Cyber Security

This module covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including its importance in today’s digital world. Learners are introduced to the CIA triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—as the backbone of security principles. It also explores various types of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and an overview of key cybersecurity domains such as network security, application security, and cloud security, along with potential career paths in the field.

Students gain a strong foundation in computer networking concepts, learning about IP addressing, subnetting, and how data travels through networks. This module explains the OSI and TCP/IP models, and introduces essential hardware like routers, switches, and firewalls. Understanding these elements is crucial for securing data transmission and detecting network-based threats.

This section focuses on security features in operating systems like Windows and Linux. Learners will understand user roles, access permissions, file systems, and system hardening techniques. It also covers how to enforce security policies, perform updates, and monitor system behavior to detect unauthorized activities or vulnerabilities.

Here, students explore real-world cyber threats such as malware (viruses, worms, ransomware), phishing, and social engineering. The module also delves into DoS/DDoS attacks and zero-day exploits. Learners understand the attack lifecycle and how vulnerabilities can be identified and mitigated in various systems.

This module introduces the science of encrypting and protecting data. It explains symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hash functions, digital signatures, and the role of cryptographic protocols. Learners will understand how cryptography ensures data confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity, especially in communications and digital transactions.

Focusing on defending digital infrastructure, this section teaches about the deployment and configuration of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). It also covers wireless security protocols, network segmentation, and techniques for access control and traffic monitoring.

Students learn about common web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure session handling. The module emphasizes secure coding practices, using Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), and conducting security testing and audits to safeguard apps from exploitation.

This module covers the principles of authentication, authorization, and user identity management. Learners explore multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and role-based access control (RBAC), gaining the skills to manage user privileges and secure access to systems and data.

Students are introduced to real-time monitoring tools, logging, and the components of a Security Operations Center (SOC). The module outlines the incident response lifecycle, how to manage security incidents effectively, and the role of SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools in identifying and mitigating attacks.

This section teaches about cybersecurity frameworks, policies, and legal regulations. Learners understand how to conduct risk assessments, implement compliance measures (like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001), and manage security in alignment with organizational goals and legal obligations.

The course concludes by looking at the future of cybersecurity. Topics include securing cloud environments, challenges in IoT (Internet of Things) security, the fundamentals of blockchain for secure transactions, and the role of AI and machine learning in modern cyber defense.