What you will learn in Foundations of Cybersecurity Course
- Core security concepts (CIA triad, authentication, encryption)
- Common threats (malware, phishing, DDoS) and attack vectors
- Network security basics (firewalls, VPNs, zero trust)
- Security policies and compliance standards (GDPR, HIPAA)
- Career pathways in cybersecurity
Program Overview
Cybersecurity Basics
⏱️1-2 weeks
- CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
- Security vs. convenience tradeoffs
- Threat actors and motivations
Technical Foundations
⏱️3-4 weeks
- Encryption and hashing
- Network security protocols
- Endpoint protection
- Cloud security considerations
Operational Security
⏱️5-6 weeks
- Security policies and procedures
- Incident response lifecycle
- Compliance frameworks
- Risk management basics
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Job Outlook
- Industry Demand:
- 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally (ISC² 2023)
- 35% year-over-year growth in entry-level positions
- 70K−90K starting salaries for SOC Analysts
- Career Pathways:
| Entry-Level Role | Avg Salary | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst | $72K | Threat Intelligence Specialist |
| IT Support Specialist (Security Focus) | $65K | Security Administrator |
| Compliance Assistant | $68K | GRC Analyst |
- Certification Value:
- Qualifies for 78% of Level 1 cybersecurity job requirements
- Counts toward Google Cybersecurity Certificate
- Prepares for CompTIA Security+ (70% overlap)
Specification: Foundations of Cybersecurity
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FAQs
- Understand core roles and skills of cybersecurity analysts.
- Learn how security threats impact business operations.
- Study security ethics and important industry frameworks.
- Gain familiarity with analyst tools and key concepts like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the CIA triad.
- Sharpen competencies in cybersecurity, infoSec, ethics, threat detection, and security controls. Understand core roles and skills of cybersecurity analysts.
- Learn how security threats impact business operations.
- Study security ethics and important industry frameworks.
- Gain familiarity with analyst tools and key concepts like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the CIA triad.
- Sharpen competencies in cybersecurity, infoSec, ethics, threat detection, and security controls.
Strengths:
- Clear, well-structured curriculum for beginners.
- High student satisfaction and strong endorsement from Google Career Certificates.
- Provides a shareable certificate, useful for resumes or LinkedIn.
Limitations:
- Perfect for individuals exploring cybersecurity—students, admins, or tech newcomers.
- Provides insight into analyst roles, aiding future decisions on pathways like cyber defense or ethical hacking.
- Certificate supports resumes and professional profiles—but real-world projects and advanced credentials are essential for career progress.
