Managing Cybersecurity Specialization Syllabus

Overview: This specialization consists of five core courses and a culminating project, designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity management. The program covers foundational concepts, governance, risk management, compliance, network security, incident response, disaster recovery, and strategic leadership. With a total time commitment of approximately 65 hours, learners will engage in hands-on assignments and practical exercises applicable to real-world organizational settings.

Module 1: Foundations of Cybersecurity

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Define key concepts and terminology in cybersecurity
• Describe key threats to cybersecurity
• Define strategies to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in information assets
• Give examples of the systemic components necessary for an effective cybersecurity program

Module 2: The GRC Approach to Managing Cybersecurity

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Identify the importance and functions of Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance in cybersecurity program management
• Describe best practices in risk management, including risk assessment and risk treatment
• Describe the structure and content of cybersecurity-related strategy, plans, and planning
• Identify key components and methodologies of cybersecurity policies and policy development

Module 3: Managing Network Security

Estimated time: 15 hours

• Describe the threats to data from information communication technology (ICT)
• Identify the issues and practices associated with managing network security
• Identify practices, tools, and methodologies for assessing network security
• Describe the components of an effective network security program

Module 4: Managing Cybersecurity Incidents and Disasters

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Define and describe components of a cybersecurity contingency planning program
• Identify components and structure of an effective cybersecurity incident response program
• Identify components and structure of an effective cybersecurity disaster recovery program
• Define and describe recommended contingency strategies, including data backup and recovery

Module 5: Road to the CISO – Culminating Project Course

Estimated time: 18 hours

• Identify the career development path of a cybersecurity professional from entry-level to CISO
• Define and describe the role and function of a CISO in planning for cybersecurity
• Identify the development of a cybersecurity governance program and the CISO’s role in it
• Discuss the strategic responsibilities of the CISO in overseeing an organization’s cybersecurity program

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 18 hours

• Deliverable 1: Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity governance framework
• Deliverable 2: Create an incident response and disaster recovery plan
• Deliverable 3: Present a strategic cybersecurity plan from a CISO perspective

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of information technology and systems
• Familiarity with organizational operations and management principles
• Some experience in IT or cybersecurity is beneficial but not required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Understand that cybersecurity is fundamentally a managerial problem
• Identify and manage risks to information assets within organizations
• Develop cybersecurity policies and strategic plans for organizations
• Explain how cybersecurity integrates into all aspects of business operations
• Apply leadership and governance principles to advance toward a CISO role