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 Accelerated Training Program with the Tulsa Community College. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with the Tulsa Community College unless you enroll in the Cybersecurity Accelerated Training Program.

What's inside

Learning objective

-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

Provides an understanding of core cybersecurity concepts, making it suitable for beginners

Emphasizes the practical aspects of cybersecurity, preparing learners for real-world scenarios

Can be self-paced, allowing learners to progress at their own speed and comfort level

Uses plain language and interactive materials to enhance understanding for beginners

Taught by experts in the field, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the content

May require additional resources or background knowledge for learners with no prior exposure to 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:

Practice Encryption and Decryption

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Refresh your understanding of encryption and decryption techniques to strengthen the foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Review basic encryption algorithms, such as Caesar Cipher and Symmetric encryption.
Practice encrypting and decrypting messages using different algorithms.

Explore Network Security Concepts

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Supplement course materials by exploring network security concepts through guided tutorials to deepen your understanding of protecting networks.

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Enroll in an online tutorial or course on network security.
Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the concepts.

Collaborate on Cybersecurity Challenges

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Enhance your problem-solving skills and understanding of cybersecurity by collaborating with peers to tackle real-world challenges.

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Find a peer group or online forum dedicated to cybersecurity discussions.
Identify a cybersecurity challenge or problem to work on.
Collaborate with your peers to research, analyze, and develop solutions.

Two other activities

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Learn Ethical Hacking Techniques

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Gain practical experience in cybersecurity by learning ethical hacking techniques, enhancing your understanding of security vulnerabilities and countermeasures.

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Enroll in an online course or guided tutorial on ethical hacking.
Set up a virtual environment for practicing ethical hacking.
Follow along with the tutorials, practicing and testing your skills in a controlled environment.

Develop a Cybersecurity Plan

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Apply your understanding of cybersecurity principles to create a comprehensive cybersecurity plan, demonstrating your ability to protect an organization from cyber threats.

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Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Design and implement appropriate security controls.
Develop an incident response plan to address cybersecurity breaches.

Career center

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

Cybersecurity Analyst

This course can serve as an introduction to a career as a Cybersecurity Analyst for someone with no prior experience in the field. It provides an understanding of basic concepts like the CIA Triad and cryptography, which are essential for this role. By exploring the responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals, learners can gain valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

For those interested in becoming an Information Security Analyst, this course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity basics. The course's focus on the CIA Triad and cryptography aligns directly with the core responsibilities of this role, such as implementing and enforcing security measures to protect sensitive information and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Engineer

This course can be a valuable starting point for individuals aiming to become Security Engineers. It introduces fundamental cybersecurity concepts like cryptography and the CIA Triad, which are essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust security systems and solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Cloud Security Architect

The course's emphasis on cybersecurity basics, including cryptography and the CIA Triad, can provide a foundation for aspiring Cloud Security Architects. Understanding these principles is essential for designing and implementing secure cloud-based solutions and protecting data and infrastructure in the cloud.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Architect

Ethical Hacker

This course can be a stepping stone for those seeking a career as an Ethical Hacker. It introduces basic cybersecurity principles, including cryptography and the CIA Triad, which are essential for understanding and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks in a controlled and ethical manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Penetration Tester

The course's focus on cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad and cryptography, can provide a foundation for a career as a Penetration Tester. Understanding these principles is essential for conducting authorized security assessments, identifying vulnerabilities, and exploiting them in a controlled environment to improve an organization's security posture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Forensic Computer Analyst

For aspiring Forensic Computer Analysts, this course offers an introduction to basic cybersecurity principles, including the CIA Triad and cryptography. These concepts are essential for understanding and analyzing digital evidence, identifying cybercrimes, and providing expert testimony in legal proceedings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Computer Analyst

Network Security Engineer

For aspiring Network Security Engineers, this course offers an introduction to core cybersecurity principles such as the CIA Triad and cryptography. These concepts are crucial for securing and protecting computer networks and systems, skills that are in high demand in the field of network security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Consultant

For individuals interested in a career as a Security Consultant, this course can provide a foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals. The course covers concepts like cryptography and the CIA Triad, which are critical for assessing and advising clients on cybersecurity risks and developing effective security strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

The course's focus on cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad and cryptography, is relevant to the role of a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst. This course can help learners develop a foundational understanding of these core principles, which are essential for analyzing and interpreting threat data and developing strategies to mitigate cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst

Malware Analyst

The course's exploration of cybersecurity basics, such as cryptography and the CIA Triad, can provide a foundation for a career as a Malware Analyst. By understanding these principles, learners can develop critical skills in analyzing and detecting malicious software, reverse engineering malware, and mitigating its impact on systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

IT Auditor

The course's exploration of cybersecurity basics, including concepts like cryptography and the CIA Triad, can provide a solid foundation for a career as an IT Auditor. By developing an understanding of these core principles, learners can effectively assess and evaluate an organization's cybersecurity posture and compliance with industry standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Data Protection Officer

The course's emphasis on cybersecurity fundamentals, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography, can provide a foundation for a career as a Data Protection Officer. Understanding these principles is critical for developing and implementing data protection strategies, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Protection Officer

Security Manager

This course may be helpful for those interested in a career as a Security Manager. The course provides an overview of cybersecurity basics, including the CIA Triad and cryptography, which are essential for developing and implementing comprehensive security programs and managing a team of security professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Incident Responder

This course may be helpful for aspiring Incident Responders. It introduces basic cybersecurity concepts, including the CIA Triad and cryptography, which are essential for effectively responding to and mitigating security incidents, preserving evidence, and ensuring business continuity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder