Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization provides a beginner-friendly introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals, developed by NYU experts. The course spans six courses, each requiring approximately 2 weeks of study at a few hours per week. Learners will gain both technical and strategic perspectives on cybersecurity, covering core concepts like risk management, system security, network defenses, and identity protection. Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios reinforce key topics throughout. Total time commitment is approximately 12 weeks.

Module 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Understanding cyber risks and common attacks
• Core security principles: confidentiality, integrity, availability
• Threat modeling basics
• Scenario-based threat identification

Module 2: Cybersecurity Roles and Operating System Security

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Key roles in cybersecurity teams
• Linux operating system security fundamentals
• Access control mechanisms
• Shell command practice for security tasks

Module 3: The CISO’s View of Cybersecurity

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Security governance and compliance
• Developing organizational policies
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) responsibilities
• Risk analysis and strategic control mapping

Module 4: Network Security and Database Vulnerabilities

Estimated time: 6 hours

• TCP/IP protocol suite and network threats
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
• Common database vulnerabilities
• SQL injection simulation and analysis

Module 5: Application Security – Authentication and Access Control

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Types of authentication: passwords, tokens, biometrics
• Single sign-on (SSO) and two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Identity theft prevention strategies
• Designing secure login protocols

Module 6: Cyber Attack Countermeasures

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Malware types and mitigation techniques
• Phishing and social engineering defenses
• DDoS attack prevention and response
• Designing a layered defense strategy

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic IT concepts
• Understanding of computer networks and operating systems
• Basic computer literacy

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Identify and assess common cybersecurity threats
• Implement technical controls to secure systems and networks
• Apply risk management principles in organizational contexts
• Design secure authentication and access control mechanisms
• Analyze cyber threats and develop effective countermeasure plans