Course Overview

The Cybersecurity Essentials Course equips learners with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to protect systems and data from cyber threats. Participants will explore key topics such as threat identification, security best practices, network protection, and incident response. The course covers practical techniques for recognising vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and responding to cyber incidents. By the end of the course, learners will be able to adopt effective cybersecurity practices to safeguard personal and organisational assets.

 

Prerequisites

No prior cybersecurity knowledge is required; basic computer skills are recommended.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for IT professionals, students, small business owners, and individuals new to cybersecurity. It is suitable for anyone interested in protecting personal or organisational systems from cyber threats.

Course Highlights

  • Learn foundational cybersecurity concepts and common threats.
  • Develop skills in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.
  • Explore techniques for protecting networks, systems, and data.
  • Gain insights into incident response and recovery strategies.
  • Understand the importance of security policies and compliance frameworks.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Describe the fundamentals of cybersecurity and the threat landscape.
  • Identify vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and processes.
  • Implement basic security measures to protect systems and data.
  • Safeguard networks using firewalls, VPNs, and secure configurations.
  • Apply encryption and authentication methods to protect sensitive data.
  • Develop and execute incident response strategies for cyber events.
  • Create and implement cybersecurity policies for organisational safety.
  • Monitor and manage network activity to detect potential threats.
  • Educate users on security best practices to reduce human-related risks.
  • Align cybersecurity efforts with compliance standards and organisational objectives.

Course Outline

Instructional Methods: Group discussions on cybersecurity concepts, practical exercises in identifying risks, and case studies on notable cyber incidents.

Topics Covered:

  • Overview of cybersecurity and its importance in the digital age.
  • Common cyber threats: malware, phishing, ransomware, social engineering.
  • Cybersecurity goals: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad).
  • The evolving nature of cyber threats and attack surfaces.
  • Career paths and opportunities in cybersecurity.

Instructional Methods: Hands-on exercises in vulnerability identification, group discussions on system weaknesses, and case studies on breaches.

Topics Covered:

  • Types of vulnerabilities: software, hardware, and human.
  • Exploits and their impact on systems and data.
  • Recognising insecure configurations and outdated software.
  • Performing basic vulnerability assessments.
  • Mitigating risks through updates, patches, and secure configurations.

Instructional Methods: Practical exercises in securing networks, group discussions on network threats, and case studies on intrusion prevention.

Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to firewalls, routers, and network segmentation.
  • Securing Wi-Fi networks and managing access points.
  • Basics of encryption and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
  • Identifying and preventing common network attacks (e.g., DDoS, MITM).
  • Monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity.

Instructional Methods: Hands-on exercises in data protection, group discussions on security practices, and case studies on data breaches.

Topics Covered:

  • Importance of data encryption and secure storage.
  • Implementing strong authentication methods (e.g., MFA).
  • Password management best practices.
  • Backing up critical data and ensuring recovery options.
  • Safeguarding personal and organisational data against leaks.

Instructional Methods: Group discussions on response strategies, practical exercises in incident scenarios, and case studies on successful recoveries.

Topics Covered:

  • Basics of incident response planning and key phases.
  • Identifying and reporting cyber incidents.
  • Steps for containing and mitigating security breaches.
  • Developing a recovery plan for systems and data.
  • Post-incident analysis and lessons learned.

Instructional Methods: Practical exercises in policy drafting, group discussions on compliance frameworks, and case studies on regulatory adherence.

Topics Covered:

  • Importance of organisational cybersecurity policies.
  • Overview of compliance standards (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001).
  • Creating user awareness programs to minimise human risk.
  • Conducting regular audits to ensure policy effectiveness.
  • Aligning security measures with business goals and regulations.

Certification

A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successful completion of the course.

Course Fees

$788 $488