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 George Washington University. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with George Washington University 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

Examines cybersecurity basics and how they apply to the IT field

Develops foundational knowledge in cybersecurity best practices

Strong fit for students who want to break into the cybersecurity industry

No prior experience or technical installations are required to join or complete this course

Suitable for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity as a profession is projected to grow much faster than the national average for all occupations

Career center

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

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect an organization's computers, networks, and data. Knowledge of the CIA Triad is fundamental to the identification and mitigation of security risks. An understanding of cryptography basics can prove useful when investigating breaches.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Security Manager

Security Managers are responsible for the overall security of an organization. The CIA Triad is a critical tool in developing and implementing an organization's information security policies. Knowledge of the course material can also help a Security Manager to make informed decisions about security investments.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement an organization's security infrastructure. Knowledge of the CIA Triad and cryptography basics can help a Security Architect to develop a comprehensive and effective security strategy.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify and respond to security threats. Knowledge of the CIA Triad can help a Security Analyst to understand and assess security threats. An understanding of cryptography basics can help a Security Analyst to analyze encrypted data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain an organization's security infrastructure. The CIA Triad can help a Security Engineer to understand the security requirements of an organization. The course on cryptography can help a Security Engineer to implement effective encryption solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's network security infrastructure. A deep understanding of cryptography can help a Network Security Engineer to implement effective encryption solutions. The CIA Triad provides a framework to think about security throughout a network infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers use their skills to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. Knowledge of cryptography basics can help an Ethical Hacker to understand how to bypass encryption mechanisms. An understanding of the CIA Triad can help an Ethical Hacker to identify and exploit vulnerabilities that could compromise confidentiality, integrity, or availability.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst plans and implements security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. Knowledge of the CIA Triad can help one to more effectively understand and implement security measures. Any exposure to cryptography basics will also be a benefit.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Security Consultant

Security Consultants help organizations to identify and mitigate security risks. The CIA Triad is an important tool that a Security Consultant can use to assess an organization's security posture. An understanding of cryptography basics can help a Security Consultant to evaluate an organization's encryption practices.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers evaluate the security of computer systems and networks by simulating attacks. Knowledge of cryptography basics can help a Penetration Tester to understand how to bypass encryption mechanisms. An understanding of the CIA Triad can help a Penetration Tester to identify and exploit vulnerabilities that could compromise confidentiality, integrity, or availability.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors assess the effectiveness of an organization's IT controls. Knowledge of the CIA Triad will help an IT Auditor evaluate controls across confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A course on cryptography can help one to evaluate controls over encryption of sensitive data.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators manage an organization's computer systems and networks. Knowledge of the CIA Triad can help a Systems Administrator to secure an organization's systems and networks. An understanding of cryptography basics can help a Systems Administrator to implement effective encryption solutions.

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Information Security Officer

Information Security Officers are responsible for the development and implementation of an organization's information security program. The CIA Triad is one of several important frameworks used to understand security. Some knowledge of cryptography basics can be helpful as well.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. Knowledge of cryptography basics can help a Web Developer to implement secure websites. An understanding of the CIA Triad can help a Web Developer to design websites that meet security requirements.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. An understanding of cryptography basics can help a Software Engineer to develop secure applications. Knowledge of the CIA Triad can help a Software Engineer to design systems that meet security requirements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer