you are prepared to respond effectively.
Show steps
  • Identify the potential security incidents that could impact your organization
  • Develop procedures for responding to each type of incident
  • Assign responsibilities to team members for each step of the response process
  • Test the plan to ensure it is effective
Follow tutorials on Network Security Fundamentals
Supplement your understanding of network security by following guided tutorials that demonstrate practical applications and configurations.
Browse courses on Network Security
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for network security tutorials, such as Coursera or Udemy.
  • Select tutorials that cover fundamental concepts like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network monitoring.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes on key configurations and best practices.
Volunteer with a Cybersecurity Organization
Give back to the cybersecurity community while gaining practical experience by volunteering your skills.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Identify cybersecurity organizations or initiatives that align with your interests.
  • Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in activities such as mentoring, assisting with events, or providing technical support.
Investigation of a Security Breach
Conduct a realistic investigation of a security breach, helping you to develop the skills needed to identify and mitigate threats.
Show steps
  • Gather information about the breach
  • Identify the root cause of the breach
  • Develop a plan to prevent similar breaches in the future
Develop a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan
Apply your knowledge of cybersecurity to create a practical incident response plan, enhancing your understanding of incident handling procedures.
Browse courses on Incident Response
Show steps
  • Research industry best practices for cybersecurity incident response.
  • Identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities relevant to your organization.
  • Develop a step-by-step plan outlining roles, responsibilities, and actions to be taken in the event of an incident.
  • Review and refine the plan regularly to ensure its effectiveness.
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
Conduct a vulnerability assessment and penetration test with a peer to identify potential security weaknesses and develop mitigation strategies.
Show steps
  • Identify the scope of the assessment
  • Use a variety of tools and techniques to identify vulnerabilities
  • Develop a report of findings and recommendations
Participate in Cybersecurity Competitions
Challenge yourself and test your skills by participating in cybersecurity competitions, fostering a competitive spirit and driving your learning.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for cybersecurity competitions or hackathons.
  • Team up with peers or work independently to solve cybersecurity challenges.
  • Analyze real-world security scenarios and develop innovative solutions.

Career center

Learners who complete The Foundations of Cybersecurity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cybersecurity Engineer
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, is highly relevant to the field of Cybersecurity Engineering. The course covers the foundations of cybersecurity, including threats and vulnerabilities as well as the tools, technologies, and strategies used to manage it. As a Cybersecurity Engineer, you will benefit from the material taught in this course as it aligns with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and maintain secure computer systems and networks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer
Network Security Engineer
This course will be very helpful to those who want to become a Network Security Engineer. The concepts, tools and strategies taught in this course are used by Network Security Engineers to plan, implement, and maintain the security of computer networks. This course can help you gain the foundational knowledge to plan and carry out security assessments and implement security controls.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer
Information Security Analyst
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will help you develop a clear and stronger understanding of cybersecurity concepts and strategies used for managing this area. The course will also teach you how to identify threats and vulnerabilities in information assets. This is important knowledge for anyone who wants to work as an Information Security Analyst, as they are responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Architect
The Foundations of Cybersecurity course provides the foundational knowledge needed by a Cybersecurity Architect to design and implement secure computer networks and systems. Gaining a clear understanding of cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies will be a great benefit in advising business leaders on how to protect their organizations from cyber attacks
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect
Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
The Foundations of Cybersecurity course provides the foundational knowledge needed by a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst to identify, analyze, and interpret cyber threats. Gaining a clear understanding of cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies will be a great benefit in helping organizations stay protected against cyber attacks
See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
Cybersecurity Incident Responder
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, can be extremely helpful for someone seeking to become a Cybersecurity Incident Responder. Cybersecurity Incident Responders are responsible for investigating and responding to cybersecurity incidents. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will help build a foundation for understanding how to identify, contain, and recover from cyberattacks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Incident Responder
Security Consultant
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will be very helpful to someone seeking to enter the field of Security Consulting. A Security Consultant provides expert advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will help build a foundation that will make you more effective at identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
IT Risk Manager
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will lay the groundwork for anyone interested in a career as an IT Risk Manager. The concepts, tools and strategies taught in this course are used daily by IT Risk Managers to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks. This course will prepare you with the foundational knowledge to more effectively mitigate cybersecurity risks
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Risk Manager
Cybersecurity Operations Manager
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, is very helpful to someone who wants to become a Cybersecurity Operations Manager. Cybersecurity Operations Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the day-to-day operations of an organization's cybersecurity program. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will help build a foundation that will make you more effective at all aspects of cybersecurity management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Operations Manager
Security Software Developer
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will be very helpful as you pursue a career as a Security Software Developer. Security Software Developers design, develop, and implement software applications that protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will help build a foundation that will make you more effective in developing secure software applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Software Developer
Malware Analyst
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will help develop a clear and stronger understanding of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities as well as the tools, technologies, and strategies used to manage it. As a Malware Analyst, you will benefit from the material taught in this course as it aligns with the knowledge and skills needed to research, analyze, contain, and neutralize malware.
See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst
Penetration Tester
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will help you develop a clear and fundamental understanding of cybersecurity concepts and strategies used for managing this area. The course will also teach you how to identify threats and vulnerabilities in information assets. This knowledge is critical to a Penetration Tester who ethically exploits computer systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses.
See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester
Information Technology Auditor
An Information Technology Auditor reviews an organization's information systems and provides assurance that the systems are operating as intended and in accordance with established policies and procedures. The course will help you gain to understand the critical components of an effective cybersecurity program, which will be useful in conducting security audits and making recommendations for improvement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Auditor
Data Protection Officer
The course, The Foundations of Cybersecurity, will help you develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts and strategies used for managing this area. The course will also teach you how to identify threats and vulnerabilities in information assets. This knowledge is essential to a Data Protection Officer who is responsible for protecting an organization's data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Protection Officer
Cloud Security Architect
This course will be very helpful to someone who wants to become a Cloud Security Architect. The knowledge and skills covered in this course will help build a strong foundation for understanding how to design, implement, and manage secure cloud computing solutions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 The Foundations of Cybersecurity.
Cover image
Information Security Management Handbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of information security management. It good choice for learners who want to learn about the different aspects of information security management.
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 6
Kindle Edition
$$
Information Security Management Handbook
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Fifth...
Hardcover
$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 3...
Hardcover
$$$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Fourth...
Hardcover
$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Fourth...
Hardcover
$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Fourth...
Hardcover
$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 5
Kindle Edition
$$$
Handbook of Information Security Management 1999
Hardcover
$$
Information Security Management Handbook, Volume 2
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Cyber Security Essentials
Save
Provides a reference for cybersecurity for business. It good choice for learners who want to learn about the different aspects of cybersecurity for business.
Cyber Security Essentials
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Security in Computing
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of security in computing. It good choice for learners who want to learn about the different aspects of security.
Security in Computing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Principles of Information Security
Save
Is written by the same authors as the course, and it covers the same topics in more depth. It good choice for learners who want to learn more about cybersecurity.
Principles of Information Security (MindTap Course...
Paperback
$$$
Principles of Information Security
Paperback
$$$
Principles of Information Security
Kindle Edition
$$$
Bundle: Principles of Information Security, Loose...
Product Bundle
$$$$
Principles of Information Security
Paperback
$$
Principles of Information Security
Paperback
$$$$
Principles of Information Security (MindTap Course...
Mass Market Paperback
$$
Principles of Information Security, Loose-Leaf...
Loose Leaf
$$$
Cover image
Cybersecurity All-in-One For Dummies
Save
Provides a guide to cybersecurity for parents.
Cybersecurity All-in-One For Dummies
Paperback
$$
Cybersecurity All-in-One For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Security Engineering
Save
Provides a systems approach to cybersecurity. It good choice for learners who want to understand how cybersecurity fits into the larger context of systems engineering.
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...
Hardcover
$$
Personal Medical Information: Security, Engineering...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building...
Paperback
$$$
Security Engineering, 2ed
Paperback
$$
Security Engineering and Tobias on Locks Two-Book...
Hardcover
$$$$
Security Engineering: A Guide to Building (text...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Cover image
The Manager’s Guide to Cybersecurity Law
Save
Provides a guide to cybersecurity for educators
The Manager’s Guide to Cybersecurity Law:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Security in Computing
Save
Provides a broad overview of cybersecurity, covering topics such as threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures. It good starting point for learners who are new to the field.
Security in Computing
Paperback
$$$$
Security in Computing
Mass Market Paperback
$$
Security in Computing, 4th Edition
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Hardcover
$$
Security in Computing
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
5 weeks with a module per week. Each module is 1 to 2 hours of study.
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University System of Georgia
Instructors
Herbert J. Mattord, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, CDP
Michael Whitman, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP
Language
English
Transcripts
العربية Français বাংলা українська мова 中文 Ελληνικά Italiano Português tiếng Việt Nederlands 한국어 Deutsch پښتو اُردُو, Pусский ไทย Bahasa Indonesia Svenska Türkçe آذربایجان دیلی Español हिंदी 日本語 қазақша فارسی magyar nyelv Polski
This course belongs to a collection called Managing Cybersecurity. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Managing Cybersecurity Incidents and Disasters
  2. Road to the CISO – Culminating Project Course
  3. The GRC Approach to Managing Cybersecurity
  4. Managing Network Security
  5. The Foundations of Cybersecurity (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for beginners, this course introduces the basics of cybersecurity
Taught by industry experts with certifications like CISM and CISSP
Builds a foundation for further study or a career in cybersecurity
Course materials include videos, readings, and discussions
No prerequisites are required
Suitable for those with no prior cybersecurity knowledge or experience
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