Introduction to Cybersecurity for Teachers from edX

Teaching cybersecurity in schools is an important way to help students stay safe while using technology. This course introduces teachers to the core ideas of cybersecurity that should be taught in the classroom.

You will learn about the different attacks that individuals and devices are vulnerable to and how to prevent them. You will explore malware, malicious bots, SQL injections, and physical threats to data. You will also build your knowledge of the different tools that protect data and websites. These include strong passwords, biometrics, two-factor authentication, and firewalls.

What you'll learn

Over the following three weeks, you will:

Explain the meanings of terms describing common cyberattacks, such as phishing, pharming, shoulder surfing, and blagging
Evaluate the strength of a password
Explain the protections offered to users by the Misuse of Computer Act
Describe different types of cyber attack, such as an SQL injection attack, and how these can be protected against or mitigated
Classify different types of malware
Explain how antivirus software works
Explain the processes used to protect a network

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain the meanings of terms describing common cyberattacks, such as phishing, pharming, shoulder surfing, and blagging
Evaluate the strength of a password
Explain the protections offered to users by the misuse of computer act
Describe different types of cyber attack, such as an sql injection attack, and how these can be protected against or mitigated

Classify different types of malware
Explain how antivirus software works
Explain the processes used to protect a network

Explain the meanings of terms describing common cyberattacks, such as phishing, pharming, shoulder surfing, and blagging
Evaluate the strength of a password
Explain the protections offered to users by the misuse of computer act
Describe different types of cyber attack, such as an sql injection attack, and how these can be protected against or mitigated
Classify different types of malware
Explain how antivirus software works
Explain the processes used to protect a network

Syllabus

This course will cover:

Core concepts of cybersecurity

Different types of cyberattacks, such as social engineering attacks, malware, SQL injections, malicious bots, and physical threats to data, devices, and networks

Tools to protect data, devices, and networks, like strong passwords, biometrics, two-factor authentication (2FA), antivirus software, firewalls, and CAPTCHAs

Cybersecurity approaches such as input sanitisation, well-designed security protocols, and data and network access control systems

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches core ideas of cybersecurity, helping learners safeguard technology use

Covers different cyberattacks and protective measures, enhancing learners' understanding

Provides hands-on experience with tools like passwords, biometrics, and firewalls, developing practical skills

Suitable for teachers seeking to integrate cybersecurity into their curriculum, addressing a growing need

Explains cybersecurity concepts clearly, making it accessible to learners with diverse backgrounds

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Cybersecurity for Teachers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts help protect computers, networks, servers, and mobile devices from cyber attacks. They analyze and mitigate risks to critical systems, and stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and trends. This course provides cybersecurity fundamentals, teaching you about common attacks, including social engineering, malware, and SQL injection. It also explores tools and techniques used to protect systems, which will help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants help organizations assess and mitigate security risks. They work with companies to identify vulnerabilities and develop strategies to protect their data and systems. This course gives you a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, including different types of attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the knowledge and skills you need to succeed as a Security Consultant.

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Incident Responder

Incident Responders help organizations respond to and recover from security breaches. They investigate incidents, identify the root cause, and develop containment and remediation plans. This course provides valuable knowledge of different types of cyber attacks, including malware, malicious bots, and social engineering. It also covers tools and techniques used to protect systems, which will help you build the skills you need to succeed as an Incident Responder.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's information and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work with management to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and monitor systems for security breaches. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, including different types of attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as an Information Security Analyst.

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Computer Forensic Analyst

Computer Forensic Analysts help investigate and analyze computer systems and networks to uncover evidence of crimes. They work closely with law enforcement and other organizations to collect and analyze digital evidence. This course provides a foundation in cybersecurity, including different types of cyber attacks, malware, and network security. It also covers tools and techniques used to protect systems, which will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Computer Forensic Analyst.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. They work to protect networks from unauthorized access, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and other threats. This course provides valuable knowledge of network security, including different types of cyber attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Network Security Engineer.

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Software Security Engineer

Software Security Engineers integrate security practices into the software development process. They work to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in software applications. This course provides valuable knowledge of cybersecurity, including different types of cyber attacks, malware, and secure coding techniques. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Software Security Engineer.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design and implement security solutions for cloud computing environments. They work to protect cloud-based applications, data, and infrastructure from unauthorized access, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and other threats. This course provides valuable knowledge of cloud security, including different types of cyber attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Cloud Security Engineer.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. They work with business leaders to understand the organization's security needs and develop strategies to meet those needs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, including different types of attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Security Architect.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage risks to an organization. They work with business leaders to understand the organization's risk tolerance and develop strategies to mitigate risks. This course provides valuable knowledge of cybersecurity, including different types of cyber attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Risk Analyst.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs are responsible for the overall security of an organization's information and systems. They work with business leaders to develop and implement security policies and procedures, and oversee the organization's security program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, including different types of attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a CISO.

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Cybersecurity Manager

Cybersecurity Managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day security operations of an organization. They work with security analysts to monitor systems for security breaches, investigate incidents, and develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity, including different types of attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Cybersecurity Manager.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems for organizations. They work to protect networks, systems, and data from unauthorized access, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, and other threats. This course provides valuable knowledge of cybersecurity, including different types of cyber attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Security Engineer.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems by simulating cyber attacks. They work with organizations to identify and fix security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers. This course provides valuable knowledge of different types of cyber attacks, including malware, malicious bots, and social engineering. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as a Penetration Tester.

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Information Technology (IT) Auditor

IT Auditors review and assess an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. They work with management to identify and mitigate risks to the organization's IT systems. This course provides valuable knowledge of cybersecurity, including different types of cyber attacks, mitigation strategies, and security tools. It will help you build the skills you need to succeed as an IT Auditor.

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