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 Boot Camp with UNC Charlotte. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with UNC Charlotte 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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners interested in breaking into the field

Covers the key elements of the CIA Triad, cryptography basics, and responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals

Designed for those with no prior experience or technical installations

Offered as a Try It in support of the Cybersecurity Boot Camp with UNC Charlotte

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:

Review High School Mathematics

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Sharpen your mathematical skills to better understand cryptographic concepts.

Browse courses on Functions

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Review basic algebraic operations.
Brush up on trigonometry.
Practice solving equations and inequalities.
Explore mathematical functions and their properties.

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Enhance your understanding by organizing and regularly reviewing class materials.

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Keep a notebook or digital document for each module.
Organize notes, assignments, and practice exercises.
Review materials regularly to reinforce learning.
Identify areas where you need additional support or clarification.

Engage in Study Groups with Peers

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Collaborate with classmates to reinforce concepts, clarify doubts, and prepare for assessments.

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Form or join a study group with classmates.
Set regular meeting times and establish a study plan.
Review course materials together and discuss key concepts.
Work through practice problems and assignments as a group.

Five other activities

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Create a Cybersecurity Glossary

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Solidify your understanding of key cybersecurity terms and concepts.

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Identify important cybersecurity terms and their definitions.
Create a digital or physical glossary.
Regularly review and expand your glossary.
Share your glossary with peers or online communities.

Explore Online Cryptography Tutorials

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Supplement your learning with interactive online tutorials that provide hands-on practice.

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Search for reputable online cryptography tutorials.
Follow along with the tutorials, completing exercises and quizzes.
Experiment with different encryption and decryption algorithms.
Seek clarification from forums or online communities when needed.

Solve Cryptography Practice Problems

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Reinforce your understanding of cryptographic techniques through regular practice.

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Find online or textbook-based cryptography problem sets.
Dedicate time to solving problems regularly.
Analyze your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Seek help from instructors or peers when遇到困难.

Attend Cybersecurity Meetups and Conferences

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Connect with industry professionals and learn about the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity.

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Identify local or virtual cybersecurity meetups and conferences.
Attend events and engage in discussions.
Exchange ideas and insights with attendees.
Follow up with potential mentors or collaborators.

Participate in Open-Source Cybersecurity Projects

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the cybersecurity community.

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Identify open-source cybersecurity projects on platforms like GitHub.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Contribute to the project by writing code, reviewing documentation, or providing support.
Connect with other contributors and learn from their experiences.

Career center

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

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. An Information Security Analyst uses cybersecurity principles to protect the organization's data and systems. This course will help those who are interested in becoming an Information Security Analyst to gain a better understanding of cybersecurity basics and how to protect an organization from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains an organization's database systems. A Database Administrator uses cybersecurity principles to protect the organization's database from cyberattacks and data breaches. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Database Administrator by introducing them to cybersecurity basics and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Security Manager

A Security Manager manages an organization's security program. A Security Manager uses cybersecurity principles to protect the organization's data and systems. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Security Manager by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Security Auditor

A Security Auditor reviews an organization's security policies and procedures to ensure compliance. A Security Auditor uses cybersecurity principles to protect the organization's data and systems. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Security Auditor by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Auditor

Vulnerability Analyst

A Vulnerability Analyst identifies and assesses security vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. A Vulnerability Analyst uses cybersecurity principles to find vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Vulnerability Analyst by introducing them to cybersecurity basics and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vulnerability Analyst

Risk Analyst

A Risk Analyst assesses the risks to an organization's computer networks and systems. A Risk Analyst uses cybersecurity principles to identify and mitigate security risks. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Risk Analyst by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, implements and maintains security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. A Security Engineer uses cybersecurity principles to protect the organization's data and systems. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Security Engineer by introducing them to cybersecurity basics and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst investigates and responds to security incidents. A Security Analyst uses cybersecurity principles to identify and mitigate security threats. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Security Analyst by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Security Consultant

A Security Consultant provides security advice and guidance to organizations. A Security Consultant uses cybersecurity principles to help organizations protect their networks and systems. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Security Consultant by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Incident Responder

An Incident Responder responds to and resolves security incidents. An Incident Responder uses cybersecurity principles to minimize the impact of a security incident and restore normal operations. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming an Incident Responder by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst designs, implements and maintains computer systems for organizations. A Computer Systems Analyst uses cybersecurity principles to make sure that hardware and software are used in ways that are secure. This course can help those who are interested in becoming a Computer Systems Analyst to gain a better understanding of the importance of cybersecurity and how to keep a system secure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Penetration Tester

A Penetration Tester attempts to compromise an organization's computer networks and systems to identify security vulnerabilities. A Penetration Tester uses cybersecurity principles to find vulnerabilities in systems and networks. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Penetration Tester by introducing them to cybersecurity basics and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages and maintains an organization's computer networks. A Network Administrator uses cybersecurity principles to protect the organization's network from cyberattacks. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Network Administrator by introducing them to cybersecurity basics and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Cybersecurity Architect

A Cybersecurity Architect develops and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. A Cybersecurity Architect uses cybersecurity principles to design and implement systems that are secure from cyberattacks and data breaches. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Cybersecurity Architect by introducing them to cybersecurity basics and cryptography basics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Architect

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer is responsible for managing and securing the company's information systems. A Chief Information Security Officer ensures compliance with regulations by protecting the company's data and systems from cyberattacks. This course may be useful to those who are interested in becoming a Chief Information Security Officer by introducing them to cybersecurity basics.

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