Code: CYB101 Fundamentals

Introduction to Cybersecurity

A clear, non-technical entry point into the world of cybersecurity

Free 42 Hours English Released: 2026
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About This Course

This course provides a foundational overview of cybersecurity concepts, terminology, and the modern threat landscape. It introduces students to the importance of protecting information assets, basic security goals (confidentiality, integrity, availability), common cyber threats, and defensive strategies. The course also explores cybersecurity roles, career paths, and ethical responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on understanding cybersecurity as both a technical and organizational challenge, preparing learners for deeper study in specialized domains.

Learning Outcomes

LO1 Explain core cybersecurity concepts and terminology

LO2 Identify common cyber threats and attack categories

LO3 Describe basic security controls and defensive strategies

Course Resources
Video Lessons
Audio Narration
Practical Activities
Flash Cards
Certificate of Completion

Course Content

Introduces cybersecurity as a discipline, its purpose, and its relevance to individuals, organizations, and society.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Define cybersecurity and related core terminology.
  • Explain why cybersecurity is a critical concern in modern digital environments.
  • Describe the relationship between digital assets, threats, and risk.

Provides a structured overview of common cyber threats and attacker motivations without technical exploitation detail.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Identify major categories of cyber threats.
  • Distinguish between different attacker types and motivations.
  • Relate common attacks to real-world impacts and consequences.

Explains how vulnerabilities arise and how risk is assessed in a non-mathematical, conceptual manner.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain what vulnerabilities are and how they differ from threats.
  • Describe the concept of risk using likelihood and impact.
  • Apply basic risk thinking to everyday digital scenarios.

Introduces foundational security controls across people, process, and technology.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Describe preventive, detective, and corrective controls.
  • Explain the role of users, policies, and awareness in cybersecurity.
  • Identify basic technical safeguards at a conceptual level.

Examines cybersecurity beyond technology, focusing on organizational responsibility, governance, and societal implications.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Explain why cybersecurity is a shared organizational responsibility.
  • Describe the role of policies, standards, and compliance.
  • Discuss the societal and economic impact of cyber incidents.

Explores ethical behavior, privacy concerns, and legal considerations relevant to cybersecurity.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Distinguish ethical cybersecurity actions from unethical or illegal ones based on authorization and consent.
  • Explain the tension between privacy, organizational monitoring, and national security in digital environments.
  • Identify key legal concepts relevant to cybersecurity, including jurisdiction, data ownership, and breach obligations.
  • Apply ethical judgment to common cybersecurity scenarios, such as responsible disclosure and whistleblowing.

Applies cybersecurity concepts to everyday personal and workplace behavior. It shows learners how daily digital choices affect personal privacy, account security, workplace trust, organizational resilience, and social responsibility.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Identify common unsafe digital behaviors and practices.
  • Apply basic cybersecurity principles to personal and professional contexts.
  • Demonstrate informed decision-making in everyday digital interactions.
Requirements & Specs
  • Prerequisite: None
  • Target Audience: Beginners, non-technical learners, first-year students
  • Technical Specs: None
  • Track: Fundamentals (Core)
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Learner Competencies

Upon successful completion, learners will demonstrate:

  • Correctly use core terminology (threat, vulnerability, risk, control).
  • Explain cybersecurity as a business & societal concern.
  • Distinguish technical vs. non-technical dimensions.

  • Identify common threats (malware, phishing, insider).
  • Recognize basic attack patterns.
  • Relate threats to real-world consequences.

  • Describe baseline security controls.
  • Explain the role of policies & user awareness.
  • Apply security thinking to everyday scenarios.