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Courses/Cybersecurity

Think like a defender

Cybersecurity Foundations: Protect the Digital World

A beginner-friendly micro-course that explains cyber risk through short visual lessons, familiar examples, and practical safety checks for everyday university life.

29 lessons Approx. 58 minBeginner
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A bright blue shield and keyhole connected to an abstract circuit network
5 modules29 concise lessonsBegin with the first concept and move at your own pace.

What you'll learn

Build a foundation you can use.

Explain why cybersecurity matters to individuals and organisations

Recognise malware, phishing, social engineering, and password attacks

Apply stronger authentication, browsing, Wi-Fi, update, and backup practices

Describe core network-security controls including firewalls, encryption, HTTPS, and VPNs

Course curriculum

5 focused modules.
One clear journey.

29 short lessons · Expand a module to explore

01

Introduction to Cybersecurity

Build the vocabulary needed to discuss threats, protection, and digital trust.

5 lessons
1What is Cybersecurity?Understand how people, processes, and technology protect systems and information.2 min
2Why Cybersecurity MattersConnect security incidents to privacy, finances, learning, reputation, and organisational continuity.2 min
3Types of HackersCompare white-hat, black-hat, and grey-hat activity through permission and intent.2 min
4Common Cyber Threats OverviewSurvey the attacks beginners are most likely to encounter online.2 min
5The CIA TriadUse confidentiality, integrity, and availability to describe what security protects.2 min
02

Common Attacks

Recognise how common attacks work and the signals that help expose them.

8 lessons
1What is Malware?Learn how malicious software disrupts, spies on, damages, or controls devices.2 min
2Virus vs Worm vs TrojanSeparate three common malware types by how they spread and disguise themselves.2 min
3What is Phishing?Spot messages designed to steal information or pressure you into an unsafe action.2 min
4Password AttacksUnderstand brute-force and dictionary attacks and why predictable passwords fail.2 min
5Man-in-the-Middle AttacksSee how an attacker can intercept communication between two trusted endpoints.2 min
6Social Engineering BasicsRecognise manipulation that targets human trust rather than technical weaknesses.2 min
7Ransomware ExplainedUnderstand how ransomware blocks access to data and why recovery planning matters.2 min8Zero-Day AttacksLearn why previously unknown vulnerabilities can be difficult to defend against.2 min
03

Authentication & Password Security

Build safer account habits and understand how systems verify identity.

5 lessons
1What Makes a Strong Password?Create memorable passphrases that resist guessing and automated attacks.2 min2Multi-Factor AuthenticationAdd a second verification factor so one stolen password is not enough.2 min3Password HashingUnderstand how one-way hashing helps services avoid storing readable passwords.2 min4Common Password MistakesRecognise reuse, sharing, predictable patterns, and unsafe storage.2 min5Password ManagersUse an encrypted vault to create and store unique credentials.2 min
04

Network Security Basics

Meet the network concepts and controls that protect data in transit.

6 lessons
1What is a Network?See how connected devices exchange data and share services.2 min2What is an IP Address?Understand the logical address used to identify a device interface on a network.2 min3What is a Firewall?Learn how traffic rules allow trusted communication and block unwanted connections.2 min4What is Encryption?Turn readable information into protected ciphertext that requires a key.2 min5HTTPS vs HTTPRecognise how HTTPS protects web traffic with encryption and identity checks.2 min6VPN BasicsUnderstand how a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel to a trusted service.2 min
05

Safe Practices

Turn cybersecurity knowledge into a repeatable personal protection routine.

5 lessons
1Safe Browsing TipsUse browser signals, careful downloads, and deliberate link checking to reduce risk.2 min2Recognising Fake WebsitesInspect addresses, design inconsistencies, requests, and trust signals before entering data.2 min3Secure Wi-Fi UsageProtect devices and accounts when connecting through home, campus, or public wireless networks.2 min4Software Updates & PatchingUnderstand how timely updates close known weaknesses and improve resilience.2 min5Backup StrategiesUse reliable copies to recover from loss, damage, or ransomware.2 min