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Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations.1 Want to break into the field?

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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 the University of Minnesota. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with the University of Minnesota unless you enroll in the Cybersecurity Boot Camp.

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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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation, which makes for a great starting point
Is suitable for learners with no background or prior experience
Covers important cybersecurity basics
Emphasizes the basics, with no need for prior technical installations
Provides a comprehensive study of cybersecurity basics
Is suitable for learners with no prior technical knowledge

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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:
Read 'Introduction to Cybersecurity' by Michael E. Whitman and Herbert J. Mattord
Gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental cybersecurity concepts, threats, and defenses as outlined in this introductory textbook.
Show steps
  • Read through the chapters and take notes on key concepts
  • Summarize the main ideas and principles discussed in each chapter
  • Apply the concepts to real-world examples or scenarios
Gather Cybersecurity Tools and Resources
Compile a collection of useful cybersecurity tools and resources to support your learning and future reference.
Browse courses on Cybersecurity Tools
Show steps
  • Research and identify reputable sources for cybersecurity tools and resources
  • Create a structured system to organize and categorize the tools and resources
  • Include a brief description or summary of each tool or resource
  • Regularly update and maintain the compilation as new tools and resources emerge
Follow Tutorials on Password Management and Security
Improve your password hygiene and learn best practices for password management by following guided tutorials and implementing the techniques.
Browse courses on Password Management
Show steps
  • Find reputable online resources or tutorials on password management and security
  • Follow the instructions and apply the techniques for creating strong and secure passwords
  • Implement password management tools or techniques to enhance the security of your online accounts
  • Educate yourself on common password-related threats and vulnerabilities
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Complete Online Tutorials on Cryptography and Network Security
Enhance your understanding of cryptography and network security by following guided tutorials and completing exercises to apply your knowledge.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online platforms or resources that offer tutorials on cryptography and network security
  • Select tutorials that align with your learning objectives and skill level
  • Follow the instructions and complete the exercises provided in the tutorials
  • Research additional resources or consult with experts to clarify any concepts or techniques
Practice Cryptography Encryption and Decryption
Practice encrypting and decrypting messages using different methods like Caesar cipher, symmetric encryption, and more to understand the concepts better.
Browse courses on Cryptography
Show steps
  • Go through course materials on cryptography basics
  • Find online resources or tutorials on encryption and decryption methods
  • Implement the encryption and decryption algorithms in a programming language
  • Test your code with different inputs and check the correctness of the results
Solve CIA Triad Problems
Engage in solving problems and scenarios related to the CIA Triad to reinforce your understanding of its principles and application in cybersecurity.
Browse courses on CIA Triad
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
  • Find online resources or case studies that present CIA Triad problems
  • Analyze the problems and identify the threats or vulnerabilities related to CIA Triad principles
  • Propose solutions or recommendations to mitigate the identified threats or vulnerabilities
  • Discuss your solutions or findings with peers or mentors for feedback
Design a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan
Develop a comprehensive incident response plan to demonstrate your understanding of cybersecurity incident management and preparedness.
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on cybersecurity incident response best practices
  • Identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities relevant to your organization or industry
  • Outline the steps and procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents
  • Assign roles and responsibilities for incident response team members
  • Document the incident response plan and ensure it is easily accessible to relevant personnel

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Cybersecurity Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Security Engineer
Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain an organizations network security infrastructure. This includes installing and configuring firewalls, routers, and other network security devices. This course can help you become a Network Security Engineer by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Security Analyst
Security Analysts monitor an organizations security systems for vulnerabilities and threats. They also investigate security breaches and recommend corrective action. This course can help you become a Security Analyst by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organizations information systems. This includes developing and implementing security measures, monitoring systems for vulnerabilities, and responding to security breaches. This course can help you break into the field of Information Security by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain an organizations cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes installing and configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures. This course can help you become a Cybersecurity Engineer by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Computer Security Specialist
Computer Security Specialists plan and implement security measures to protect an organizations computer systems and networks. This course can help you become a Computer Security Specialist by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Risk Analyst
Risk Analysts identify and assess risks to an organizations assets, including its information systems. They also develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks. This course can help you become a Risk Analyst by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Malware Analyst
Malware Analysts analyze malware to identify its capabilities and how it can be used to attack an organizations IT systems. This course can help you become a Malware Analyst by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
IT Auditor
IT Auditors evaluate an organizations IT systems and processes to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. This course can help you become an IT Auditor by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants help organizations develop and implement cybersecurity strategies. They also provide advice on security best practices and help organizations respond to security breaches. This course can help you become a Security Consultant by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Incident Responder
Incident Responders investigate and respond to security breaches. This course can help you become an Incident Responder by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Compliance Analyst
Compliance Analysts ensure that an organizations IT systems and processes are compliant with regulations. This course can help you become a Compliance Analyst by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Digital Forensics Analyst
Digital Forensics Analysts investigate computer crimes and cyberattacks. They also recover and analyze digital evidence. This course can help you become a Digital Forensics Analyst by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in an organizations IT systems. This course can help you become a Penetration Tester by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators manage and maintain an organizations computer systems. This course can help you become a Systems Administrator by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage and maintain an organizations computer networks. This course can help you become a Network Administrator by providing you with a foundation in cybersecurity concepts, such as the CIA Triad and cryptography.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Try It: Cybersecurity Basics.
Provides a comprehensive guide to security engineering, covering topics such as system security, network security, and application security. It is written by a leading security researcher and academic, making it a valuable resource for security engineers and architects.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity in the context of critical infrastructure protection. It covers topics such as risk assessment, security controls, and incident response. It is written by an experienced cybersecurity professional with a focus on infrastructure protection.
Provides a practical guide to threat modeling, a structured approach to identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks. It helps practitioners understand how to analyze systems and applications to uncover potential vulnerabilities and develop effective security controls.
Provides a comprehensive overview of network security, covering topics such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security monitoring. It is written in a straightforward and easy-to-understand style, making it suitable for beginners in the field.
Provides insights into the human element of cybersecurity, exploring topics such as social engineering, psychological vulnerabilities, and the role of deception in cybersecurity. It offers valuable insights into how attackers exploit human weaknesses to compromise systems and data.
Provides a comprehensive guide to DevOps, a software development methodology that emphasizes collaboration and automation. It covers topics such as DevOps principles, tools, and best practices. It is written by leading DevOps practitioners, making it a valuable resource for software development teams.

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