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 the Cybersecurity Boot Camp with Washington University in St. Louis. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with Washington University in St. Louis 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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand foundational principles

Examines cybersecurity from a professional perspective, with a focus on real-world applications

Provides a comprehensive overview of fundamental cybersecurity principles, including the CIA Triad and cryptography

Suitable as an introductory course for beginners looking to enter the cybersecurity field

Self-paced and asynchronous, allowing learners to progress at their own pace

No prior experience or technical installations are required to enroll

Reviews summary

Foundational cybersecurity for newcomers

According to learners, 'Try It: Cybersecurity Basics' is an excellent entry point into the field, especially for those with no prior experience. Many commend its beginner-friendly approach, with core concepts like the CIA Triad and cryptography basics being explained with remarkable clarity and simplicity. The self-paced format is a significant positive, allowing students to learn at their own convenience. While a majority found the course effective in providing a solid foundational understanding, a notable minority felt it was too superficial, wishing for more in-depth practical applications rather than just definitions. Some also noted it felt like a promotional tool for a larger bootcamp rather than a truly standalone comprehensive course. However, it consistently serves its purpose as a valuable first step for those exploring a career in cybersecurity.

The asynchronous format is praised for its convenience and flexibility.

"The self-paced format was perfect for my busy schedule."

"I appreciated the self-paced nature, allowing me to review topics thoroughly."

"I enjoyed the flexibility of the self-paced format."

Effectively helps learners gauge interest in a cybersecurity career.

"It confirmed my interest in cybersecurity."

"Perfect for testing the waters! ...I now feel more confident exploring further."

"It's a great 'try it' course to see if the field interests you."

"Perfect for someone considering a career pivot."

Provides clear explanations of fundamental cybersecurity principles.

"The instructor explains complex ideas simply, and the course material is well-organized."

"Found the cryptography section particularly engaging and well-explained. It demystified concepts I thought would be incredibly complex."

"The explanations of encryption and decryption were particularly helpful."

"Loved the CIA Triad section! So well explained and easy to grasp."

Makes complex cybersecurity concepts accessible for absolute novices.

"Fantastic entry point into cybersecurity! I had zero background and this course made the core concepts like the CIA Triad very understandable."

"As a complete beginner, this course was exactly what I needed. It broke down seemingly intimidating topics into digestible chunks."

"Absolutely brilliant for an introduction! It lives up to its 'no prior experience' claim."

"I learned a surprising amount for a 'basics' course... it confirmed that cybersecurity is a field I want to pursue."

Some learners felt the course served primarily as an advertisement for a boot camp.

"Disappointed. This felt more like a promotional tool for the full bootcamp than a standalone course."

"Felt like a very long advertisement. The content felt thin for the time invested."

"As an intro, it's okay. But it feels very much like a lead-in for their paid programs."

"Too elementary. I was hoping for something to brush up, but this felt like an advertisement for their bootcamp."

Offers a high-level overview but is too basic for practical skill development.

"It's okay as a very light introduction. If you've read anything about cybersecurity before, it might feel too superficial."

"It's a foundational course. It introduces terms but doesn't really delve deep."

"Waste of time. Too simplistic and doesn't offer any practical skills. It's just definitions."

"I was hoping for a bit more depth on real-world applications beyond just definitions."

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:

Revisiting Cryptography Basics

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Refresh your knowledge of cryptography concepts to reinforce your understanding of cybersecurity techniques.

Browse courses on Cryptography

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Review lecture notes, textbooks, or online resources on cryptography basics.
Focus on concepts like encryption, decryption, ciphers, and key management.

Revisiting Network Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of networking concepts to enhance your ability to grasp cybersecurity principles better.

Browse courses on Networking

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Review materials from previous networking courses or online resources.
Focus on core concepts like TCP/IP, network topologies, and routing.

Attending Cybersecurity Meetups

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Engage with professionals in the cybersecurity field to gain insights, expand your network, and stay updated on industry trends.

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Identify and register for relevant cybersecurity meetups in your area.
Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your interests.
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions to learn from others.

Four other activities

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Decrypting Caesar Ciphers

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Practice deciphering Caesar ciphers to strengthen your understanding of encryption and decryption techniques.

Browse courses on Caesar Cipher

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Review the principles of the Caesar cipher.
Obtain practice Caesar cipher texts from online resources.
Attempt to decipher the practice texts manually.

Implementing CIA Triad Principles

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Apply the CIA triad principles to real-world scenarios to enhance your understanding of information security.

Browse courses on CIA Triad

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Identify different types of information assets and their confidentiality, integrity, and availability requirements.
Develop strategies to protect these assets from potential threats.

Exploring Symmetric Encryption Algorithms

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Follow online tutorials to gain hands-on experience with different symmetric encryption algorithms to enhance your understanding of encryption techniques.

Browse courses on Symmetric Encryption

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Identify reputable online resources offering tutorials on symmetric encryption algorithms.
Select an algorithm to explore and locate a suitable tutorial.
Follow the tutorial steps and implement the algorithm.

Designing a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

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Create a cybersecurity incident response plan to demonstrate your understanding of how to respond to and mitigate cybersecurity incidents.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Incident Response

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Gather information on industry best practices for incident response.
Identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
Develop a step-by-step plan outlining response procedures.
Include sections on communication, escalation, and recovery.
Review and refine the plan with feedback from peers or mentors.

Career center

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

Cryptographer

A Cryptographer develops methods and systems for encrypting and decrypting information. In the midst of the digital age, Cryptographers have become increasingly in-demand. They help to protect data from malicious actors who may try to illegally access it. An employer seeks a Cryptographer who is experienced in cryptography, computer hardware, and coding. As the Try It: Cybersecurity Basics teaches the basics of cryptography, one with an interest in a career as a Cryptographer would be well-served to take this course. Cryptography is a core component of cybersecurity. As covered by this course, the CIA Triad is an important model for ensuring that information stays safe.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptographer

Cyber Security Analyst

A Cyber Security Analyst protects computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Job duties of a Cyber Security Analyst include monitoring networks for suspicious activity, installing and maintaining antivirus software, investigating cyber security breaches, and developing and implementing cyber security policies. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics would be a great starting point for one interested in a career as a Cyber Security Analyst. This course can help build a foundation for the career field in its introduction to the world of cybersecurity, the CIA Triad, and cryptography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Security Analyst

Cyber Intelligence Analyst

A Cyber Intelligence Analyst gathers and analyzes information from a variety of sources to identify and assess threats to an organization's computer networks and systems. Responsibilities may include monitoring network traffic, analyzing security logs, and investigating cybersecurity incidents. An employer seeks a Cyber Intelligence Analyst who has expertise in cyber security, intelligence analysis, and information technology. The CIA Triad, a key component of cybersecurity, is covered in the Try It: Cybersecurity Basics course. Taking this course may prove to be advantageous for a person considering a career as a Cyber Intelligence Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Intelligence Analyst

Cyber Risk Analyst

A Cyber Risk Analyst identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. This job may require a background in risk management, information security, or a related field. An employer looks for a Cyber Risk Analyst with expertise in cyber security risk assessment, risk management, and information technology. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics can help one build a foundation for success as a Cyber Risk Analyst by introducing them to cybersecurity and the CIA Triad.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cyber Risk Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. In this role, you may need to develop and implement security policies, conduct security audits, and investigate security breaches. An employer will seek an Information Security Analyst who is experienced in information security, risk management, and compliance. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics could be helpful for someone interested in becoming an Information Security Analyst. This course introduces the profession of cybersecurity and provides the basics of cryptography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Information Security Manager

An Information Security Manager is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security program. In this role, you may need to oversee the work of information security analysts, develop and implement security policies, and conduct security audits. A master's degree in information security or a related field is common for this role. Information Security Managers should also have experience in risk management, compliance, and information technology. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics may be a helpful course for someone considering a career as an Information Security Manager. This course introduces the basics of cryptography and the CIA Triad.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's network security infrastructure. In this role, you may need to configure firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security devices. An employer seeks a Network Security Engineer who has experience in network security, information security, and network engineering. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics is a valuable course for someone who wants to become a Network Security Engineer. The course provides an introduction to cybersecurity, including the CIA Triad and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester, also known as a Pen Tester, is responsible for testing an organization's computer networks and systems for vulnerabilities. In this role, you may need to use a variety of tools and techniques to identify and exploit vulnerabilities. An employer seeks a Penetration Tester who has experience in penetration testing, information security, and ethical hacking. The Try It: Cybersecurity Basics course is an excellent option for someone considering a career as a Penetration Tester. This course provides an introduction to the CIA Triad, which is a key model in cybersecurity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Architect

A Security Architect designs and implements security solutions for an organization. In this role, you may need to develop and implement security policies, conduct security audits, and oversee the work of security analysts. A master's degree in information security or a related field is preferred for this role. Some employers may seek Security Architects with experience in risk management, compliance, and information technology. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics may serve as a great initial step for one considering a career as a Security Architect by introducing the CIA Triad and basic cryptography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. In this role, you may need to assess an organization's security risks, develop and implement security plans, and conduct security audits. An employer seeks a Security Consultant who has experience in information security, risk management, and compliance. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics may help one build a foundation for a career as a Security Consultant. This course introduces the world of cybersecurity through the lens of the CIA Triad and cryptography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's security infrastructure. In this role, you may need to configure firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security devices. An employer seeks a Security Engineer who has experience in information security, network security, and systems administration. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics can be a helpful course for someone considering a career as a Security Engineer. The course teaches the basics of cryptography and provides an introduction to the CIA Triad, an important model in the cybersecurity field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Operations Analyst

A Security Operations Analyst monitors an organization's security systems and responds to security incidents. In this role, you may need to monitor security logs, investigate security breaches, and escalate security incidents to the appropriate personnel. An employer seeks a Security Operations Analyst who has experience in information security, incident response, and security monitoring. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics is a great starting point for someone considering a career as a Security Operations Analyst. This course provides a useful introduction to cybersecurity.

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Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. In this role, you may need to write code, test software, and debug software. Employers seek Software Engineers who have experience in software development, programming languages, and software engineering principles. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics may be helpful for someone considering a career as a Software Engineer who wants to learn more about cybersecurity. This course introduces cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator installs, configures, and maintains computer systems and networks. In this role, you may need to install software, configure hardware, and troubleshoot system problems. An employer seeks a Systems Administrator who has experience in systems administration, operating systems, and networking. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics may be helpful for someone considering a career as a Systems Administrator. This course introduces the CIA Triad, an important concept in cybersecurity, and provides a basic understanding of cryptography.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer designs and develops websites. In this role, you may need to write code, design website layouts, and implement website features. Employers seek Web Developers who have experience in web development, programming languages, and web design principles. Try It: Cybersecurity Basics may be helpful for someone considering a career as a Web Developer. This course introduces cryptography basics and the CIA Triad. These are both important cybersecurity concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer