Cyber Security Basics: A Hands-on Approach from edX

Are you tired of hearing that your computer has a virus? Or that your email account has been hacked? Now, is the time for you to protect yourself by understanding the basics of cyber security.

This computer science course presents an introduction to cyber security showing different aspects of this discipline. You will learn what the main existing cyber security threats are and how to protect yourself against them. The course presents a practical approach in which all required material will be provided to allow you to better understand attacks and establish appropriate countermeasures.

Taught by instructors with years of experience in the field of computer security, this course will pave the way to the security area of IT-related professions.

What you'll learn

Cyber security landscape
Reverse engineering
Managing and monitoring network cyber security attacks
Computer forensics
Malware and advanced persistent threats
Vulnerability management and pentesting

What's inside

Learning objectives

Cyber security landscape
Reverse engineering
Managing and monitoring network cyber security attacks

Computer forensics
Malware and advanced persistent threats
Vulnerability management and pentesting

Cyber security landscape
Reverse engineering
Managing and monitoring network cyber security attacks
Computer forensics
Malware and advanced persistent threats
Vulnerability management and pentesting

Syllabus

Lecture 1. Cybersecurity: an overview This lecture introduces the impact of cybersecurity nowadays, as well as some examples of cyberthreats that motivate the relevance of this area of study. Types of cyberthreats, such as cybercrime or cyberwarfare, are later described, together with an overview of the current cyberthreat landscape. Finally, some well-known cybersecurity events are presented.

Lecture 2. Computer forensics This lecture introduces computer forensics, that is the technique focused on the analysis and preservation of evidences in a particular computer device after an attack occurs. Common forensic traces are defined, namely traces left by deleted files, hidden data and fake emails.

Lecture 3. Assembly programming: towards reversing This lecture introduces the main concepts of reverse engineering, that is, the ability to take an executable element and try to figure out how it works. The definition of this technique is introduced. After some theoretical knowledge, examples of disassembling C codes and decompiling codes in different languages, namely Java and C, are presented.

Lecture 4. Cyberdefense This lecture introduces the main concepts of cyberdefense together with common applied tools. After presenting this topic, firewalls are outlined. The following part involves the description of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs). Security Information and Event management (SIEM) systems, which refer to a general approach to manage cyberdefense, are finally presented.

Lecture 5. Malware and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) This lecture explains the main concepts related to malware and Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), together with the main techniques to achieve their identification. The definition and types of malware, APTs and some real cases are introduced.

Lecture 6. Vulnerabilities and exposures This last lesson presents vulnerabilities description and management. It describes and gives examples of the most common vulnerabilities at software, network and web level. The definition, use and application of penetration testing (pentesting) are also presented, as well as some examples applying the well-known tool Metasploit. Repositories of vulnerabilities are finally introduced.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores cybersecurity, which is standard in industry

Taught by authors recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Develops understanding of cyber threats and how to protect against them

Provides a practical approach with hands-on materials

Covers reverse engineering, computer forensics, and malware analysis

Provides a foundation for IT professionals seeking to specialize in security

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 Cyber Security Basics: A Hands-on Approach with these activities:

Review key concepts in computer forensics

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Refresh and reinforce concepts learned in previous computer forensics courses to prepare for this course.

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Review notes and materials from previous computer forensics courses.
Read articles or watch videos on current trends and techniques in computer forensics.
Participate in online forums or discussion groups related to computer forensics.

Review Python programming concepts

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Go over basic python programming concepts such as variables, data types, operators, and loops.

Browse courses on Python

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Revise Python syntax and data structures using an online tutorial.
Solve simple Python coding problems on a coding challenge website.

Practice reversing simple assembly code

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Strengthen your understanding of assembly programming by practicing reversing simple assembly code.

Browse courses on Assembly Programming

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Install a disassembler tool such as IDA Pro or Ghidra.
Find simple assembly code examples online or in textbooks.
Disassemble the assembly code and try to understand its functionality.
Write a brief explanation of how the code works.

Five other activities

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Analyze network traffic using Wireshark

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Gain hands-on experience in network traffic analysis to better understand network cyber security threats.

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Install Wireshark on your computer.
Capture network traffic using a physical or virtual network interface.
Use Wireshark to analyze the captured traffic, identifying different protocols, IP addresses, and ports.
Create a report summarizing your findings.

Develop a security policy for a small business

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Apply your knowledge of cyber security by developing a comprehensive security policy for a small business.

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Identify the assets and threats relevant to the small business.
Research industry best practices and regulations for cybersecurity.
Draft a security policy that outlines the business's security objectives, controls, and procedures.
Review and finalize the security policy with input from stakeholders.

Participate in a cybersecurity hackathon

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Test your cybersecurity skills and knowledge by participating in a hackathon.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Find a cybersecurity hackathon that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Form a team or work individually.
Develop a solution to the hackathon challenge.
Present your solution to a panel of judges.

Create a cybersecurity resource guide

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Consolidate and organize cybersecurity resources to improve your knowledge and understanding.

Browse courses on Information Security

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Identify and gather relevant cybersecurity resources such as articles, whitepapers, and tools.
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic or type.
Create a central repository for easy access to the resources.
Share your resource guide with others in the field.

Mentor a junior cybersecurity professional

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Enhance your understanding of cybersecurity concepts by sharing your knowledge and experience with others.

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Identify a junior cybersecurity professional who could benefit from your guidance.
Set up regular meetings to share knowledge, provide feedback, and offer support.
Help the mentee develop their technical skills and professional network.
Evaluate the mentee's progress and adjust your approach as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Cyber Security Basics: A Hands-on Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the highest-ranking security executive in an organization. As a CISO, you would be responsible for developing and implementing the organization's information security strategy. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

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

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester is someone who simulates cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. As a Penetration Tester, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of penetration testing, including how to use the well-known tool Metasploit.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Vulnerability Analyst

A Vulnerability Analyst is someone who identifies and assesses vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. As a Vulnerability Analyst, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of vulnerabilities and exposures, including how to identify and manage them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Analyst

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer is someone who designs, implements, and maintains security measures to protect computer systems and networks. As a Security Engineer, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Malware Analyst

A Malware Analyst is someone who studies malware, or malicious software, to understand how it works and how to protect against it. As a Malware Analyst, you could work for a variety of organizations, including security companies, government agencies, and financial institutions. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of malware and advanced persistent threats, including how to identify and mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Malware Analyst

Information Security Manager

An Information Security Manager is someone who oversees the information security program for an organization. As an Information Security Manager, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Cybersecurity Consultant

A Cybersecurity Consultant is someone who provides cybersecurity advice and services to organizations. As a Cybersecurity Consultant, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant

Computer Forensic Analyst

A Computer Forensic Analyst is someone who examines computer systems and networks to find evidence of criminal activity. As a Computer Forensic Analyst, you could work with law enforcement or private companies to investigate cybercrimes. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an introduction to computer forensics, including how to analyze and preserve evidence in a particular computer device after an attack occurs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Forensic Analyst

Cybersecurity Incident Responder

A Cybersecurity Incident Responder is someone who responds to and investigates cybersecurity incidents. As a Cybersecurity Incident Responder, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Incident Responder

Cybersecurity Instructor

A Cybersecurity Instructor is someone who teaches cybersecurity courses to students. As a Cybersecurity Instructor, you could work for a variety of organizations, including universities, colleges, and training providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the basics of cybersecurity, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

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Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator is someone who manages and maintains computer systems and networks. As a Systems Administrator, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst is someone who monitors and analyzes security data to identify and respond to security threats. As a Security Analyst, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer is someone who designs, implements, and maintains network security measures. As a Network Security Engineer, you could work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud Security Engineer is someone who secures cloud computing environments. As a Cloud Security Engineer, you could work for a variety of organizations, including cloud providers, government agencies, and financial institutions. This course may be useful to you in this role because it provides an overview of the cyber security landscape, including the different types of cyber threats and how to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Cyber Security Analyst

A Cyber Security Analyst is someone who knows how to protect computer networks and systems. As a Cyber Security Analyst, you could set up firewalls, detect and respond to security breaches, and develop security policies and procedures. This course may be useful to you in this role because it teaches the basics of cyber security, including how to manage and monitor network cyber security attacks, identify malware and advanced persistent threats, and manage vulnerabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Security Analyst