àËÅöÊÓƵ

You will learn fundamental concepts related to computer systems core components and how computers work, then extend this to consider a variety of topics from hardware to applications.

Aspects of cybercriminal activity are explained through topics such as social engineering, arguably the most important attack vector in cybercrime, and the range of actors related to cybercrime: the criminals, the victims, and law enforcement.

Finally, you will be presented with some of the key components of practical cyber security management and its governance. This includes what happens when things go wrong, understanding how organisations can respond to incidents, through to the essential role of people in achieving better cyber security outcomes.

These are 4 courses in this specialisation:

• Introduction to Computer Security (41 hour)
• Introduction to Network Security (26 hours)
• Security Management and Governance (20 hours)
• Cybercrime (25 hours)

What you will learn:

• key aspects of computer security, including components of computer systems, the operating system, programmes, data and networking
• key security threats and risks faced in computer networks, and an understanding of digital networks and their operation
• how to integrate incident management and a rich knowledge of people into a real-world Information Security Management System for an organisation
• aspects of cybersecurity such as national and organisational culture, security culture and cybercrime, training, and other components which affect cybercriminal activity.

Skills you will gain:

• Discuss what cyber security is, why it is important, and the principal techniques and technologies used to achieve cyber security. 
• Examine how incident management, cyber resilience, and developing an effective appreciation of people, not simply as users but as active participants, can enable better cyber security outcomes.
• Identify attack models and analyse vulnerabilities in protocols, network systems, and applications.
• Demonstrate how these vulnerabilities may be exploited in practice to penetrate a system.
• Evaluate the underlying psychological principles which make social engineering the most successful attack vector in cybercrime.
• Assess the reliability and the interpretation of reports and surveys related to cybercrime.

Recommended background

• Good general knowledge of, and interest in, Information and Communications Technology
• No prior programming nor advanced mathematical knowledge Is required.

How the specialisation works:

This Specialisation is a series of four in-depth courses that help learners gain competency in cyber security. Taking this Specialisation will provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors offered by a related àËÅöÊÓƵ degree programme, which can help you decide whether the topic or university may be right for you.