Course Details

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the world of cybersecurity. Starting with foundational concepts like the CIA Triad and common cyber threats, you will learn practical, everyday skills to protect your personal digital life, including strong password management, device security, and safe browsing habits. The curriculum then progresses to more technical topics, covering the basics of network and operating system security.

Cybersecurity for Beginners: A Learning Outline

Module 1: Foundational Concepts

• What is Cybersecurity?

  • Definition and importance in today's digital world.

  • The CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

• Common Threats and Attack Vectors

  • Malware (Viruses, Worms, Ransomware, Trojan Horses)

  • Phishing and Social Engineering

  • Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

  • Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Module 2: Personal Cybersecurity and Digital Hygiene

• Password and Account Security

  • Creating strong, unique passwords.

  • Using a password manager.

  • Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

• Protecting Your Devices

  • Antivirus and anti-malware software.

  • Keeping software and operating systems updated.

  • Securing mobile devices.

• Safe Browsing and Email Habits

  • Identifying phishing emails and malicious links.

  • Understanding the risks of public Wi-Fi.

  • Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Module 3: Network and System Security

• Introduction to Networking Basics

  • IP addresses, routers, and firewalls.

  • Understanding network topologies.

• Network Security

  • Firewalls and their role in a network.

  • Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).

  • Securing wireless networks.

• Operating System Security

  • Hardening operating systems.

  • User account control and permissions.

Module 4: Introduction to Defensive and Offensive Security

• Cryptography Fundamentals

  • Symmetric vs. Asymmetric encryption.

  • Hashing and digital signatures.

• Incident Response and Digital Forensics

  • The steps to take during a security breach.

  • An overview of collecting and preserving digital evidence.

• Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

  • The difference between a "black hat" and a "white hat" hacker.

  • The phases of a penetration test.

Module 5: Careers in Cybersecurity

• Different Career Paths

  • Security Analyst

  • Penetration Tester

  • Incident Responder

  • Security Architect

• Skills and Certifications

  • Core technical and soft skills.

  • Entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CCNA.

• Building Your Experience

  • Creating a home lab.

  • Practicing on platforms like Hack The Box or TryHackMe.

  • Contributing to open-source projects.