Security Fundamentals β Core Cybersecurity Essentials
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Security Fundamentals β Core Cybersecurity Essentials
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What you'll learn
Understand core security principles and how to implement them.
Learn how to secure both operating systems and networks from cyber threats.
Identify and mitigate various forms of malware and system vulnerabilities.
Apply encryption and authentication techniques to enhance system security.
Skills you'll gain
- Malware Protection
- Network Security
- Cyber Security Strategy
- Email Security
- Security Controls
- Threat Management
- Risk Management Framework
- Authentications
- Cybersecurity
- Data Security
- Multi-Factor Authentication
- Risk Management
- Threat Detection
- Endpoint Security
- Cryptography
- Application Security
- Information Systems Security
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
May 2026
6 assignments
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There are 4 modules in this course
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A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. This comprehensive course covers the essentials of cybersecurity, starting with fundamental concepts like the CIA triad, core security principles, and risk management. Learners will also explore critical topics such as physical security, browser security, and wireless security technologies to create a solid understanding of how to safeguard systems and networks. Through detailed lessons on operating systems, network security, and protection software, the course provides a thorough breakdown of how to mitigate common cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and exploits. As the course progresses, learners will dive deep into user authentication, encryption, malware analysis, and firewalls, all while developing a practical understanding of real-world security strategies. Topics like IPSec, email protection, and client-side security will equip students with the tools they need to secure both personal and professional systems. This course is perfect for aspiring IT professionals, cybersecurity enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to understand the critical elements of securing networks and systems. No specific prerequisites are required, though a basic understanding of computer systems can be helpful. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify security threats, apply encryption methods, manage network security measures, and understand how to protect against malware, securing both systems and networks effectively.
In this module, we will introduce the foundational concepts of security layers. Youβll learn about core security principles such as the CIA triad and the principle of least privilege, explore common cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, and gain insights into effective risk management strategies.
What's included
8 videos1 reading1 assignment
8 videosβ’Total 156 minutes
- Overviewβ’4 minutes
- Core Security Principlesβ’28 minutes
- Threats, Vulnerabilities and Exploitsβ’22 minutes
- Risks and Impactβ’14 minutes
- Social Engineeringβ’15 minutes
- Physical Securityβ’23 minutes
- Browser Securityβ’23 minutes
- Wireless Securityβ’28 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Full Course Resourcesβ’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Security Layers - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
This section delves into the crucial aspects of cybersecurity, starting with the fundamentals of user authentication and moving through permissions, password policies, audit policies, encryption, certificates, and finally, the different types of malware.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
7 videosβ’Total 140 minutes
- User Authenticationβ’18 minutes
- Permissionsβ’26 minutes
- Password Policiesβ’18 minutes
- Audit Policiesβ’11 minutes
- Encryptionβ’20 minutes
- Certificatesβ’23 minutes
- Malwareβ’24 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Operating System Security - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on crucial aspects of network security, such as firewalls, network isolation techniques, and secure protocols. We will dive into the various types of firewalls, their roles in protecting networks, and explore strategies like VPNs and NAT for isolating and securing network traffic. Additionally, we will cover IPSec, detailing its components and how it ensures the confidentiality and integrity of data during transmission.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment
4 videosβ’Total 79 minutes
- Firewallsβ’18 minutes
- Network Isolationβ’25 minutes
- Secure Protocolsβ’21 minutes
- IPSecβ’15 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Network Security - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will cover key security software tools and techniques to protect both client and server systems. We will explore client-side protection methods such as antivirus software and patch management, along with email security strategies including spam filtering. Additionally, we will discuss server-side protection practices, including DNSSEC and secure protocols, to ensure comprehensive defense for all types of systems.
What's included
3 videos3 assignments
3 videosβ’Total 47 minutes
- Client-side Protectionβ’15 minutes
- Email Protectionβ’17 minutes
- Server-side Protectionβ’15 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Security Software - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
Instructor
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Johns Hopkins University
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- Status: Free Trial
- Status: Free Trial
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Frequently asked questions
Security Fundamentals β Core Cybersecurity Essentials is a course that provides an introduction to the foundational concepts and principles of cybersecurity. It is relevant because as cyber threats continue to evolve, understanding the essential aspects of security, including threat management, secure communication, and system protection, is crucial for anyone involved in IT or cybersecurity. The course covers key topics like security layers, operating system security, network security, and more, making it a comprehensive starting point for cybersecurity knowledge.
This course focuses on essential cybersecurity principles, including core security concepts such as the CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability), common cyber threats, risks, and physical and browser security. It covers security techniques for operating systems, networks, and specific software tools. The course provides learners with practical knowledge to implement and understand various protective measures, from securing user authentication to setting up firewalls and managing malware risks.
After completing this course, you will have a solid understanding of fundamental cybersecurity concepts and be able to identify and implement key security practices. You will be able to apply security principles to protect systems, recognize threats and vulnerabilities, implement secure protocols, and manage network and operating system security. This foundational knowledge will enable you to pursue further education or apply cybersecurity practices in your professional role.
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