Cybersecurity Fundamentals
This course will introduce the networking and cybersecurity background that you’ll need to succeed in the other courses in the certificate program.
Cybersecurity emphasizes prevention of attacks that are perpetrated using the Internet. It includes application security, information security, and network security. Because the foundations of cybersecurity rely so heavily on knowledge of networking, this course will cover networking background before discussing details of cybersecurity.
Introduction to networking and the Internet protocol stack; Vulnerable protocols such as HTTP, DNS, and BGP; Overview of wireless communications, vulnerabilities, and security protocols; Introduction to cryptography; Discussion of cyber threats and defenses; Firewalls and IDS/IPS; Kerberos; Transport Layer Security, including certificates; Network Layer Security.
Course Outline
The course is divided into two main sections, covering networking and cybersecurity. The material is divided into modules.
- Module 1 – Course Orientation and A Whirlwind Introduction to the Internet
- Module 2 – Application Layer, HTTP and DNS
- Module 3 – Transport Layer and Network Layer
- Module 4 – Link Layer and Wireless
- Module 5 – Cybersecurity Overview
- Module 6 – Cryptography
- Module 7 – Understanding Vulnerabilities
- Module 8 – MID-TERM EXAM
- Module 9 – Vulnerabilities, Exploits, Attacks, Countermeasures
- Module 10 – Vulnerabilities Mitigation, and Risk Management
- Module 11 – Cyber Attack, Exploitation, Authorities, and the Kill Chain
- Module 12 – Cyber Operations Components
- Module 13 – Cyber Operation Phases
- Module 14 – Application Attacks
- Module 15 – Authentication
- Module 16 – FINAL EXAM