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Try It

Cybersecurity Basics

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 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.

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

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Try It: Cybersecurity Basics. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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.
This comprehensive and in-depth reference book covers advanced topics in cryptography and network security. It provides a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the concepts and techniques discussed in the course.
This practical guide provides an understanding of how hackers think and operate. It covers techniques and tools used by attackers, helping learners develop a defensive mindset and strengthen their cybersecurity skills.
This fascinating book provides a historical perspective on cryptography, exploring its evolution from ancient times to modern-day applications. It offers a broader context for understanding the importance and role of cryptography in cybersecurity.
This practical reference book provides detailed explanations of cryptographic algorithms and protocols. It includes source code in C, making it valuable for implementing and understanding how cryptographic techniques are used in real-world applications.
This comprehensive textbook covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including topics such as information security, risk management, and incident response. It provides a broader perspective and additional depth to the course material.
This practical handbook provides a step-by-step guide to cybersecurity operations. It covers incident response, threat intelligence, and forensic investigation techniques, enhancing the course's focus on the practical aspects of cybersecurity.
This comprehensive reference book covers advanced topics in network security, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks. It provides additional technical depth and complements the course's overview of network security concepts.
This practical guide provides an in-depth understanding of malware analysis techniques. It is particularly valuable for learners interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity forensics or incident response.
This textbook provides a thorough and mathematical treatment of cryptographic algorithms and techniques. It is suitable for learners seeking a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of cryptography.
Explores the psychological and social aspects of cybersecurity, shedding light on human vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. It complements the course's focus on technical concepts by highlighting the importance of understanding human behavior in cybersecurity.

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