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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.
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.
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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cjsxbj/the
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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)
Read more
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)
Read more
Learning Objectives for Introduction to Cybersecurity Module
Threats to Cybersecurity (Module 1.2)
Learning objectives for Threats to Cybersecurity
Security Technologies (Module 1.3)
Managing Vulnerabilities in Information Assets (Module 1.4)
Learning objectives for Managing Vulnerabilities in Information Assets module
Understanding the Cybersecurity Program (Module 1.5)
Learning Objectives for Managing Vulnerabilities in Information Assets Module
Wrap-up for The Foundations of Cybersecurity
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , 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
Save this course
Save The Foundations of Cybersecurity to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Practical guide to cybersecurity fundamentals
According to students, this course provides a solid and comprehensive grounding in the foundations of cybersecurity. Learners appreciate the course's clear and well-organized content, making it suitable for both beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge.
Learners say that the course effectively introduces key concepts and terminology related to cybersecurity, such as threats, vulnerabilities, and defense mechanisms. The practical examples and quizzes help reinforce understanding and provide a hands-on approach to learning.
Overall, learners highly praise this course as a valuable resource for gaining a strong foundation in cybersecurity.
Covers a wide range of cybersecurity topics
"this course covers the foundations of cybersecurity, including threats and vulnerabilities as well as the tools, technologies, and strategies used to manage it."
"This is a great basic course for those without a lot of technical knowledge. It gives a good overview of cybersecurity practices in a large or medium-size organization."
"I am really delighted to have completed this course as a starter to my chosen career in Cybersecurity. I will recommend this course to anyone who is interested in starting a career in Cybersecurity."
Easy to understand lectures and concepts
"The course is clear with a good structure, the lectures and videos are easy to follow and the advanced is a first step of five courses, but the knowledge get into your mind with context"
"Especially the instructor's comfort and experience when teaching was very clear & reassuring!Thank you"
"The course is beginner friendly. I am not a very computer minded person, but studying this course made it possible for me to understand these terms. Thank You."
Suitable for those with limited cybersecurity knowledge
"Great intro to what cyber security is. The talking was quite robotic but its was presented in an understandable way. This course is a great starting point."
"Learning about this as a newbie, this course really gave me the basics of cyber security and now I feel like I have the basic knowledge to dive further into the other courses. Great Job :)"
"I am absolutely thrilled to have been able to complete this course, the foundation of cyber security. The modules are easy to understand, simplified, and a great road map for every beginner in the field of cyber security."
Occasional errors in quizzes and typos in content
"Great course, but there were too many typos within the courses, quizzes and test."
"Best crashcourse on cybersecurity I've taken. Only downside is it has some grammar typos on the quizzes"
"Good foundational course at the right pace. Noticed several mistakes (incorrect choices marked correct) in the final quiz! I hope the instructors are able to correct these small errors."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Review Networking Concepts
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of networking concepts to strengthen your understanding of cybersecurity principles.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Reinforce your grasp of cybersecurity terminology and concepts through repetitive exercises.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Terminology
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share insights, and reinforce your learning through collaborative study sessions.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Participate in a cybersecurity workshop to gain practical insights and best practices from industry experts.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Awareness
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of network security by following guided tutorials that demonstrate practical applications and configurations.
Browse courses on
network security
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Give back to the cybersecurity community while gaining practical experience by volunteering your skills.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Community Involvement
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Conduct a realistic investigation of a security breach, helping you to develop the skills needed to identify and mitigate threats.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Conduct a vulnerability assessment and penetration test with a peer to identify potential security weaknesses and develop mitigation strategies.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Challenge yourself and test your skills by participating in cybersecurity competitions, fostering a competitive spirit and driving your learning.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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.
Network Security 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.
Information Security Analyst
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.
Cybersecurity Architect
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
Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
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
Cybersecurity Operations 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.
Security Consultant
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.
Malware Analyst
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.
IT Risk Manager
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
Cybersecurity Incident Responder
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.
Security Software Developer
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.
Penetration Tester
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.
Information Technology Auditor
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.
Data Protection Officer
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.
Cloud Security Architect
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cjsxbj/the
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.
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.
Provides a reference for cybersecurity for business. It good choice for learners who want to learn about the different aspects of cybersecurity for business.
Provides a comprehensive overview of security in computing. It good choice for learners who want to learn about the different aspects of security.
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.
Provides a guide to cybersecurity for parents.
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.
Provides a guide to cybersecurity for educators
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cjsxbj/the
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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
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Managing Cybersecurity. It's comprised of five courses:
- Managing Cybersecurity Incidents and Disasters
- Road to the CISO – Culminating Project Course
- The GRC Approach to Managing Cybersecurity
- Managing Network Security
- The Foundations of Cybersecurity (viewing)
Good to know
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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