Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies from Coursera

This course gives you the background needed to gain Cybersecurity skills as part of the IBM Cybersecurity Professional Certificate programs.

You will explore incident response methodologies and security models. You will learn to recognize and categorize key types of vulnerabilities and associated attacks against today's organizations. You will explore in depth several past and recent breaches to learn how they were detected and what was done or could have been done to reduce the threat risk to the organization.

Finally, you will explore the costs of data breaches through research studies and well known breaches.

This course requires you to select and research a cybersecurity breach in the news today and apply your knowledge and skills from this course and previous cybersecurity courses to analyze the type of attack, attack timeline, vulnerable systems, and any missed opportunities. This project will be graded by your peers in the course.

This course is intended for anyone who wants to explore examples of Cybersecurity breaches to work in the Cybersecurity field as a Cybersecurity Analyst or a Cybersecurity Specialist.

The completion of this course also makes you eligible to earn the Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies IBM digital badge.

In this course, you will learn to:

● Apply incident response methodologies.

● Research and describe a watering hole attack.

● Research and describe ransomware threats and the consequences to organization.

● Research and describe 3rd party breaches and how they affect an organization.

● Research and describe the effects of a phishing attack.

● Research and describe a point of sale attack and approximate cost of data breaches.

● Perform a case study on a current cyber attack and breach.

What's inside

Syllabus

Incident Management Response and Cyberattack Frameworks

In this module, you will review Incident Management Response and explore one of the frameworks for Cyberattack in detail.

Phishing Scams

In this module, you will learn about phishing scams in detail and explore a case study of a phishing attack on two corporations.

Point of Sale Breach

In this module, you will learn about Point of Sale breaches and the impacts to an organization through case studies.

3rd Party Breach

In this module, you will learn about 3rd Party breaches and the impacts to an organization through case studies.

Ransomware

In this module, you will learn about Ransomware breaches and the impacts to an organization through case studies.

Apply Your Skill - Data Breaches

In this module, you will learn to apply your skill to recognize data breaches, vulnerabilities and costs for a specific company.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines common cybersecurity breaches and case studies in detail, exploring the real-world implications and potential solutions for securing organizations

Teaches incident response methodologies, equipping learners with a framework for responding to cyberattacks effectively

Provides hands-on experience through a project where learners analyze a real-world cybersecurity breach, applying their knowledge to identify vulnerabilities and solutions

Introduces learners to different types of cyberattacks, such as phishing, ransomware, and point-of-sale breaches, providing a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity threats

Taught by the IBM Skills Network Team, who are recognized for their expertise in cybersecurity and bring industry insights to the course content

Requires learners to come in with some prior cybersecurity knowledge, so it's best suited for those with at least a basic understanding of the field

Reviews summary

Cybersecurity case studies: real-world breaches

Learners say this course features engaging assignments that prepare you for real-world cybersecurity challenges. It's largely positive, with students appreciating the hands-on case studies, informative content, and opportunity to apply their knowledge. However, some reviewers note issues with difficult exams, long wait times for peer review, and a lack of clear instructions in certain assessments.

Receive feedback on your work from peers.

"Really enjoyed this one especially the peer to peer presentations."

"The assessment was challenging :)"

Apply your skills in practical assignments.

"Great practice, performing a case study."

Learn from real-world cybersecurity breaches.

"This course broadened my knowledge on CyberSecurity "

"This course gave me the opportunity to study and go through with real world Cybersecurity Attacks & Cases that affected the Companies."

Be prepared for challenging exams.

"Very challenging but worth it."

Some assessments may lack clear instructions.

"The instructions were so clear and many things to learn about the data breaches"

"peer reviewed assessments are not great, many people just submit junk"

"This course was very good, however I cannot access the final assessment and I continue to get the message:' You can only access this Capstone after completing the courses in the Specialization."

Expect delays in peer review assessments.

"I got a little discouraged having to wait to review other students assignments"

"The girl that just reads the information is awful."

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 Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies with these activities:

Review Basic Networking Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of basic networking concepts, such as IP addressing, routing, and network security. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of cybersecurity.

Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals

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Review the basics of IP addressing and subnetting
Understand the different network protocols and their functions
Learn about network security concepts, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems

NIST Cybersecurity Framework

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Review the NIST Cybersecurity Framework to build a solid foundation for cybersecurity concepts and best practices. This will help you understand the essential elements of cybersecurity and their application in protecting information and systems.

Browse courses on NIST Cybersecurity Framework

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Visit the NIST Cybersecurity Framework website
Review the framework document
Identify the five core functions of the framework
Map the framework to your own organization's cybersecurity needs

Identify and Categorize Vulnerabilities

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Practice identifying and categorizing vulnerabilities to improve your ability to recognize and mitigate them in real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Incident Response

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Review examples of vulnerabilities from reputable sources.
Use online tools or databases to search for vulnerabilities.
Categorize vulnerabilities based on their type, impact, and exploitability.

Nine other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all 12 activities

Explore Ransomware Breaches

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Follow online tutorials to learn about ransomware breaches, their impact on organizations, and best practices for prevention and recovery.

Browse courses on Ransomware

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Search for online tutorials on ransomware.
Follow the instructions provided in the tutorial.
Apply the lessons learned to analyze real-world ransomware breaches.

Attend a Cybersecurity Workshop

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Attend a cybersecurity workshop to learn from industry experts, network with professionals, and gain practical experience.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity

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Research upcoming cybersecurity workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests.
Actively participate in the workshop and engage with the instructors.

Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence Sharing

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Engage in regular peer sessions to share and discuss cybersecurity threat intelligence. This will help you stay informed about the latest threats and trends, and collaborate with others to develop effective countermeasures.

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Join or create a cybersecurity threat intelligence community
Participate in online forums and discussions
Share and discuss threat intelligence
Collaborate on developing countermeasures

Security Controls Implementation

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Explore best practices and implementation guidance for various security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control mechanisms. This will help you enhance the security of your information systems and applications.

Browse courses on Security Controls

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Identify the security controls applicable to your organization
Review implementation guidance and best practices
Implement and configure the security controls effectively
Monitor and maintain the security controls

Develop an Incident Response Plan

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Create an incident response plan to outline your organization's procedures in the event of a cybersecurity breach.

Browse courses on Incident Management

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Research industry best practices and frameworks.
Identify key stakeholders and responsibilities.
Develop a step-by-step incident response procedure.
Document the plan and communicate it to all relevant personnel.

Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

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Develop a cybersecurity incident response plan to outline your organization's procedures for handling and responding to cybersecurity incidents. This will help you prepare your team to effectively manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Browse courses on Incident Response Plan

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Identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities
Establish roles and responsibilities for incident response
Define incident response procedures
Document the incident response plan
Test and review the incident response plan

Vulnerability Scanning and Assessment

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Practice using vulnerability scanning and assessment tools to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities in your systems and networks. This will help you stay ahead of potential threats and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.

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Select and install a vulnerability scanning tool
Configure the scanning parameters
Perform vulnerability scans
Analyze scan results and prioritize vulnerabilities

Analyze a Current Cyber Attack

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Collaborate with peers to analyze a current cyber attack, focusing on the attack timeline, vulnerable systems, and response strategies.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Select a recent cyber attack case study.
Research the attack and its impact.
Discuss the case study with peers, share insights, and analyze the response.

Ethical Hacking Techniques

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Explore ethical hacking techniques to simulate real-world attacks and identify vulnerabilities in your systems and networks. This will help you improve your defensive capabilities and develop a better understanding of cyber threats.

Browse courses on Ethical Hacking

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Set up a virtual environment for practice
Review ethical hacking tools and techniques
Perform simulated attacks to identify vulnerabilities
Document and report your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Incident Responder

Incident Responders are responsible for responding to and investigating cyber attacks. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Incident Responder

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are responsible for identifying and responding to threats to an organization's IT systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber attacks. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's cybersecurity systems. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers are responsible for testing an organization's computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Penetration Tester

Security Consultant

Security Consultants are responsible for providing advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Information Security Manager

Information Security Managers are responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security program. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts are responsible for assessing and managing the risks associated with an organization's IT systems and networks. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's information security program. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

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

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information assets from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) are responsible for legally testing an organization's computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Security Architect

Security Architects are responsible for designing and implementing an organization's security infrastructure. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for overseeing an organization's technology strategy. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Forensic Analyst

Forensic Analysts are responsible for investigating cyber crimes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Analyst

IT Auditor

IT Auditors are responsible for reviewing an organization's IT systems and networks to ensure that they are compliant with laws and regulations. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role by providing you with a foundation in incident response methodologies, security models, and vulnerability assessment. You will also learn about the different types of cyber attacks that organizations face and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor