Security Operations and Administration from Coursera

Security operations and administration is the task of identifying an organization's information assets and the documentation needed for policy implementation, standards, procedures, and guidelines to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability. You will understand the process necessary for working with management and information owners, custodians, and users so that proper data classifications are defined. This will ensure the proper handling of all hard copy and electronic information.

The Security operations and Administration course addresses basic security concepts and the application of those concepts in the day to day operation and administration of enterprise computer systems and the information that they host.Ethical considerations in general, and the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics in particular, provide the backdrop for any discussion of information security and SSCP candidates will be tested on both. Information security professionals often find themselves in positions of trust and must be beyond reproach in every way.Several core principles of information security stand above all others and this domain covers these principles in some depth. It can be said that the CIA triad of confidentiality, integrity and availability forms the basis for almost everything that we do in information security and the SSCP candidate must not only fully understand these principles but be able to apply them in all situations. additional security concepts covered in this domain include privacy, least privilege, non-repudiation and the separation of duties.

Course Objectives

1. Define Code of Ethics

2. Describe the security concepts

3. Document and operate security controls

4. Describe the asset management process

5. Implement compliance controls

6. Assess compliance controls

7. Describe the change management process

8. Contribute to the security awareness training program

9. Contribute to physical security operations

What's inside

Syllabus

Understand and Comply with Code of Ethics and Security Concepts

Module Topics: (ISC)2 Code of Ethics, Organizational Code of Ethics, There are usually three types of controls, managerial (sometimes called administrative), Technical (sometimes called logical), and physical (sometimes called operational), Deterrent, Preventative, Detective, and Corrective Controls. Understand and Comply with Code of Ethics: In (ISC)2 Code of Ethics, you will learn about Code of Ethics, and Code of Ethics Canons. In Organizational Code of Ethics, you will learn about how a code of ethics applies to security practitioners, and applying ethical principles. Understand Security Concepts: In Confidentiality, you will learn about consequences of a breach, and ensuring confidentiality. In integrity, you will learn about consequences of integrity failure, availability, and consequences of availability failures. You will also Non-Repudiation. In Privacy, you will understand core guidelines. In least privilege, you will learn about least privilege and cots Applications. You will understand the concept of separation of duties and defense in depth, examples approaches, and additional controls. In Risk based Controls, you will learn about risk assessment data. Security concepts also covers accountability and authorization.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches students about the (ISC)2 Code of Ethics and how it applies to security practitioners

Explores security concepts such as confidentiality, integrity, availability, and least privilege

Provides guidance on documenting and operating security controls to ensure compliance with regulations

Emphasizes the importance of asset management and outlines best practices for managing hardware, software, and data assets

Covers topics related to change management, including release management, configuration management, and patch management

Includes hands-on exercises and case studies to reinforce learning and prepare students for real-world scenarios

Reviews summary

Foundational security operations overview

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation in security operations and administration concepts, particularly focusing on policies, procedures, and ethical considerations. Many found the content to be well-structured and the lectures clear and concise, making it suitable for beginners or those preparing for certifications like the SSCP. However, some reviewers noted that while it covers a broad range of topics, it sometimes lacks technical depth or practical, hands-on exercises, suggesting it may need supplementation for those seeking advanced skills.

Covers a wide array of relevant security concepts.

"The course covers a comprehensive set of topics within security operations."

"It touches upon many important aspects from ethics to physical security."

"Good overview of the diverse responsibilities in security administration."

Helpful for those studying for the SSCP exam.

"This course provides a solid introduction to security operations principles and concepts relevant to the SSCP."

"I found this course to be a good supplement to my SSCP certification studies."

"It covers many topics aligned with the SSCP domain 4 objectives effectively."

Course materials are well-organized and easy to follow.

"The lectures were clear and concise, making complex topics easy to understand."

"The course structure is logical and easy to follow."

"I appreciated the way the modules were broken down and presented."

Provides a solid base in core security principles.

"The course gives a very good foundation on security operation concepts. It is very good for beginners."

"Provides a solid introduction to security operations principles and concepts relevant to the SSCP."

"I liked how the course covers the essential concepts and policies needed for security operations."

"This course is a great starting point if you're new to this side of security work."

Some find the course content not detailed enough.

"While it provides a good overview, the course sometimes feels a bit superficial in its treatment of technical details."

"I was hoping for more in-depth technical explanations rather than just concepts and policies."

"Could use more hands-on examples or deeper dives into specific operational tools."

Could benefit from more practical exercises/labs.

"I would have preferred more practical exercises or lab simulations to reinforce the concepts."

"The course is heavily theoretical; adding some hands-on labs would improve it greatly."

"More real-world scenarios or demos would make it more engaging."

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 Security Operations and Administration with these activities:

Read 'Computer Security Fundamentals' by Chuck Easttom

Show steps

Gain a solid foundation in computer security principles by reviewing a foundational book.

View Computer Security Fundamentals (Pearson It... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book to grasp basic principles.
Summarize key concepts and highlight important sections.
Discuss the book's ideas with a study group.

Complete Security Assessment Tutorials

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of security assessment techniques through guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Security Assessment

Show steps

Identify reputable sources for security assessment tutorials.
Choose tutorials that align with your skill level.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and take notes.
Test your understanding by applying the techniques.

Practice Access Control Concepts

Show steps

Practice applying access control concepts to enhance your understanding of security controls.

Browse courses on Access Control

Show steps

Review the concept of access control.
Identify different authentication methods.
Practice implementing access control models.
Test your understanding through hypothetical scenarios.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Create Security Awareness Posters

Show steps

Develop creative posters to reinforce security awareness concepts and educate others.

Browse courses on Security Awareness

Show steps

Choose a specific security awareness topic.
Research and gather relevant information.
Design and create the posters using visually appealing elements.
Distribute the posters in high-traffic areas.

Compile a Resource Directory for Security Best Practices

Show steps

Create a comprehensive resource directory to guide you in implementing security best practices.

Browse courses on Security Best Practices

Show steps

Identify credible sources for security best practices.
Collect and organize relevant resources.
Categorize and index the resources for easy reference.
Share the resource directory with peers and colleagues.

Develop a Security Policy and Procedures Manual

Show steps

Create a comprehensive policy manual to solidify your understanding of security best practices.

Browse courses on Security Policies

Show steps

Gather information on security requirements.
Draft security policies and procedures.
Review and finalize the manual.
Implement the manual and monitor its effectiveness.

Attend a Security Conference

Show steps

Expand your knowledge and network with professionals at a security conference.

Browse courses on Networking

Show steps

Research and identify relevant security conferences.
Register and attend the conference.
Actively participate in sessions and workshops.
Network with speakers and attendees.
Follow up on connections made at the conference.

Volunteer with a Security Non-Profit Organization

Show steps

Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at a security non-profit.

Browse courses on Volunteering

Show steps

Research and identify security non-profit organizations.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.
Participate in security-related activities and projects.
Network with other volunteers and professionals in the field.

Career center

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

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course provides a foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. These are all essential skills for Information Security Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Architect

Security Architects design, implement, and maintain an organization's security infrastructure. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Security Architects to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They work with clients to identify security risks, develop security plans, and implement security controls. This course provides a strong foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Security Consultants to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security solutions. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a solid foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Security Engineers to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Manager

Security Managers are responsible for overseeing an organization's security program. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Security Managers to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain an organization's network security infrastructure. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a strong foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Network Security Engineers to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Security Architects design, implement, and maintain an organization's cloud security infrastructure. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Cloud Security Architects to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts identify, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats. They work with stakeholders to develop security plans, implement security controls, and monitor for security breaches. This course provides a solid foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Cybersecurity Analysts to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

IT Auditor

IT Auditors review an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. This course provides a strong foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for IT Auditors to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts monitor an organization's security systems and respond to security incidents. They work with stakeholders to develop security plans, implement security controls, and monitor for security breaches. This course provides a solid foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for SOC Analysts to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for overseeing an organization's information security program. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Information Security Managers to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's entire security program. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for CISOs to be successful in their roles.

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

Security Compliance Specialist

Security Compliance Specialists ensure that an organization's security program complies with regulatory requirements. They work with stakeholders to identify security risks, develop security policies, and implement security controls. This course provides a strong foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Security Compliance Specialists to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Compliance Specialist

Risk and Compliance Manager

Risk and Compliance Managers are responsible for overseeing an organization's risk management and compliance program. They work with stakeholders to identify risks, develop risk management policies, and implement controls to mitigate risks. This course provides a strong foundation in security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for Risk and Compliance Managers to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk and Compliance Manager

Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

Chief Risk Officers (CROs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's entire risk management program. They work with stakeholders to identify risks, develop risk management policies, and implement controls to mitigate risks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of security concepts, asset management, compliance controls, change management, physical security, and security awareness training. This knowledge is essential for CROs to be successful in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Risk Officer (CRO)