course outline for cybersecurity
Course Duration: 12-16 weeks (full-time) or 24-36 weeks (part-time)
Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity
1.1. Definition and importance
1.2. Brief history
1.3. Key concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, risk)
1.4. Security frameworks and standards
Module 2: Network Security
2.1. Network fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
2.2. Network protocols (HTTP, FTP, SSH)
2.3. Firewalls and access control
2.4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
2.5. Network intrusion detection and prevention
Module 3: Cryptography
3.1. Basic cryptography concepts (encryption, decryption)
3.2. Symmetric and asymmetric encryption
3.3. Hash functions and digital signatures
3.4. Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
3.5. Cryptographic protocols (SSL/TLS)
Module 4: Operating System Security
4.1. Windows security
4.2. Linux security
4.3. macOS security
4.4. Mobile device security
4.5. Secure boot and firmware protection
Module 5: Threats and Vulnerabilities
5.1. Malware (viruses, worms, trojans)
5.2. Phishing and social engineering
5.3. SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS)
5.4. Buffer overflows and memory corruption
5.5. Zero-day exploits
Module 6: Incident Response and Disaster Recovery
6.1. Incident response methodologies
6.2. Disaster recovery planning
6.3. Business continuity planning
6.4. Forensic analysis and investigation
6.5. Communication and reporting
Module 7: Identity and Access Management
7.1. Authentication and authorization
7.2. Identity management systems
7.3. Access control models (MAC, DAC, RBAC)
7.4. Single sign-on (SSO) and federation
7.5. Identity theft and fraud prevention
Module 8: Security Regulations and Compliance
8.1. Major regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)
8.2. Compliance frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001)
8.3. Risk management and assessment
8.4. Audit and assurance
8.5. Ethics and professionalism
Module 9: Advanced Security Topics
9.1. Artificial intelligence and machine learning
9.2. Internet of Things (IoT) security
9.3. Cloud security (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
9.4. Secure coding practices
9.5. Emerging threats and trends
Module 10: Capstone Project
10.1. Apply knowledge to real-world scenarios
10.2. Design and implement a security solution
10.3. Present and defend the project
Additional Topics:
- Security awareness and training
- Physical security and surveillance
- Cybersecurity careers and professional development
Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)