Cybersecurity: The CISO's View

Course Description

"Cybersecurity: The CISO's View" is an introductory-level course offered by UWashingtonX that provides a comprehensive exploration of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role in cybersecurity operations. This course is designed to give students a deep understanding of how cybersecurity works across various industries, offering insights from professionals' perspectives and teaching how to keep information secure in today's digital landscape.

What You Will Learn

  • Identify the four domains of cybersecurity and understand the differences in their rules, regulations, and desired outcomes.
  • Explain the CISO's role across all domains and how it varies among different sectors.
  • Identify and apply cybersecurity-specific tools for appropriate domains and situations.
  • Understand the CISO's perspective on cybersecurity operations.
  • Explore the CISO's toolkit, including policy, procedures, practices, technologies, awareness training, and audit.
  • Gain insights into cybersecurity approaches in private industry, government, academia, and the military.

Prerequisites

The only prerequisite for this course is curiosity and interest in cybersecurity. No prior technical knowledge is required, making it accessible to beginners and those looking to expand their understanding of cybersecurity leadership.

Course Content

  • The role of the CISO in organizational cybersecurity
  • Four domains of cybersecurity and their unique characteristics
  • Cybersecurity operations across different industries
  • The CISO's toolkit and its components
  • Policy development and implementation in cybersecurity
  • Procedures and best practices for information security
  • Technologies used in cybersecurity operations
  • Awareness training and its importance in organizational security
  • Auditing processes and their role in maintaining security
  • Cybersecurity approaches in various sectors (private industry, government, academia, and military)

Who Should Take This Course

  • Aspiring cybersecurity professionals
  • IT professionals looking to transition into cybersecurity roles
  • Business leaders interested in understanding the importance of cybersecurity
  • Students pursuing computer science or information technology degrees
  • Anyone curious about the role of a CISO and cybersecurity leadership

Real-World Applications

  • Developing a strong foundation for a career in cybersecurity leadership
  • Improving organizational security practices in current IT or management roles
  • Enhancing decision-making abilities related to cybersecurity investments and strategies
  • Better understanding and communicating with cybersecurity teams in professional settings
  • Implementing best practices for personal and professional data protection
  • Identifying potential security risks and vulnerabilities in various environments
  • Contributing to the development of cybersecurity policies and procedures

Syllabus Overview

  1. Introduction to the CISO role and cybersecurity leadership
  2. The four domains of cybersecurity
  3. Cybersecurity across different industries
  4. The CISO's toolkit: policies, procedures, and practices
  5. Cybersecurity technologies and their applications
  6. Awareness training and organizational security culture
  7. Auditing and compliance in cybersecurity
  8. Sector-specific approaches: private industry, government, academia, and military
  9. Future trends and challenges in cybersecurity leadership