Information Security Management Fundamentals for Non-Techies Course Syllabus

Overview: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to information security management tailored for non-technical professionals. Spanning approximately 6.5 hours, it covers core concepts, governance, risk management, and response strategies. Each module combines foundational theory with practical insights to prepare learners for real-world security challenges and further certification pursuits.

Module 1: Introduction to Information Security

Estimated time: 0.3 hours

• Define security objectives: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
• Explore the history and evolution of information security
• Review industry standards and regulatory frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST)

Module 2: Threats, Vulnerabilities & Risk Management

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Categorize threat actors, motivations, and attack vectors
• Conduct vulnerability assessments and threat modeling
• Apply risk assessment techniques: qualitative vs. quantitative

Module 3: Security Governance & Policies

Estimated time: 0.8 hours

• Establish security policies, standards, and procedures
• Understand roles and responsibilities in a security program
• Build a security awareness and training strategy

Module 4: Cryptography Fundamentals

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Compare symmetric vs. asymmetric encryption and key management
• Use hashing algorithms and digital signatures for data integrity
• Explore TLS/SSL protocols and certificate lifecycle

Module 5: Network & Perimeter Security

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Implement firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
• Secure network architectures: DMZs, VPNs, and segmentation
• Analyze packet flows and common network attacks

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 1 hours

• Work through a real-world breach scenario to apply knowledge end to end
• Follow incident response lifecycle: preparation to recovery
• Map learning to certification paths: Security+, CISSP fundamentals

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic computing concepts
• No prior technical experience required
• Interest in cybersecurity or information protection

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Grasp foundational information security concepts including the CIA triad
• Identify common threats and vulnerabilities across systems and networks
• Apply risk management methodologies to assess and mitigate risks
• Understand cryptographic principles for confidentiality and integrity
• Recognize steps in incident response, forensics, and business continuity planning