Introduction to Cybersecurity

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Understand the world of cybersecurity. Explore fundamental concepts and practical strategies that you can use to safeguard your digital life. Challenge yourself and improve your knowledge.

Overview

Our Introduction to Cybersecurity masterclass will explore fundamental concepts and practical strategies that you can use to safeguard your digital life. The course is designed for individuals with little to no technical background, so you can expect clear explanations and hands-on exercises tailored to non-technical users. However, if you're familiar with cybersecurity, this short course will help to improve your knowledge.

Please note we are running day one of this two-day course.

This course is ideal for:

Non-IT professionals: Employees in marketing, finance, HR, sales, and other non-technical roles will understand the importance of cybersecurity in protecting business data and maintaining workplace security.
Small business owners: Entrepreneurs and small business owners will learn essential cybersecurity practices to protect their business operations and customer data from cyber threats.
Freelancers and remote workers: Individuals who work from home or remote locations can benefit from understanding how to secure their work environments and safeguard sensitive client information.
Technical-focused roles: Individuals who work in technical-focused roles who wish to understand the role and importance of cybersecurity in defending and protecting IT systems, users, data, and business integrity.

Course structure

This course has been designed as an introduction to cybersecurity aimed at those learners who have no prior knowledge of cybersecurity or its related domains. This course will give a grounding in the basics of what cybersecurity is and is not, and how you can protect yourself and your business from cyber threats.

Day One

Understanding Cybersecurity

We will start by discussing what cybersecurity is and why it matters. You'll learn about the different types of cyber threats and how they can impact your personal and professional life and business operations.

Recognising and Avoiding Threats

Through real-world examples and case studies, you'll become adept at identifying common cyber threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware. We'll teach you how to recognise suspicious activities and avoid falling victim to scams.

Protecting Your Personal Information

Learn practical steps to secure your personal data, including creating strong passwords, using multi-factor authentication, and practicing safe browsing habits.

Maintaining Device Security

Discover best practices for keeping your devices – such as computers, smartphones, and tablets – secure. This includes updating software, using antivirus programmes, and safeguarding against physical theft.

Cybersecurity in Everyday Life

We'll cover how to apply cybersecurity principles in various contexts, such as safe internet use, protecting your identity, and securing your home network. You'll also learn how to support family members in staying safe online.

Day Two

Network Security

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): How these systems work to detect and prevent attacks. Network Segmentation: Strategies for dividing a network into segments to improve security.

Cryptography

We will look at Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), gaining a detailed look at how PKI supports secure communications and authentication. Digital Signatures and Certificates: How they ensure integrity and authenticity of data.

Application Security

We will look at Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Integrating security practices into software development. Exploring topics such as Web Application Security and common vulnerabilities like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL Injection in addition to Mobile Application Security, securing mobile apps and understanding platform-specific threats.

Cloud Security

Cloud Security Models: Understanding IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS security concerns.

Shared Responsibility Model

Defining the division of security responsibilities between cloud providers and customers. Securing Cloud Infrastructure: Best practices for securing cloud environments and data.

Emerging Technologies and Trends

Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security: Using AI and machine learning to detect and respond to threats. Blockchain and Security: Understanding how blockchain can enhance security in various applications. Internet of Things (IoT) Security: Securing connected devices and addressing IoT-specific vulnerabilities.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Ethical Hacking Techniques: Understanding the methodologies used by ethical hackers. Penetration Testing Tools: Introduction to tools like Metasploit, Nmap, and Burp Suite. Reporting and Mitigating Findings: Best practices for documenting and addressing security weaknesses.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

To be eligible to receive this course fully funded, you must be employed by a Sunderland-based business. If you are self-funding, your suitability will be assessed by an academic on completion of the application form.

Fees and finance

The fee for this course is £125.

You may be eligible to receive this course fully funded through the UKSPF Sunderland Skills and Inclusion Programme. To be eligible for this funding you will need to be employed by a Sunderland-based company.

For further information about funding opportunities, please email skills@sunderland.ac.uk.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

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Contact

For more information about this course, contact skills@sunderland.ac.uk.

Page last updated: 14 June 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.