Becoming a Cybersecurity Consultant from Coursera

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Syllabus

INTRODUCTION

Cybersecurity Principles

The main focus of this module is to set up the stage for the rest of the course presenting key concepts that will be extended in the following modules. It will present an introduction to security and security properties as well as details on privacy and privacy preserving mechanisms. It will introduce the concept of accountability in the context of a Continuous Appropriate Dynamic Accountability strategy. Finally it will address elements linked to Risk Management. The module is organized in 3 lessons tackling the above aspects in a theoretical way leaving to other modules the deep dive into the relevant technical aspects. It is expected that at the end of the module, learners will acquire (a) knowledge on cyber threats and vulnerabilities, (b) knowledge on confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles (c) knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles used to manage risks related to the use, processing, storage, and transmission of information or data, (d) Skill in applying confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles, (e) Knowledge of risk/threat assessment, (f) Skill in performing impact/risk assessments.

Cybersecurity Offensive Methods

The main focus of this module is to provide learners with an overview of offensive methods and techniques that are used to carry out security attacks targeting IT infrastructures and their services. The module is organized into 4 lessons tackling different aspects of cybersecurity offensive methods and techniques. The first lesson introduces attacker capabilities and attack stages, the second lesson discusses the current gaps and emerging security issues, the third lesson is dedicated to network attacks methods, while the fourth lesson will present novel technologies and the relative attack surface. It is expected that at the end of the module, learners will acquire (a) knowledge on cyber attack stages and attacker capabilities, (b) knowledge on emerging security issues, risks, and vulnerabilities, and (c) knowledge on computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies. This course will allow students to develop some basic but fundamental skills including including (i) skills to anticipate new security threats, (ii) skills to applying confidentiality, integrity, and availability principles, and (iii) skills to design countermeasures to identified security risks.

Cybersecurity Defensive Methods

The main focus of this module is to provide learners with an overview and provide details regarding defensive methods and techniques that are used to prevent, detect and mitigate security attacks targeting IT infrastructures and their services. The module is organized into five lessons tackling different aspects of cybersecurity defensive methods and techniques. The first lesson introduces the principles of security-by-design, the second lesson discusses vulnerability assessment and prevention methods, the third lesson is dedicated to network protection methods, the fourth lesson relates to application/OS protection techniques, while the fifth lesson addresses more specifically data protection.It is expected that at the end of the module, learners will acquire (a) knowledge on information technology (IT) security principles and methods, (b) knowledge on cyber defense and vulnerability assessment methods and their capabilities, and (c) knowledge on cybersecurity and privacy principles related to data protection.  With this knowledge and course participation, several skills are developed, such as (i) skill in discerning the protection needs (i.e., security controls) of information systems and networks, (ii) skill in creating policies that reflect system security objectives, (iii) skill in designing countermeasures to identified security risks, and (iv) skill in evaluating the adequacy of security designs.

Cybersecurity Risk Management

The main focus of this module is to provide students with an overview and present details regarding risk management from an economic perspective so that once the module finishes, the student can assess the possible risks and their economic impact on a company. The lesson starts by explaining the importance of looking into cybersecurity from an economic perspective, then discussing the costs to consider when planning for cybersecurity measures. Also, it introduces theoretical and practical models for cybersecurity investments and decision-making while applying them to a concrete case using a cybersecurity economic tool called SECAdvisor. It is expected that at the end of the module, students will acquire (a) knowledge of integrating the organization’s goals and objectives into the architecture, and (b) knowledge of risk/threat assessment. With this knowledge and course participation, several skills are developed, such as (i) skill in evaluating the adequacy of security designs, (ii) skill in conducting capabilities and requirements analysis, (iii) skill to use critical thinking to analyze organizational patterns and relationships, and (iv) skill to understand the operational, financial and policy-related parameters and the effective implementation of cybersecurity in practice.

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Explores core cybersecurity principles that are relevant for a variety of roles and careers in cybersecurity, as well as middle managers and executives

Focuses on the main cybersecurity threats, defensive and offensive methodologies, risk management, and more

Taught by instructors who have been recognized for their work in cybersecurity

Offers a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity

Covers key topics in cybersecurity, including risk assessment, threat analysis, and incident response

Provides learners with real-world examples and case studies to illustrate cybersecurity concepts

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 Becoming a Cybersecurity Consultant with these activities:

Review Networking Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of networking concepts to enhance your ability to secure IT infrastructures.

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Review the OSI model and network protocols.
Practice configuring and managing network devices.
Troubleshoot common network issues.

Review CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide

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Familiarize yourself with foundational concepts in cybersecurity, such as security principles, risk management, and security controls.

View CompTIA Security+ Study Guide with over 500... on Amazon

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Read through the book's chapters on each domain of the CISSP certification.
Take notes on key concepts and highlight important sections.
Complete the practice questions at the end of each chapter.

Attend a Cybersecurity Conference or Webinar

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Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and industry best practices by attending workshops and webinars.

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Research upcoming cybersecurity conferences or webinars.
Register and attend the event.
Take notes and engage in discussions.

Five other activities

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Participate in an Online Cybersecurity Forum

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Engage with fellow cybersecurity professionals to discuss industry trends, best practices, and real-world challenges.

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Join an online cybersecurity forum.
Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Share your knowledge and insights with others.

Create a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

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Develop a plan to guide your response to potential cybersecurity incidents, ensuring you can effectively mitigate risks and restore operations.

Browse courses on Cybersecurity Risk Management

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Identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities.
Develop a step-by-step response plan for each type of incident.
Assign roles and responsibilities to team members.
Test the plan through simulations or tabletop exercises.

Practice Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing Techniques

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Enhance your skills in identifying and exploiting system vulnerabilities to improve your ability to defend against cyberattacks.

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Use vulnerability scanning tools to identify potential weaknesses in your network.
Perform manual penetration tests to exploit vulnerabilities and assess the impact.
Document your findings and provide recommendations for remediation.

Volunteer for a Cybersecurity Organization

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Contribute to the broader cybersecurity community by volunteering your skills and knowledge to support organizations working in the field.

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Research cybersecurity organizations in your area.
Identify volunteer opportunities that align with your skills.
Contact the organization and express your interest.

Develop a Cybersecurity Training Plan for Your Organization

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Contribute to the security of your organization by designing a comprehensive training plan to educate employees on cybersecurity best practices.

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Identify the training needs of your organization.
Develop course materials and training modules.
Deliver the training and assess its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Becoming a Cybersecurity Consultant will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cybersecurity Risk Manager

Cybersecurity Risk Managers assess and manage cybersecurity risks for organizations. They may also develop and implement risk management plans. This course's coverage of cybersecurity risk management and economic impact can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Risk Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers assess and manage risks for organizations. They may also develop and implement risk management plans. This course's coverage of cybersecurity risk management and economic impact can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain network security systems and solutions to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and technologies can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Security Consultant

Security Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. They may also develop and implement security solutions. This course's coverage of cybersecurity threats, principles, and methods can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers design, implement, and maintain cybersecurity systems and solutions to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and technologies can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Engineer

Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain cloud security systems and solutions to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and technologies can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Security Architect

Security Architects design and implement security architectures to protect organizations from cyberattacks. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and technologies can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's information systems and data. They may also develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and regulations can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

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

Ethical Hacker

Ethical Hackers are hired by organizations to test their cybersecurity systems and identify vulnerabilities. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and technologies can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethical Hacker

Security Manager

Security Managers oversee the security of an organization's information systems and data. They may also develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and regulations can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Manager

Cybersecurity Auditor

Cybersecurity Auditors evaluate an organization's cybersecurity posture and make recommendations for improvements. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and regulations can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

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Cybersecurity Incident Responder

Cybersecurity Incident Responders investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents. They may also develop and implement incident response plans. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and technologies can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's information systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course's coverage of cybersecurity threats, principles, and methods can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Chief Security Officer (CSO)

CSOs are responsible for overseeing the security of an organization's physical and information assets. They may also develop and implement security policies and procedures. This course's coverage of cybersecurity principles, methods, and regulations can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

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Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cybersecurity measures to protect an organization's computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course's coverage of cybersecurity threats, principles, and methods can help build a foundation for success in this role by providing an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities that organizations face, as well as the tools and techniques that can be used to protect against them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Becoming a Cybersecurity Consultant

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