• Coventry University logo
  • Institute of Coding logo

Introduction to Cyber Security

Forget the old rules of staying safe online and arm yourself with the tools you need to defend against hackers.

  • Duration

    10 weeks
  • Weekly study

    1 hour

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.

Who developed the course?

Coventry University logo

Coventry University

Coventry secured 5 QS Stars for Teaching and Online Learning in the QS World University Ranking 2020 and has received No. 1 in the world for Massive Open Online Courses in MoocLab’s World University Ranking 2021.

  • Established

    1992
  • Location

    Coventry
Institute of Coding logo

Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.

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

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn