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Duration
10 weeksWeekly study
1 hour
Introduction to Cyber Security
Explore the world of cyber threats and how to protect against them
With 88% of households owning a computer and 78% of us accessing the internet every day, our exposure to cyber threats has never been greater.
This course is designed to help non-technical computer users make informed decisions about staying safe online by providing insight into how hackers operate.
You’ll learn about the main threats to your online safety, discover why you shouldn’t entrust your personal information to just anyone, and explore the techniques hackers use to exploit your data for fun and for profit.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to Cyber Security
Week 1 online preparation
This week, we'll introduce you to what cyber security is and why it's important. We'll also look at the most common security threats, where they come from and the financial impact on business.
Week 1 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 2
Are You Naked Online?
Week 2 online preparation
This week, we look at how exposed your personal data is – and the tools that hackers can use to exploit this for their motives.
Week 2 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 3
Going Phishing
Week 3 online preparation
This week, we'll cover what phishing is, look at some examples and consider how to avoid being phished.
Week 3 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 4
Cryptography
Week 4 online preparation
This week, we’ll give you an overview of Cryptography (what it is and how it developed) and consider this in relation to modern day communications and passwords.
Week 4 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 5
GDPR and You
Week 5 online preparation
This week, we're going to consider the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Week 5 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 6
Malware
Week 6 online preparation
This week, we'll take a look at worms and viruses, and consider what they are and why they are important. We'll also consider the role of Firewalls and Antivirus software in protecting us against these threats.
Week 6 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 7
Hackers and the hacked
Week 7 online preparation
This week, we'll look at some examples of the people that hack and those that have been hacked. We'll also consider the legal implications of these.
Week 7 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 8
H4ck th3 pl4n3t
Week 8 online preparation
This week, we are going to examine some common web based exploits. You will also get the opportunity to put the theory into practice in the lab and do some hacking.
Week 8 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 9
How did they do that?
Week 9 online preparation
This week, we will be looking at various case studies related to Hacking. We will then discuss the various topics in the forums, and in your lab session.
Week 9 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Week 10
The business factor
Week 10 online preparation
This week, we look at some general ways of protecting both yourself and organisations from cyber attack.
Week 10 lab
What to expect in this week's lab session.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Identify a range of cyber security threats faced by individuals and organisations
- Evaluate prevention, identification and mitigation methods appropriate to a variety of security scenarios
- Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding cyber security
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at non-specialist users and digital natives who use technology in their daily lives but don’t necessarily know how best to protect themselves online. Those working in IT but who are not cyber security experts are also welcome.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
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