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Beginners Guide to Cybersecurity

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BeginnerCourse

This course teaches key skills to protect against security threats, breaches, and risks, with best practices for everyone, especially those interested in Cyber Analyst or Cloud & Security Engineer roles.You’ll then learn about safe browsing practices. You’ll gain an understanding of why you must practice safe browsing; to protect yourself against hackers, phishing, identity theft, security leaks, privacy issues and more. You’ll also explore methods for securing and managing confidential information. Then, discover how to configure browsers to help reduce security breaches.

Language

  • English

Topic

  • Computer Science & Information Technology

Skills You Will Learn

  • Application Security, Cryptography, Cyberattacks, CyberSecurity, Information Security (Infosec)

Offered By

  • IBMSkillsNetwork

Estimated Effort

  • 12 hours

Platform

  • edX

Last Update

  • December 8, 2025
About this Course
With this beginner friendly course, learn fundamental Cybersecurity skills that are crucial for anyone using computing devices and connecting to the Internet.  

You will first learn to recognize common security threats and risks that individuals and organizations may face, such as theft, tampering, and destruction of sensitive information. You’ll then discover the characteristics of cyberattacks and learn how you can employ best practices to guard against them.  

Next, you’ll learn about the best practices against cyberattacks. These include using strong passwords, good password management, and multi-factor authentication. You’ll learn ways in which you can strengthen your security plan with techniques like device hardening, encryption and more. 

You’ll then learn about safe browsing practices. You’ll gain an understanding of why you must practice safe browsing; to protect yourself against hackers, phishing, identity theft, security leaks, privacy issues and more. You’ll also explore methods for securing and managing confidential information. Then, discover how to configure browsers to help reduce security breaches. 

Throughout this course you will complete many hands-on labs which will enhance your understanding of course material. At the end of this course, you will have the opportunity to complete a final project where you will demonstrate your proficiency in cybersecurity. 

Designed specifically for beginners and those who are interested in a Cybersecurity Specialist or Analyst roles as well as entry-level roles in Information Security (Infosec) engineering. This course dives into the world of cybersecurity to give you the critical skills employers need. It also supports the needs of technical and IT support roles, who can find themselves on the front lines of defense for cybersecurity issues.

Course Syllabus

Module 1: Common Security Threats and Risks
  • Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
  • Security and Information Privacy 
  • Activity: Exploring Information Privacy
  • Threats and Breaches
  • Hands-on Lab: Windows Update
  • Threat Types
  • Phishing, Social Engineering, and Other Attacks
  • Activity: Identifying an Attack
  • Case Study
  • Activity: Identifying Malware Threats 
  • Hands-on Lab: Windows Defender Antivirus 
  • (Optional Activity) Cybersecurity Ops: Terminal
  • Just for Fun - Hands-on Lab: Hacker Typer
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Common Security Threats and Risks
  • Graded Quiz: Common Security Threats and Risks
Module 2: Security Best Practices 
  • Password Management Techniques  
  • Authentication and SSO
  • Hands-on Lab: Enforce Strong Password Policies
  • Security Threats: Access Control, Authorization, and Authentication
  • Hardening Devices  
  • Firewalls
  • Hands-on Lab: Windows Defender Firewall
  • Security Threats: Validation and Device Usage
  • Security Threats: Encryption Concepts
  • Managing Email and Spam
  • Activity: Identifying Phishing Attempts
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Security Best Practices 
  • Graded Quiz: Security Best Practices 
Module 3: Safe Browsing Practices
  • Safe Browsing Practices: Application Ecosystem Security
  • Safe Browsing Practices: Public Browsing Risks
  • Safe Browsing Practices: Plug-ins, Extensions, and Toolbars
  • Security Threats: Safe Browsing Techniques
  • Hands-on Lab: Managing Browser Security and Privacy Settings
  • Virtual Private Networks
  • Summary & Highlights
  • Practice Quiz: Safe Browsing Practices
  • Graded Quiz: Safe Browsing Practices
Module 4: Final Quiz 
  • Graded Quiz: Final Quiz
Course Wrap Up
  • Glossary: Introduction to Cybersecurity Essentials
  • Congrats & Next Steps
  • Thanks from the Course Team
[Optional] Final Project
  • About this Honors Project
  • Hands-on Lab: Perform Final Project Tasks
  • Submit your Assignment and Grade your Peers

Recommended Skills Prior to Taking this Course

Basic computer operating skills, including using a web browser.

What You'll Learn

  • Recognize the importance of data security, maintaining data integrity, and confidentiality
  • Demonstrate the installation of software updates and patches
  • Identify preferred practices for authentication, encryption, and device security
  • Discuss types of security threats, breaches, malware, social engineering, and other attack vectors