Cyber Security: Essentials
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Cyber Security: Essentials
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructor: Matt Bushby
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What you'll learn
Spot scams and phishing attempts to protect personal and professional information.
Create strong passwords and use multi-factor authentication.
Secure devices and networks at home, work, and on public Wi-Fi.
Build habits that reduce cyber risk and promote digital safety.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
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- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
There are 2 modules in this course
• Watch our course introduction video before you enroll! (copy and paste into browser) https://vimeo.com/1176025440
Cyber Security Essentials: Stay Safe. Stay Secure. Cyber threats are a daily reality. This introductory course provides critical knowledge and practical tools to protect yourself, your data, and your organization at home and work. Developed by Macquarie University’s Cyber Skills Academy, this course suits any individual, regardless of role or technical background. Cyber security starts with you. By the end of this course, you will be able to: • Recognize cyber risks and understand security awareness importance. • Create secure passwords and use multi-factor authentication. • Browse safely and use social media without compromising privacy. • Avoid phishing scams, malware, and data breaches. • Protect mobile devices and connect safely on public networks. • Understand human and organizational costs of cybercrime. • Apply the CIA triad and explore cyber strategy. Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy over $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025. Many attacks succeed due to human error. This course builds cyber confidence, protecting data, people, reputations, and livelihoods. With self-paced content, Cyber Security Essentials builds cyber security resilience and literacy. It is ideal for onboarding new employees, fostering security awareness, or upskilling individuals with practical knowledge. Secure your skills. Secure your future. No prior technical background is required.
This module introduces cyber security fundamentals. Identify common risks in your digital life. Understand how your actions impact personal and workplace security. Build a proactive mindset. This module lays the groundwork for smart cyber habits. You will learn to: identify common cyber risks, understand threat landscapes, and recognize personal security impacts. To succeed, focus on understanding foundational concepts.
What's included
1 reading2 plugins
1 reading•Total 10 minutes
- Introduction to Cyber Security•10 minutes
2 plugins•Total 20 minutes
- Cyber Security Fundamentals•10 minutes
- Understanding Your Cyber Risks•10 minutes
With cyber risk understanding, apply your awareness. This module provides practical tools and skills to protect passwords, secure devices, browse safely, and prevent phishing and malware. Explore real-world cyber crime consequences. Learn how simple behavior changes strengthen security at work and home. You will learn to: protect passwords, secure devices, browse safely, and prevent common threats. Practice these skills for immediate impact.
What's included
1 reading2 assignments15 plugins
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
- Congratulations and next steps•5 minutes
2 assignments•Total 50 minutes
- End of course quiz•30 minutes
- Practice quiz•20 minutes
15 plugins•Total 141 minutes
- Protecting Yourself with Passwords•10 minutes
- A Guide to Multifactor Authentication•10 minutes
- Secure Internet Browsing•10 minutes
- Safe Use of Social Media•10 minutes
- Portable Devices and Removable Media Security•10 minutes
- Connecting Through Untrusted Networks•10 minutes
- Threat Awareness and Detection•10 minutes
- Phishing•10 minutes
- Malware Protection•10 minutes
- Confidentiality at Work•10 minutes
- Consequences of Cyber Threats•10 minutes
- Examples of Cyber Crime•10 minutes
- The CIA Triad•10 minutes
- Introduction to Cyber Security Strategy•10 minutes
- Summary•1 minute
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Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025
Comprehensive coverage of cyber security in your professional and personal life.
Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025
Especially valuable for strategy section at the end of the course.
Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025
I learned lot of new interesting things and it was helpful. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
Cyber security involves protecting digital systems, networks, and data from cyber attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. This course covers essential practices for personal and organizational safety.
Reduce cyber risk by creating strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, recognizing phishing, securing devices, and practicing safe browsing. This course teaches these practical skills.
Digital safety is important for everyone because cyber threats impact personal data, finances, and organizational security. Understanding these risks helps protect individuals and communities.
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