Try It: Cybersecurity Basics from edX

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

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

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners develop a basic understanding of cybersecurity

Teaches skills, knowledge, and tools that are highly relevant to industry

Introduces learners to the CIA Triad, a core concept in cybersecurity

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in cybersecurity

Provides a comprehensive study of cybersecurity basics

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

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 basic computer science concepts

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Refresh your understanding of essential computer science concepts

Browse courses on Programming

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Review notes or online resources on basic computer science concepts
Practice solving simple programming problems or data structure exercises

Read 'Cybersecurity for Beginners' by Charles Curry

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals

View Privileged and Confidential: The Secret History... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book 'Cybersecurity for Beginners' by Charles Curry
Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts
Summarize the main points of the book in your own words

Organize and review course materials

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Strengthen your understanding by reviewing and organizing course materials

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Review the materials and organize them into logical categories
Summarize key concepts and ideas from the materials

Five other activities

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Learn about the CIA Triad with online tutorials

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Review how the CIA Triad framework applies to cybersecurity

Browse courses on CIA Triad

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Find online tutorials that cover the CIA Triad and its relevance to cybersecurity
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts
Summarize the main points of the tutorials in your own words

Practice solving cryptography puzzles

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Develop your understanding of cryptography through hands-on practice

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Find online resources or books that provide cryptography puzzles
Attempt to solve the puzzles using the concepts learned in the course
Check your solutions against the provided answers or ask for help if needed

Create a visual representation of the CIA Triad

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Reinforce your understanding by creating a visual representation of the CIA Triad

Browse courses on CIA Triad

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Gather information about the CIA Triad and its components
Choose a visual format, such as a diagram, infographic, or mind map
Design and create your visual representation, clearly illustrating the relationship between the components

Join a study group with other students

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Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers

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Connect with other students in the course and form a study group
Regularly meet with the group to discuss course materials, ask questions, and share insights
Work together on projects or assignments to apply your knowledge

Develop a cybersecurity incident response plan

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Apply your knowledge by creating a practical cybersecurity plan

Browse courses on Incident Response

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Research and gather information on cybersecurity incident response best practices
Develop an outline for your incident response plan
Write and document the details of your plan, including roles and responsibilities, procedures, and communication protocols

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Cybersecurity Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts implement, operate, and maintain computer networks to detect and prevent cyberattacks. With a background in cybersecurity fundamentals through this course, you will be able to quickly grasp how cybersecurity systems and protocols work in real-world settings. This course is an excellent starting block toward a career in Cybersecurity Analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers build and maintain security systems to protect computer networks and systems. This course will give you the essential understanding of the CIA Triad, cryptography, and other essential cybersecurity concepts, equipping you with a strong foundation for a successful career as a Cybersecurity Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Taking this course will bolster your knowledge of the CIA Triad, putting you ahead of other candidates for roles such as an Information Security Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

IT Security Specialist

IT Security Specialists plan, implement, and manage security measures for information systems within an organization. If you plan to pursue this career path, this course will introduce you to the fundamentals of cybersecurity, giving you a leg up on competition.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Specialist

Security Analyst

Security Analysts investigate and respond to security incidents, and develop security policies and procedures. By taking this course, you will develop an understanding of the daily responsibilities of Security Analysts and attain a foundational knowledge of the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and manage network security systems to protect data and networks from unauthorized access or attacks. Understanding the core concepts covered in this course will be an asset as you build a foundation for a career in Network Security Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Security Architects design and implement security measures for cloud computing systems. This course may be useful as it will help you gain a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles that you can apply to cloud security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Security Consultant

Security Consultants assess an organization's security needs and develop and implement security plans. This course may be useful as it will provide you with a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, helping you build a solid foundation for a career as a Security Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Cybersecurity Manager

Cybersecurity Managers plan, direct, and coordinate cybersecurity programs and initiatives within an organization. This course may be useful as it will give you insights into the daily responsibilities of Cybersecurity Managers and provide you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Manager

Software Security Engineer

Software Security Engineers design and develop secure software applications. This course may be useful as it will introduce you to fundamental cybersecurity principles that you can leverage to enhance your software development skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Security Engineer

Data Security Analyst

Data Security Analysts protect and monitor sensitive data within organizations. This course may be useful as it can help build a foundation of cybersecurity knowledge that will be essential for a successful career in Data Security Analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Security Analyst

Forensic Computer Analyst

Forensic Computer Analysts investigate and analyze computer systems and networks to gather evidence for legal proceedings. This course may be useful as it can provide you with a foundation in cybersecurity principles that you can apply to the field of forensic computer analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Computer Analyst

Cryptographer

Cryptographers design and develop encryption and decryption algorithms to protect data. This course may be useful as it will introduce you to the fundamentals of cryptography, a critical skill for Cryptographers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer

Incident Responder

Incident Responders handle and mitigate security incidents within organizations. This course may be useful as it will provide you with a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity concepts that are essential for effective incident response.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Vulnerability Assessor

Vulnerability Assessors identify and assess vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. This course may be useful as it will introduce you to the fundamentals of cybersecurity, helping you develop a foundation for a successful career in vulnerability assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Assessor