We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Glenn Weadock
Any aspiring computer technician must know how to implement security. This course will teach you all aspects of computer security, from physical and logical security concepts to the details of secure protocols, malware protection, and authentication.
Read more
Any aspiring computer technician must know how to implement security. This course will teach you all aspects of computer security, from physical and logical security concepts to the details of secure protocols, malware protection, and authentication.
Read more
Any aspiring computer technician must know how to implement security. This course will teach you all aspects of computer security, from physical and logical security concepts to the details of secure protocols, malware protection, and authentication.
Aspiring computer technicians must be able to implement security, one of the most important concerns of any IT organization. In this course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, you’ll learn the fundamentals of all aspects of computer security. First, you’ll discover elements of physical security such as locks, badges, smartcards, and hardware tokens. Then, you’ll learn about secure authentication, “least privilege” protection, permissions, and encryption, with a focus on wireless security and malware prevention, including social engineering attacks such as phishing. Finally, you'll see the laundry list of best practices for securing workstations, mobile devices, and SOHO routers. When you’re finished with this course, you'll be well prepared to implement strong security measures in your organization and prevent the most common security threats from damaging your organization’s systems, data, and people.
This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Computer Security
Physical Security
Logical Security
Secure Protocols
Malware Protection
Authentication
Wireless Security
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ol24e3/it
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview
Security Measures and Purposes
Wireless Protocols and Authentication
Malware Prevention
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview
Security Measures and Purposes
Wireless Protocols and Authentication
Malware Prevention
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers physical and logical security concepts, including physical security elements like locks, badges, and smartcards
Provides a comprehensive understanding of encryption, authentication, and authorization techniques
Emphasizes the importance of wireless security and offers practical tips on preventing malware and phishing attacks
Includes best practices for securing workstations, mobile devices, and SOHO networks
Provides guidance on securing browsers and preventing online threats
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Essential it security fundamentals for professionals
According to learners, this course provides a fantastic overview and a solid foundation in IT security, making it excellent for beginners and those transitioning into IT roles. Students consistently praise the clear, concise, and engaging instructor who simplifies complex topics. The course offers a broad range of relevant topics and includes practical examples, making the material highly applicable. While widely appreciated for its foundational approach, some learners noted it lacked depth in certain areas and desired more hands-on activities or labs. A few reviews also suggested that some content could benefit from being updated more frequently to reflect the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Covers a wide array of relevant IT security topics comprehensively.
"Excellent course! The content is highly relevant to current IT security concerns. I especially found the modules on social engineering and mobile device security very insightful."
"Comprehensive introduction to IT security. I liked how it touched upon many different areas like physical security and data disposal."
"It covers everything you need to know to get started with security. The explanations are clear and the concepts stick."
"The course does an amazing job of covering the breadth of IT security."
Instructor provides clear, concise, and engaging explanations.
"The instructor was clear, concise, and kept the material engaging. I particularly appreciated the practical examples given."
"The instructor explained concepts very well. I feel prepared to tackle security challenges at a foundational level."
"The instructor's ability to simplify complex ideas is remarkable. This is a must-take for anyone entering IT."
"Every topic is explained with clarity and precision. The instructor's expertise is evident."
Excellent for beginners, building fundamental understanding.
"This course provided a fantastic overview of IT security fundamentals."
"Good course for beginners. It covers a broad range of topics without going too deep... a solid foundation."
"As someone transitioning into an IT role, this course was invaluable. It laid out the basics of security in an easy-to-understand manner."
"Perfect for establishing a baseline understanding of IT security. It's a great starting point."
Some material might benefit from more frequent updates.
"My only minor critique is that some content could benefit from being updated more frequently."
"I'd say it's best for those completely new to the subject. My one suggestion would be to add more recent examples."
"Some topics felt a bit outdated or could use more contemporary examples. Still, a good overall learning experience."
"This course was a major disappointment. The information felt very generic and outdated. I expected more practical insights and current examples. Waste of time."
Primarily theoretical, desiring more hands-on activities.
"The course covers a lot of ground, but sometimes it felt a bit superficial. If you're looking for in-depth technical details, you'll need to look elsewhere."
"I felt some parts were a bit dry. It needs more interactive elements or labs to make the learning more engaging."
"I was hoping for more hands-on practical application. It felt more theoretical than applied in some instances."
"Good starting point, but not deep enough for advanced learners. I think it would benefit from incorporating more interactive elements or labs."
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 IT Professional Fundamentals: Security with these
activities:
Review physical security concepts
Show steps
Reinforce foundational knowledge by reviewing fundamental concepts to help strengthen understanding as the course progresses.
Browse courses on
Physical Security
Show steps
-
Review and understand key principles of physical security
-
Identify different types of physical security measures
-
Explore best practices for implementing physical security controls
Discussion group on social engineering attacks
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to gain diverse perspectives and insights on social engineering techniques, enhancing understanding of this critical security threat.
Browse courses on
Social Engineering
Show steps
-
Join or create a study group focused on social engineering
-
Discuss different types of social engineering attacks
-
Share experiences and best practices for preventing and mitigating social engineering threats
Join a Study Group to Review Security Concepts
Show steps
Collaborate with peers and reinforce your understanding of security concepts through discussions and problem-solving.
Browse courses on
Security Concepts
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group focused on computer security
-
Participate in regular meetings and discussions
-
Collaborate on security-related projects or assignments
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Identify Security Threats in Real-World Scenarios
Show steps
Practice identifying and mitigating real-world security threats to solidify your understanding of security principles.
Browse courses on
Physical Security
Show steps
-
Read about common security threats and vulnerabilities
-
Analyze real-world security breach case studies
-
Conduct simulated security assessments and provide recommendations
Follow a Tutorial on Securing Windows Desktops and Laptops
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of Windows security by following a guided tutorial on protecting desktops and laptops.
Browse courses on
Windows
Show steps
-
Find a reputable tutorial on Windows security
-
Follow the tutorial steps and implement the security measures on your Windows device
-
Test the effectiveness of the security measures
Walkthrough of wireless authentication protocols
Show steps
Supplement course material by seeking online guidance to further solidify understanding of authentication in wireless networks.
Browse courses on
Wireless Security
Show steps
-
Locate resources and tutorials on wireless security and authentication protocols
-
Follow step-by-step walkthroughs to enhance comprehension
Write a Blog Post on Best Practices for Wireless Network Security
Show steps
Share your knowledge and reinforce your understanding of wireless network security by writing a blog post.
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on wireless network security best practices
-
Organize and write the blog post
-
Publish and promote your blog post
Create a Security Plan for a Small Business
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive security plan to protect a small business's data and infrastructure.
Browse courses on
Security Measures
Show steps
-
Gather requirements and assess risks
-
Design and implement security controls
-
Document and communicate the security plan
Security checklist for mobile devices
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge of mobile security risks and mitigation strategies by creating a comprehensive checklist for securing personal devices.
Browse courses on
Mobile Device Security
Show steps
-
Identify common security threats to mobile devices
-
Research and compile best practices for mobile device security
-
Create a detailed checklist outlining measures to protect mobile devices
Malware analysis exercises
Show steps
Sharpen skills by performing hands-on malware dissection to hone detection and mitigation capabilities.
Browse courses on
Malware Prevention
Show steps
-
Practice analyzing malware samples using online resources or tools
-
Identify techniques used by malware to evade detection
-
Experiment with different malware detection and removal strategies
Participate in cybersecurity awareness events
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at cybersecurity awareness events, promoting security literacy.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Awareness
Show steps
-
Identify local cybersecurity awareness events
-
Volunteer time to assist with event planning or execution
-
Engage with attendees to share knowledge and promote security practices
Design and implement security measures for a home network
Show steps
Gain practical experience by designing and configuring a secure home network, applying the principles learned throughout the course.
Browse courses on
Network Security
Show steps
-
Research and select appropriate security hardware and software for the home network
-
Design a detailed network security plan
-
Implement the security plan and configure security settings
-
Test and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented security measures
Attend a workshop on wireless network security
Show steps
Deepen understanding and expand skills in wireless network security by attending a dedicated workshop with expert instructors.
Browse courses on
Wireless Network Security
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant wireless network security workshops
-
Register and attend the workshop
-
Actively participate in hands-on exercises and discussions
Review physical security concepts
Show steps
Reinforce foundational knowledge by reviewing fundamental concepts to help strengthen understanding as the course progresses.
Browse courses on
Physical Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review and understand key principles of physical security
- Identify different types of physical security measures
- Explore best practices for implementing physical security controls
Discussion group on social engineering attacks
Show steps
Engage in peer discussions to gain diverse perspectives and insights on social engineering techniques, enhancing understanding of this critical security threat.
Browse courses on
Social Engineering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or create a study group focused on social engineering
- Discuss different types of social engineering attacks
- Share experiences and best practices for preventing and mitigating social engineering threats
Join a Study Group to Review Security Concepts
Show steps
Collaborate with peers and reinforce your understanding of security concepts through discussions and problem-solving.
Browse courses on
Security Concepts
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group focused on computer security
- Participate in regular meetings and discussions
- Collaborate on security-related projects or assignments
Ten other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 13 activities
Identify Security Threats in Real-World Scenarios
Show steps
Practice identifying and mitigating real-world security threats to solidify your understanding of security principles.
Browse courses on
Physical Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read about common security threats and vulnerabilities
- Analyze real-world security breach case studies
- Conduct simulated security assessments and provide recommendations
Follow a Tutorial on Securing Windows Desktops and Laptops
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of Windows security by following a guided tutorial on protecting desktops and laptops.
Browse courses on
Windows
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable tutorial on Windows security
- Follow the tutorial steps and implement the security measures on your Windows device
- Test the effectiveness of the security measures
Walkthrough of wireless authentication protocols
Show steps
Supplement course material by seeking online guidance to further solidify understanding of authentication in wireless networks.
Browse courses on
Wireless Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Locate resources and tutorials on wireless security and authentication protocols
- Follow step-by-step walkthroughs to enhance comprehension
Write a Blog Post on Best Practices for Wireless Network Security
Show steps
Share your knowledge and reinforce your understanding of wireless network security by writing a blog post.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on wireless network security best practices
- Organize and write the blog post
- Publish and promote your blog post
Create a Security Plan for a Small Business
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive security plan to protect a small business's data and infrastructure.
Browse courses on
Security Measures
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather requirements and assess risks
- Design and implement security controls
- Document and communicate the security plan
Security checklist for mobile devices
Show steps
Reinforce knowledge of mobile security risks and mitigation strategies by creating a comprehensive checklist for securing personal devices.
Browse courses on
Mobile Device Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify common security threats to mobile devices
- Research and compile best practices for mobile device security
- Create a detailed checklist outlining measures to protect mobile devices
Malware analysis exercises
Show steps
Sharpen skills by performing hands-on malware dissection to hone detection and mitigation capabilities.
Browse courses on
Malware Prevention
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Practice analyzing malware samples using online resources or tools
- Identify techniques used by malware to evade detection
- Experiment with different malware detection and removal strategies
Participate in cybersecurity awareness events
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the community by volunteering at cybersecurity awareness events, promoting security literacy.
Browse courses on
Cybersecurity Awareness
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify local cybersecurity awareness events
- Volunteer time to assist with event planning or execution
- Engage with attendees to share knowledge and promote security practices
Design and implement security measures for a home network
Show steps
Gain practical experience by designing and configuring a secure home network, applying the principles learned throughout the course.
Browse courses on
Network Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and select appropriate security hardware and software for the home network
- Design a detailed network security plan
- Implement the security plan and configure security settings
- Test and evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented security measures
Attend a workshop on wireless network security
Show steps
Deepen understanding and expand skills in wireless network security by attending a dedicated workshop with expert instructors.
Browse courses on
Wireless Network Security
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant wireless network security workshops
- Register and attend the workshop
- Actively participate in hands-on exercises and discussions
Career center
Learners who complete IT Professional Fundamentals: Security will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Security Analyst
Security Analyst
Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. With attacks becoming more sophisticated, Security Analysts are in high demand. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, is an excellent foundation for aspiring Security Analysts. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering. By understanding these concepts, you’ll be well-equipped to enter this growing field and help protect organizations from cyber threats.
Information Security Manager
Information Security Manager
Information Security Managers plan and implement an organization’s security policies and procedures. They oversee the security of an organization’s computer networks, systems, and data. Information Security Managers are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in information security. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security measures for computer networks. They are responsible for protecting networks from unauthorized access, Denial of Service attacks, and other threats. Network Security Engineers are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their networks. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in network security. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Security Consultant
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their security posture. They assess an organization’s security risks and vulnerabilities, and recommend solutions to mitigate those risks. Security Consultants are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in information security. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
IT Auditor
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate an organization’s IT systems and controls to ensure that they are aligned with the organization’s security policies and objectives. They also assess the organization’s compliance with regulatory requirements. IT Auditors are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in information security. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Incident Responder
Incident Responder
Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and investigating security incidents. They analyze the incident, determine its scope and impact, and recommend solutions to mitigate the damage. Incident Responders are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their IT systems. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in incident response. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Security Architect
Security Architect
Security Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements and develop solutions that meet those requirements. Security Architects are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in information security. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in an organization’s computer networks and systems. They identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to mitigate those vulnerabilities. Penetration Testers are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in penetration testing. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts monitor and analyze an organization’s security systems to identify and respond to security threats. They also investigate security incidents and recommend solutions to mitigate the damage. Cybersecurity Analysts are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their IT systems. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in cybersecurity analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Security Engineer
Security Engineer
Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security solutions for organizations. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements and develop solutions that meet those requirements. Security Engineers are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in security engineering. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts monitor and analyze an organization’s security systems to identify and respond to security threats. They also investigate security incidents and recommend solutions to mitigate the damage. Information Security Analysts are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their IT systems. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in information security analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Security Administrator
Security Administrator
Security Administrators implement and maintain security solutions for organizations. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements and develop solutions that meet those requirements. Security Administrators are in high demand as organizations become increasingly aware of the importance of cybersecurity. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in security administration. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Network Security Administrator
Network Security Administrator
Network Security Administrators implement and maintain security solutions for computer networks. They work with stakeholders to identify security requirements and develop solutions that meet those requirements. Network Security Administrators are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their networks. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in network security administration. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Information Technology Specialist
Information Technology Specialist
Information Technology Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They troubleshoot problems, install software, and maintain hardware. Information Technology Specialists are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their IT systems. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, can help you build a solid foundation in information technology. It covers a wide range of topics, including physical security, authentication, encryption, malware prevention, and social engineering.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They troubleshoot problems, install software, and maintain hardware. Computer Support Specialists are in high demand as organizations become increasingly reliant on their IT systems. This course, IT Professional Fundamentals: Security, may be useful for Computer Support Specialists who want to learn more about security.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ol24e3/it
Reading list
We've selected 16 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
IT Professional Fundamentals: Security.
Is commonly used as a textbook in university courses.
Save
Comprehensive overview of computer security, covering both the principles and practices of the field. It commonly used textbook at academic institutions and provides a good foundation for understanding the concepts of computer security.
Provides a practical guide to building secure distributed systems. It covers topics such as threat modeling, security architecture, and security testing. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in designing and implementing secure systems.
Save
Reference on applied cryptography.
Save
Provides an overview of computer security architecture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cryptography and network security. It covers topics such as encryption, authentication, and network security protocols. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the technical aspects of computer security.
Guide on workstation security.
Discusses network security essentials.
Save
Provides a unique perspective on computer security by focusing on the human element. It covers topics such as social engineering, phishing, and identity theft. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in understanding the human factors that contribute to security breaches.
Provides a broad foundation on computer security. It can be used as a starting point prior to taking the course.
Save
Is about social engineering.
Provides a practical guide to hacking techniques. It covers topics such as buffer overflows, SQL injection, and web application hacking. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the technical aspects of hacking.
Could be used as background reading to prepare for this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the CISSP certification. It covers topics such as security concepts, security threats, and security controls. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the CISSP certification.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the CompTIA Security+ certification. It covers topics such as security concepts, security threats, and security controls. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security. It covers topics such as network security concepts, network security threats, and network security controls. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the basics of network security.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ol24e3/it
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser