MichiganStateUniversity: Try It: Cybersecurity Basics

Do you want to add cybersecurity to your professional skill set? Join this free introductory course to learn cybersecurity basics — and without any prior experience. You’ll learn about the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) Triad, and how it applies to the daily tasks of a cyber professional. You’ll also examine the basics of cryptography and apply them in an encryption-decryption challenge.

Cybersecurity Course

Michigan State University

Course Description

Welcome to the exciting world of cybersecurity! This beginner-friendly, asynchronous course offered by Michigan State University is designed to kickstart your journey into the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. With job growth projections far exceeding the national average for all occupations, there's never been a better time to dive into this dynamic and essential profession.

What Students Will Learn

In this course, you'll develop the mindset of a cybersecurity professional and gain a solid foundation in key concepts that are crucial to the field. You'll explore the fundamental principles of the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability), delve into the basics of cryptography, and get a glimpse into the daily responsibilities of cybersecurity experts working in the industry today.

Pre-requisites

Great news! This course is truly designed for beginners, with no prior experience or technical installations required. Whether you're a complete novice or have some basic tech knowledge, you'll be able to jump right in and start learning.

Course Content

Introduction to cybersecurity and its importance in today's digital landscape
The CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability
Fundamentals of cryptography
Key concepts: plaintext, ciphertext, encryption, and decryption
Understanding ciphers and keys
The Caesar Cipher: A classic example of encryption
Symmetric encryption techniques
Real-world applications of cybersecurity principles

Who This Course Is For

Individuals looking to start a career in cybersecurity
IT professionals wanting to expand their skill set
Students interested in technology and digital security
Anyone curious about how cybersecurity works and its importance in our digital world

Real-World Applications

The skills you'll gain in this course are immediately applicable to various real-world scenarios. You'll be able to:

Identify potential security threats in everyday digital interactions
Apply basic cryptography concepts to protect sensitive information
Understand and explain the importance of cybersecurity measures to others
Begin developing a security-minded approach in your personal and professional life
Lay the groundwork for more advanced cybersecurity studies or certifications

Course Structure

Introduction to Cybersecurity
The CIA Triad
Basics of Cryptography
Encryption and Decryption Techniques
Ciphers and Keys
Symmetric Encryption
Real-world Applications and Career Insights

By enrolling in this course, you're taking the first step towards an exciting and in-demand career in cybersecurity. You'll gain valuable insights, develop a security-oriented mindset, and build a strong foundation for future growth in this critical field. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Michigan State University and set yourself on the path to becoming a cybersecurity professional!