🛡️ Introduction to Cybersecurity

Learn the fundamentals of protecting digital assets and understanding cyber threats

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Introduction to Cybersecurity Curriculum

12
Security Units
~90
Security Concepts
25+
Threat Types
40+
Defense Techniques
1

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Understand the core concepts, principles, and importance of cybersecurity.

  • What is cybersecurity?
  • CIA triad
  • Security objectives
  • Threat landscape
  • Attack vectors
  • Risk assessment
  • Security frameworks
  • Career pathways
2

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Learn about different types of cyber threats and common vulnerabilities.

  • Malware types
  • Social engineering
  • Phishing attacks
  • Advanced persistent threats
  • Insider threats
  • Zero-day exploits
  • Vulnerability assessment
  • Threat intelligence
3

Cryptography Basics

Explore fundamental cryptographic concepts and their applications in security.

  • Encryption principles
  • Symmetric encryption
  • Asymmetric encryption
  • Hash functions
  • Digital signatures
  • Public key infrastructure
  • Cryptographic protocols
  • Key management
4

Network Security

Learn to secure networks and understand network-based attacks and defenses.

  • Network protocols
  • Firewalls
  • Intrusion detection systems
  • VPN technologies
  • Network monitoring
  • Wireless security
  • Network segmentation
  • DDoS protection
5

Web Application Security

Understand web application vulnerabilities and security best practices.

  • OWASP Top 10
  • SQL injection
  • Cross-site scripting
  • Authentication flaws
  • Session management
  • Input validation
  • Secure coding practices
  • Web application testing
6

Identity and Access Management

Learn to manage user identities and control access to systems and data.

  • Authentication methods
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Authorization models
  • Role-based access control
  • Single sign-on
  • Directory services
  • Privileged access management
  • Identity governance
7

Incident Response

Develop skills for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents.

  • Incident response lifecycle
  • Detection and analysis
  • Containment strategies
  • Evidence collection
  • Recovery procedures
  • Lessons learned
  • Communication plans
  • Team coordination
8

Security Architecture

Design secure systems and understand security architecture principles.

  • Security design principles
  • Defense in depth
  • Zero trust architecture
  • Secure development lifecycle
  • Threat modeling
  • Security patterns
  • Risk management
  • Architecture reviews
9

Compliance and Governance

Understand regulatory requirements and security governance frameworks.

  • Regulatory landscape
  • GDPR compliance
  • SOX requirements
  • PCI DSS standards
  • Security policies
  • Audit processes
  • Risk management
  • Governance frameworks
10

Security Tools and Technologies

Learn to use essential cybersecurity tools and technologies.

  • Security information and event management
  • Vulnerability scanners
  • Penetration testing tools
  • Antivirus solutions
  • Endpoint protection
  • Security orchestration
  • Threat hunting tools
  • Digital forensics
11

Emerging Threats

Explore new and evolving cybersecurity threats and challenges.

  • IoT security
  • Cloud security
  • AI and ML threats
  • Supply chain attacks
  • Ransomware evolution
  • State-sponsored attacks
  • Mobile security
  • Future trends
12

Practical Cybersecurity

Apply cybersecurity knowledge through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios.

  • Lab exercises
  • Capture the flag
  • Security assessments
  • Incident simulations
  • Case studies
  • Best practices
  • Continuous learning
  • Professional development

Unit 1: Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Understand the core concepts, principles, and importance of cybersecurity.

What is Cybersecurity?

Learn the definition, scope, and importance of cybersecurity in today's digital world.

Definition Scope Importance
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, and damage. It encompasses technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
# Cybersecurity Definition Framework
cybersecurity = {
  "definition": "Protection of digital assets from cyber threats",
  "core_objectives": {
    "confidentiality": "Ensure information is accessible only to authorized users",
    "integrity": "Maintain accuracy and completeness of data",
    "availability": "Ensure systems and data are accessible when needed",
    "authentication": "Verify identity of users and systems",
    "authorization": "Control access to resources based on permissions",
    "non_repudiation": "Prevent denial of actions performed"
  },
  "scope": {
    "information_security": "Protecting data in all forms",
    "network_security": "Securing network infrastructure",
    "application_security": "Protecting software applications",
    "endpoint_security": "Securing individual devices",
    "cloud_security": "Protecting cloud-based resources",
    "operational_security": "Securing business processes"
  },
  "importance": [
    "Protect sensitive data and privacy",
    "Maintain business continuity",
    "Comply with regulations",
    "Preserve reputation and trust",
    "Prevent financial losses"
  ]
}

CIA Triad

Master the foundational security model of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

CIA Triad Components:
• Confidentiality: Information is accessible only to authorized users
• Integrity: Information remains accurate and unaltered
• Availability: Information and systems are accessible when needed
These three principles form the foundation of all cybersecurity efforts
Balancing the Triad:
Security measures often involve trade-offs between the three principles. For example, increasing security (confidentiality) might reduce system performance (availability). Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for effective security design.
# CIA Triad Implementation
cia_triad = {
  "confidentiality": {
    "definition": "Protecting information from unauthorized disclosure",
    "threats": ["Data breaches", "Eavesdropping", "Insider threats", "Social engineering"],
    "controls": [
      "Encryption",
      "Access controls",
      "Authentication",
      "Data classification",
      "Privacy protection"
    ],
    "examples": ["Medical records", "Financial data", "Trade secrets"]
  },
  "integrity": {
    "definition": "Ensuring information accuracy and preventing unauthorized changes",
    "threats": ["Data tampering", "Unauthorized modifications", "Malware", "System errors"],
    "controls": [
      "Digital signatures",
      "Hash functions",
      "Version control",
      "Checksums",
      "Access logging"
    ],
    "examples": ["Financial transactions", "Legal documents", "Software code"]
  },
  "availability": {
    "definition": "Ensuring systems and data are accessible when needed",
    "threats": ["DDoS attacks", "Hardware failures", "Natural disasters", "Power outages"],
    "controls": [
      "Redundancy",
      "Backup systems",
      "Disaster recovery",
      "Load balancing",
      "Maintenance"
    ],
    "examples": ["Emergency services", "E-commerce sites", "Communication systems"]
  }
}

Threat Landscape

Understand the current cybersecurity threat environment and its evolution.

Current Threat Categories:
• Cybercriminals seeking financial gain
• Nation-state actors pursuing strategic objectives
• Hacktivists promoting ideological causes
• Insider threats from within organizations
• Script kiddies using existing tools
Threat Evolution: