Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials from Coursera

With this beginner friendly course, learn fundamental Cybersecurity skills that are crucial for anyone using computing devices and connecting to the Internet.

You will first learn to recognize common security threats and risks that individuals and organizations may face, such as theft, tampering, and destruction of sensitive information. You’ll then discover the characteristics of cyber-attacks and learn how you can employ best practices to guard against them.

Next, you’ll learn about the best practices against cyberattacks. These include using strong passwords, good password management, and multi-factor authentication. You’ll learn ways in which you can strengthen your security plan with techniques like device hardening, encryption and more.

You’ll then learn about safe browsing practices. You’ll gain an understanding of why you must practice safe browsing; to protect yourself against hackers, phishing, identity theft, security leaks, privacy issues and more. You’ll also explore methods for securing and managing confidential information. Then, discover how to configure browsers to help reduce security breaches.

Throughout this course you will complete many hands-on labs which will enhance your understanding of course material. At the end of this course, you will have the opportunity to complete a final project where you will demonstrate your proficiency in cybersecurity.

Designed specifically for beginners and those who are interested in a Cybersecurity Specialist or Analyst roles as well as entry-level roles in Information Security (Infosec) engineering. This course dives into the world of cybersecurity to give you the critical skills employers need. It also supports the needs of technical and IT support roles, who can find themselves on the front lines of defense for cybersecurity issues.

What's inside

Syllabus

Common Security Threats and Risks

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These attacks typically include business interruptions or the theft, tampering, or destruction of sensitive information. Ransomware attacks are on the rise and are predicted to cost victims more than $265 billion (USD) annually by 2031. And that is just one type of threat we all need to protect against. The need for organizations to implement effective security practices has never been more important or urgent. This module will teach you the skills you need to identify basic security threats and choose the best security practices to address those threats. This week, you’ll learn the difference between data, information, and insights and how companies leverage all three to help guide their business decisions. You’ll learn how to maintain data integrity and keep data confidential. You’ll also begin to learn about the different types of attacks and breaches that threaten today’s organizations and their data.

Security Best Practices 

Unfortunately, there’s no single solution for effective cybersecurity. The best practice is to use multiple layers of security. Some great first steps you can take to improve security and build a solid foundation to protect against cyberattacks are to use strong passwords, good password management, and multi-factor authentication. You should also limit access to data and resources to only those people who need them. Your security plan can be further rounded out and strengthened by using techniques such as device hardening, and encryption, and by educating employees about cyberthreats as a regular part of their training.  This week, you’ll learn more about security, including password management, creating effective passwords, and securing devices. You’ll learn the differences between authentication, authorization, and accounting, and how these concepts help secure devices and validate logons. You’ll also learn how encryption can help secure data transmissions and how to manage email and spam.

Safe Browsing Practices

From people, to computers, to mobile phones, and the Internet of Things, everything is connected. Today there are more devices than people. For some, mobile phones and tablets have replaced traditional desktop computers and laptops. The web is where people and businesses get things done and it’s always on, 24 hours a day. The Internet can be an awesome place to go for entertainment, learning, and other online experiences. But the Internet isn’t safe. Hackers, phishing, identity theft, security leaks, privacy issues, and more are valid reasons to consistently practice safe browsing to protect yourself. This week, you will learn about safety concerns with applications and public browsing, including managing plug-ins, extensions, and toolbars. You will learn about web browser security configurations, cookies, and computer caches.

Final Quiz

In this module, you’ll assess your course knowledge through a final quiz based on the previous four modules.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by IBM Skills Network Team, who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Develops cybersecurity skills that are core skills for IT roles

Taught by IBM, who are recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Examines cybersecurity, which is highly relevant to fields such as IT and Infosec

Explores cybersecurity, which is standard in industry

Teaches cybersecurity, which helps learners protect themselves and others against cyberattacks

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 Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials with these activities:

Review 'Cybersecurity for Beginners' by Raef Meeuwisse

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals by reviewing this introductory book.

View Artificial Intelligence for Beginners on Amazon

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Read through the chapters and make notes on key concepts
Summarize the main ideas and principles discussed
Reflect on how the concepts apply to your daily online activities

Practice using secure browsing practices

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Reinforce your knowledge of different secure browsing practices by practicing and applying them in different situations.

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Identify potential risks and threats while browsing the web
Configure your browser to enhance security
Test your secure browsing skills in a simulated environment

Volunteer at a cybersecurity organization or event

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the cybersecurity community by volunteering at relevant organizations or events.

Browse courses on Volunteering

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Identify cybersecurity organizations or events seeking volunteers
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and requirements
Participate in volunteer activities and contribute your skills

Four other activities

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Follow tutorials on hardening devices and encrypting data

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Enhance your understanding of device hardening and data encryption techniques by following guided tutorials.

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Locate reputable tutorials on device hardening
Identify appropriate encryption methods for different scenarios
Implement the techniques learned in a practical environment

Follow tutorials on network security monitoring

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Enhance your ability to detect and respond to network security threats by following guided tutorials on network security monitoring.

Browse courses on Network Security Monitoring

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Identify trusted resources for network security monitoring tutorials
Learn about different network security monitoring tools and techniques
Configure and deploy a network security monitoring system in a practical environment

Conduct penetration testing exercises

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Develop practical skills in identifying vulnerabilities by conducting simulated penetration testing exercises.

Browse courses on Penetration Testing

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Choose a target website or system for testing purposes
Plan and execute the penetration test using ethical hacking techniques
Analyze the results and identify potential security weaknesses

Develop a cybersecurity incident response plan

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Reinforce your understanding of cybersecurity incident response by developing a comprehensive plan.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Incident Response

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Define the scope and objectives of the incident response plan
Identify potential cybersecurity threats and risks
Develop procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents

Career center

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

Incident Responder

Incident Responders investigate and respond to security incidents. They may also develop and implement incident response plans.

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Penetration Tester

Penetration Testers assess the security of computer systems and networks by simulating attacks. They may also develop and implement security controls.

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Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain an organization's cybersecurity systems. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain an organization's network security systems. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement an organization's cybersecurity strategy. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Chief Security Officer (CSO)

Chief Security Officers (CSOs) are responsible for the overall security of an organization. They may develop and implement security policies, and oversee the implementation of security controls.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers are responsible for the security of an organization's cloud computing environment. They may design, implement, and maintain security controls, and conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Malware Analyst

Malware Analysts examine malware to understand how it works and how to protect against it. They may also develop and implement malware detection and prevention systems.

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Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are responsible for the overall technology strategy of an organization. They may also oversee the implementation of security controls.

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Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are responsible for the overall information technology strategy of an organization. They may also oversee the implementation of security controls.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors examine an organization's computer systems and networks to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. They may also conduct security audits and risk assessments.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts help maintain the integrity of computer networks and systems, making this course's focus on security threats and risks a valuable aspect of training to help work in this position. By learning how to harden a device and protect oneself against phishing scams, one will be better equipped to perform their duties as a Security Analyst.

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Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a high-level position that oversees the security of an organization's IT systems and data, so staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity threats is very important. Taking this course can help CISOs stay informed about common security threats and risks, as well as best practices for protecting against them.

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