Cybersecurity Fundamentals

 

In the Cybersecurity Fundamentals course, I gained experience with online course systems and learned about the architecture of the Internet, including the roles of end systems and routers. I explored the client-server model, understanding how network applications like web browsing and email function. I studied HTTP for web page requests and DNS for resolving domain names to IP addresses. The course covered MAC addresses, wireless vs. wired LANs, IP CIDR addressing, and TCP connection setup. I analyzed different types of malware, network attacks, wireless threats, and application attacks, as well as vulnerabilities in DNS, databases, and web applications. Additionally, I learned about cryptography, the role of certificates in authentication and encryption, and how firewalls and VPNs help secure networks.

Cybersecurity is at the core of modern technology, shaping how individuals and organizations protect their digital environments. This course provided a structured approach to understanding fundamental security concepts, network architectures, and threat landscapes. Engaging with this material meant diving deep into how the Internet’s architecture, from end systems to routers, functions as the backbone of digital communication. Learning about client-server models, DNS resolution, and HTTP protocols revealed how these fundamental components drive the web’s accessibility and efficiency.

A critical takeaway was the role of firewalls, VPNs, and cryptographic measures, such as authentication certificates, in fortifying networks. Accessibility remained a key theme throughout, ensuring that security measures do not become barriers to legitimate users. Discussions on secure design principles and zero-trust architectures highlighted the importance of building inclusive security frameworks that accommodate various user needs. The course solidified the necessity of integrating security at every level, emphasizing the proactive over reactive approach in cybersecurity strategy.