The purpose of this short four-week course is to introduce the topic of computer system security. We initially look at a short basic introduction to computer system core components and functions and then extend this to consider a variety of topics from hardware to applications. Throughout we provide pointers to openly available materials for background and further reading to explore the topics. We refer to the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) as a reference for cyber security knowledge, alongside other sources that are widely available.
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The purpose of this short four-week course is to introduce the topic of computer system security. We initially look at a short basic introduction to computer system core components and functions and then extend this to consider a variety of topics from hardware to applications. Throughout we provide pointers to openly available materials for background and further reading to explore the topics. We refer to the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) as a reference for cyber security knowledge, alongside other sources that are widely available.
The purpose of this short four-week course is to introduce the topic of computer system security. We initially look at a short basic introduction to computer system core components and functions and then extend this to consider a variety of topics from hardware to applications. Throughout we provide pointers to openly available materials for background and further reading to explore the topics. We refer to the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK) as a reference for cyber security knowledge, alongside other sources that are widely available.
In total, we have four weeks that cover this introduction to computer systems and security. No prior programming nor advanced mathematical knowledge Is required. There are a few examples of pseudocode and some basic computer logic (AND, OR, XOR, etc.) in our Week 1 Introduction to computer systems, but these are not essential to completing the course. In other lessons, we introduce basic concepts and provide pointers to online resources.
The course includes active learning through four lab sessions. The first lab introduces the Linux operating system in general by exploring the Linux desktop and applications provided in the Coursera lab environment hosted in the AWS cloud. The second lab looks at the Linux command line and explores some of the file system and gathers system information, for example to explore processes. The third lab explores the network information, the system connectivity, and uses some Python scripts and Wireshark to examine the TCP and UDP transport protocols and the web/HTTP application protocol. Lastly we explore more about the network services using the Nmap tool to explore the network services in the system.
The course is designed to provide a wide introduction to computer security, by outlining computer systems, including the operating system, programs, data and networking. We discuss some of the issues in computer security and introduce some of the vulnerabilities and threats as we progress through the four weeks. We include some optional readings and videos from a number of sources, including professional resources and vendor materials for additional study.
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Computer Systems and Security
In Week 1, we introduce computer systems and the need for security and services provided.
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
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Syllabus
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Activities
Review basic computer science concepts
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Review foundational computer science concepts to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
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Revisit programming language syntax and data structures.
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Practice solving coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Participate in discussion forums
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Engage with fellow students and the instructor in discussion forums to clarify concepts, share insights, and learn from others.
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Actively participate in the course discussion forums.
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Ask questions and provide answers to help your peers.
Complete coding exercises
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Regularly practice coding exercises to improve your problem-solving skills and reinforce concepts covered in the course.
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Solve coding challenges in the Coursera lab environment.
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Participate in online coding competitions.
Four other activities
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Explore additional resources
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Enhance your understanding by seeking out external resources that provide further insights into the topics covered in the course.
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Watch YouTube videos on computer security best practices.
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Read blog posts and articles from industry experts.
Install and configure a security tool
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Gain hands-on experience by installing and configuring a security tool to protect your own computer or a virtual environment.
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Research and select a reputable security tool.
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Install and configure the tool according to best practices.
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Test the tool's functionality and effectiveness.
Write a summary of a security topic
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Solidify your understanding by summarizing a specific security topic and sharing it with others.
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Choose a security topic of interest.
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Research and gather information from credible sources.
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Write a clear and concise summary.
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Share your summary on a platform like Medium or LinkedIn.
Develop a security plan
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Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive security plan for a specific organization or system.
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Identify and assess potential security risks.
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Design and implement appropriate security measures.
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Document the security plan and present it to stakeholders.
Review basic computer science concepts
Show steps
Review foundational computer science concepts to strengthen your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
- Revisit programming language syntax and data structures.
- Practice solving coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
Participate in discussion forums
Show steps
Engage with fellow students and the instructor in discussion forums to clarify concepts, share insights, and learn from others.
Show steps
- Actively participate in the course discussion forums.
- Ask questions and provide answers to help your peers.
Complete coding exercises
Show steps
Regularly practice coding exercises to improve your problem-solving skills and reinforce concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
- Solve coding challenges in the Coursera lab environment.
- Participate in online coding competitions.
Explore additional resources
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by seeking out external resources that provide further insights into the topics covered in the course.
Show steps
- Watch YouTube videos on computer security best practices.
- Read blog posts and articles from industry experts.
Install and configure a security tool
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience by installing and configuring a security tool to protect your own computer or a virtual environment.
Show steps
- Research and select a reputable security tool.
- Install and configure the tool according to best practices.
- Test the tool's functionality and effectiveness.
Write a summary of a security topic
Show steps
Solidify your understanding by summarizing a specific security topic and sharing it with others.
Show steps
- Choose a security topic of interest.
- Research and gather information from credible sources.
- Write a clear and concise summary.
- Share your summary on a platform like Medium or LinkedIn.
Develop a security plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive security plan for a specific organization or system.
Show steps
- Identify and assess potential security risks.
- Design and implement appropriate security measures.
- Document the security plan and present it to stakeholders.
Career center
Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Analyst
Penetration Tester
Information Security Analyst
Network Security Engineer
IT Security Specialist
Security Consultant
Security Manager
Computer Hardware Engineer
Systems Administrator
Information Technology Auditor
Software Engineer
Computer Systems Analyst
Network Administrator
Web Developer
Reading list
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