Cybersecurity Essentials

Description:
Learn how to secure data and systems against threats, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized access. Cybersecurity is critical for protecting privacy, business data, and online assets.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand cyber threats and attacks

  • Learn encryption basics

  • Implement security best practices

  • Understand firewalls and antivirus tools

  • Get introduced to ethical hacking

Detailed Content:

8.1 What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity protects networks, devices, programs, and data from attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.

8.2 Types of Cyber Threats

  • Malware: Viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware

  • Phishing: Fake emails or sites to steal credentials

  • Man-in-the-Middle (MITM): Intercepting communication

  • SQL Injection: Injecting malicious code into databases

  • Denial of Service (DoS): Overloading servers to crash them

8.3 Security Concepts

  • CIA Triad:

    • Confidentiality: Prevent unauthorized access

    • Integrity: Ensure data is not altered

    • Availability: Ensure systems are accessible

8.4 Encryption Basics

  • Symmetric encryption: Same key for encrypt/decrypt (AES)

  • Asymmetric encryption: Public/private keys (RSA)

  • Hashing: One-way functions (SHA-256) for password storage

8.5 Network Security

  • Firewalls to block unauthorized traffic

  • VPNs to encrypt internet connections

  • IDS/IPS systems to detect and prevent intrusions

8.6 System Security

  • OS updates and patching

  • Antivirus and antimalware tools

  • Password policies and multi-factor authentication

8.7 Introduction to Ethical Hacking

  • Penetration Testing: Testing systems for vulnerabilities

  • Tools: Kali Linux, Nmap, Metasploit

  • Legal and ethical considerations