Cybersecurity Full Course Plan 2024

Cybersecurity Course Plan

Course Name: Cybersecurity Basics

Duration: 12 Weeks

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Prerequisites: Familiarity with basic computer and internet use

Week 1: Getting Started with Cybersecurity

1. What is Cybersecurity?

Explanation and why it matters
The rising importance of cybersecurity in today's world
Core areas of cybersecurity: protecting confidentiality, ensuring integrity, and maintaining availability

2. Recognizing Cyber Threats:

Different types of threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware
Real-life examples of cyber attacks
How cyber attacks can affect both businesses and individuals

3. Cybersecurity Vocabulary:

Important terms in cybersecurity (like threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits)
A simple glossary of key concepts

Week 2: The Essentials of Cybersecurity

1. Key Cybersecurity Ideas:

Understanding risk, threats, and vulnerabilities
What are attack vectors and why they matter
The importance of a layered defense approach

2. Roles in Cybersecurity:

Different job roles in cybersecurity (like analysts, engineers, ethical hackers)
The role cybersecurity professionals play within organizations

3. Intro to Cybersecurity Guidelines:

Overview of important frameworks like NIST, ISO/IEC 27001, and CIS Controls
How these frameworks shape cybersecurity practices

Week 3: Basics of Network Security

1. Networking 101:

How networks work in simple terms
Understanding IP addresses, MAC addresses, and subnetting

2. Network Security Protocols:

Introduction to key protocols like TCP/IP, HTTPS, and SSL/TLS
Why these protocols are crucial for network security

3. Firewalls and Network Security Tools:

What firewalls, routers, and switches do
The role of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Week 4: Understanding Cryptography

1. Cryptography Basics:

Simple explanation of encryption and decryption
The difference between symmetric and asymmetric encryption

2. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI):

How PKI works in securing communications
The importance of digital certificates and certificate authorities

3. Using Cryptography:

Real-world uses of cryptography in protecting data
Best practices for encrypting communications and data

Week 5: Securing Endpoints

1. What is Endpoint Security?

Explanation of endpoints and why they are vulnerable
The role of antivirus software, anti-malware, and firewalls in protecting endpoints

2. Device Security:

Best practices for securing computers, laptops, and mobile devices
The importance of regular updates and patching

3. Protecting Against Malware:

Common types of malware like viruses, worms, and trojans
How to prevent and detect malware

Week 6: Managing Identity and Access

1. Understanding IAM:

Why managing user identities and access is crucial
Core concepts: authentication, authorization, and accounting

2. Authentication Techniques:

Types of authentication: passwords, biometrics, and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Best practices for keeping authentication secure

3. Access Control Models:

Overview of different models like RBAC, ABAC, MAC, and DAC
How to implement least privilege and need-to-know principles

Week 7: Web Security Fundamentals

1. Web Application Security:

Common vulnerabilities in web apps (like those in OWASP Top 10)
Understanding threats like SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

2. Securing Web Applications:

Best practices for writing secure code
Using web application firewalls (WAFs) and secure development processes

3. SSL/TLS and HTTPS:

Why securing web traffic with SSL/TLS is important
How HTTPS works and its importance

Week 8: Securing the Cloud

1. Intro to Cloud Computing:

What cloud services are (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
The benefits and risks of using the cloud.

2. Cloud Security Best Practices:

How to secure data in the cloud
Managing identity and access in cloud environments

3. Shared Responsibility in the Cloud:

Understanding how security responsibilities are divided between cloud providers and customers

Week 9: Incident Response and Management

1. What is Incident Response?

Definition of a security incident and different types
The importance of having a clear incident response plan

2. Incident Response Steps:

Stages: preparation, detection, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned
How to build and maintain an incident response team

3. Post-Incident Activities:

Why documentation and reporting are crucial
Learning from incidents and improving response plans

Week 10: Managing Risk and Ensuring Compliance

1. Risk Management Basics:

How to identify, assess, and manage risks in cybersecurity
Different methods for assessing risks

2. Compliance and Regulations:

Overview of key cybersecurity regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS
Why staying compliant is critical for cybersecurity

3. Creating a Risk Management Strategy:

How to build a risk management framework
Best practices for mitigating risks

Week 11: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

1. Intro to Ethical Hacking:

The role ethical hackers play in cybersecurity
Legal and ethical issues in penetration testing

2. Penetration Testing Process:

Steps in penetration testing: reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting
Common tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark

3. Vulnerability Assessment:

How to conduct a vulnerability assessment
How to prioritize and address vulnerabilities

Week 12: Exploring Cybersecurity Careers

1. Career Paths in Cybersecurity:

Overview of different career options in cybersecurity
Certifications and skills needed for various roles

2. Building Your Cybersecurity Career:

Importance of ongoing learning and professional growth
Networking and joining cybersecurity communities

3. Final Project and Review:

Capstone project: Create a cybersecurity plan for a fictional company
Review of key concepts and preparation for further study or certification

Course Materials and Support

Books and Resources:

Suggested books and reading materials for deeper understanding
Recommended cybersecurity blogs and websites

Hands-On Labs and Tools:

Access to online labs for practical experience
List of free and open-source cybersecurity tools

Community and Support:

Join cybersecurity forums and discussion groups
Access to help from instructors and peers

Course Wrap-Up

By the end of this 12-week course, you'll have a solid grasp of cybersecurity basics. You'll be ready to identify and tackle cyber threats, secure systems, and appreciate the importance of ethics in this field. Whether you want to dive deeper into cybersecurity studies or start a career, this course will set you on the right path.

Copyright Notice

This course outline is the original work of Rohit Roshan and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this material, in part or in whole, without the explicit permission of the author is strictly prohibited. This course was created with the intent to educate and inform; please respect the intellectual property contained within. For permissions, inquiries, or further information, please contact the author directly.