Security Principles Course Syllabus

Overview: This 8-week beginner-level course provides a structured introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals, designed for learners with basic IT familiarity. The course covers core security principles, access control, risk management, and compliance, with approximately 2-3 hours of study per week. Content is self-paced, aligning with industry standards and preparing learners for entry-level cybersecurity roles and further certifications. While the course is free to audit, a shareable certificate requires a paid upgrade.

Module 1: Introduction to Security

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Definition of information security
• Core security goals: the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
• Overview of the threat landscape
• Common cyber threats and attack vectors

Module 2: Access Control and Authentication

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Principles of access control
• Authentication methods (passwords, tokens, biometrics)
• Role-based access control (RBAC)
• Attribute-based access control (ABAC)

Module 3: Risk Management

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Identifying security risks and vulnerabilities
• Threat modeling techniques
• Risk assessment methodologies
• Basic risk mitigation strategies

Module 4: Security Policies and Compliance

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Developing effective security policies
• Legal and regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
• Incident response planning and procedures

Module 5: Foundational Knowledge for Cybersecurity Careers

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Connecting concepts to real-world applications
• Pathways to cybersecurity certifications
• Overview of entry-level roles and responsibilities

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 4 hours

• Analyze a scenario using the CIA triad
• Propose access control and authentication solutions
• Develop a basic risk and compliance response plan

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of IT systems and networks
• Familiarity with common computing terminology
• No prior cybersecurity experience required

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Understand and apply the core principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Identify common threats and vulnerabilities in digital environments
• Apply basic risk assessment and mitigation techniques
• Recognize the importance of security policies and regulatory compliance
• Build foundational knowledge for pursuing cybersecurity certifications