Cybersecurity for Everyone from Coursera

Cybersecurity affects everyone, including in the delivery of basic products and services. If you or your organization want to better understand how to address your cybersecurity, this is the course for you and your colleagues to take -- from seasoned professionals to your non-technical colleagues.

Your instructor, Dr. Charles Harry, has served on the front lines with the NSA (National Security Agency) and as an expert advising corporate and institutional leaders on managing cybersecurity risk. And he brings a rare and engaging perspective to help you learn cybersecurity from the ground up.

Cybersecurity for Everyone lays the groundwork to understand and explore the key issues facing policy makers attempting to manage the problem of cybersecurity, from its technical foundations to the domestic and international policy considerations surrounding governance, privacy, and risk management, to applications for achieving the goals of an enterprise, an institution, or a nation. This course is designed for students with some or no background in information technology, whether a novice or active in the cybersecurity field (engineers and computer scientists will learn the broader context and business aspects of cybersecurity), and will provide the principles to understand the current debates shaping a rapidly evolving security landscape.

What's inside

Syllabus

Cybersecurity for Everyone: Defining Cyber, Security, and Cybersecurity Policy (Week 1)

Cybersecurity for Everyone: Evolution of the Internet (Week 2)

Cybersecurity for Everyone: Global Telecommunications Architecture and Governance (Week 3)

Cybersecurity for Everyone: Threat Actors and Their Motivations (Week 4)

Cybersecurity for Everyone: The Hacking Process (Week 5)

Cybersecurity for Everyone: End Effects - Direct and Indirect Consequences (Week 6)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores core areas of cybersecurity, such as domestic and international policy, covering governance, privacy, and risk management

Provides foundational cybersecurity knowledge for beginners who have little or no IT background

May complement the knowledge of active cybersecurity professionals by providing the broader context and business aspects of the field

Taught by an expert who brings first-hand experience from the National Security Agency (NSA)

Reviews summary

Cybersecurity for everyone

Learners say "Cybersecurity for Everyone" is a highly rated course that provides a great overview of cybersecurity basics. According to students, the course does a great job in explaining how the internet works, threats to computers and data, and how to protect against threats. Students report the course is suitable for beginners and provides a solid foundation for further study in cybersecurity. Reviewers say the course is well-structured and easy to follow, with engaging lectures and a knowledgeable and clear instructor. Some reviewers mention that they would have liked more hands-on labs, but overall, the consensus is that this course is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about cybersecurity.

This course is perfect for those with little to no knowledge of cybersecurity. It covers the basics in a clear and concise way, and provides a solid foundation for further study.

"This is a great introductory course to get me started on this new journey."

"The course has a slow start but by the end the topics are really interesting."

"Excellent Course. I'm very happy finishing the course."

"Good beginner course good examples used in lectures for understanding."

"This was a great course I enjoyed it very much."

"A very nice introductory course to Cybersecurity that highlights what goes on in the minds of these threat hunters (Hackers)."

The course is well-structured and easy to follow, with engaging lectures and a knowledgeable and clear instructor.

"Excellent course for every one with little back ground of computer and its day - to day usage people can follow the course and understand its importance and can mitigate the threat risk with necessary care. "

"Great intro course to get me started on this new journey."

"I found this course helped me understand the intricacies of the Internet as well as the many challenges Cyber Security has."

"it's very helpful to start a career in cybersecurity with zero knowledge . This course done a great work solving basics and prepare a base according to history "

"This course is another level compared to many others."

"It's a great introductory course for those who want to learn cybersecurity."

"This course is particularly valuable for beginners and others, as it equips them with essential knowledge in cybersecurity fundamentals."

While the course is comprehensive in its coverage of cybersecurity topics, some learners may have preferred more hands-on labs to reinforce their understanding.

"Great course for beginners. Need to add hands-on learning topics like using Tools."

"Fantastic course for beginners. Need to add hands-on learning topics like using Tools."

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 for Everyone with these activities:

Revisit cyber risk management principles

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Sharpen your understanding of risk management principles to build a strong foundation for cybersecurity.

Browse courses on Cyber Risk Management

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Read articles or whitepapers on cybersecurity best practices.
Review concepts like risk assessment, threat modeling, and incident response.

Practice penetration testing exercises

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Engage in hands-on simulations to enhance your understanding of how vulnerabilities can be exploited and mitigated.

Browse courses on Penetration Testing

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Set up a lab environment for penetration testing.
Practice scanning for vulnerabilities using tools like Nmap and Nessus.
Exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain access to systems.

Develop a cybersecurity incident response plan

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Create a practical guide to help you respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents.

Browse courses on Incident Response Plan

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Gather requirements from stakeholders and identify potential risks.
Define roles and responsibilities for incident handling.
Develop procedures for incident detection, containment, and recovery.

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Career center

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

Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization's information assets. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to effectively lead an organization's cybersecurity program and protect its information assets from cyber threats.

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

Cybersecurity Manager

Cybersecurity Managers oversee the development and implementation of an organization's cybersecurity program. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to effectively oversee the development and implementation of an organization's cybersecurity program.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Manager

Cybersecurity Policy Advisor

Cybersecurity Policy Advisors develop and implement cybersecurity policies for organizations. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, including global telecommunications architecture and governance, threat actors and their motivations, and end effects. This knowledge would enable you to effectively develop and implement cybersecurity policies that protect organizations from cyber threats.

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Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officers oversee an organization's compliance with data protection laws and regulations. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, including global telecommunications architecture and governance, threat actors and their motivations, and end effects. This knowledge would enable you to effectively oversee an organization's compliance with data protection laws and regulations.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to design and implement secure network architectures and systems, protecting organizations from cyberattacks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on cybersecurity matters. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to provide valuable advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their information assets from cyberattacks.

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Security Researcher

Security Researchers identify and analyze security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, including threat actors and their motivations, the hacking process, and end effects. This knowledge would enable you to conduct effective security research and contribute to the development of new security measures to protect organizations from cyberattacks.

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Security Specialist

Security Specialists implement and manage security measures for organizations. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to implement and manage effective security measures that protect organizations from cyber threats.

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Compliance Analyst

Compliance Analysts ensure that an organization's IT systems and networks comply with applicable laws and regulations. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, including global telecommunications architecture and governance, threat actors and their motivations, and end effects. This knowledge would enable you to effectively ensure that an organization's IT systems and networks comply with applicable laws and regulations.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to design and implement comprehensive security solutions that protect organizations from cyber threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization's IT systems and networks. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to effectively identify, assess, and mitigate risks to an organization's IT systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems for organizations. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles, including the evolution of the internet, global telecommunications architecture and governance, and threat actors and their motivations. This knowledge would enable you to design and implement effective security systems that protect organizations from cyber threats.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts identify and assess cyber threats in computer systems. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a solid foundation in the principles of cybersecurity, including threat actors and their motivations, the hacking process, and end effects. This knowledge would enable you to contribute to the protection of computer systems from cyberattacks and data breaches, making you a valuable asset to any organization.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. The Cybersecurity for Everyone course can help you build a foundation in cybersecurity principles, including global telecommunications architecture and governance, threat actors and their motivations, and the hacking process. This knowledge would enable you to develop and implement effective security measures to protect an organization's information assets.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's IT controls. By taking the Cybersecurity for Everyone course, you would gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, including global telecommunications architecture and governance, threat actors and their motivations, and the hacking process. This knowledge would enable you to effectively evaluate the effectiveness of an organization's IT controls and identify areas for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor