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IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts

Approx. 30 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course covers the basics of IT security, including cryptography, network security, and security management. Students will learn how to identify and mitigate security threats, as well as develop strategies to protect against future attacks.

Key Learning Points

Learn the fundamentals of IT security
Develop strategies to protect against security threats
Identify and mitigate security risks

Learning Outcomes

Understand the basics of IT security
Develop strategies to protect against security threats
Identify and mitigate security risks

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of computer systems
Familiarity with networking concepts

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

Cybersecurity Essentials
Network Security
Introduction to Cryptography

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Bruce Schneier
Mikko Hypponen

Related Books

Description

This course covers a wide variety of IT security concepts, tools, and best practices. It introduces threats and attacks and the many ways they can show up. We’ll give you some background of encryption algorithms and how they’re used to safeguard data. Then, we’ll dive into the three As of information security: authentication, authorization, and accounting. We’ll also cover network security solutions, ranging from firewalls to Wifi encryption options. The course is rounded out by putting all these elements together into a multi-layered, in-depth security architecture, followed by recommendations on how to integrate a culture of security into your organization or team.

At the end of this course, you’ll understand: ● how various encryption algorithms and techniques work as well as their benefits and limitations. ● various authentication systems and types. ● the difference between authentication and authorization. ● how to evaluate potential risks and recommend ways to reduce risk. ● best practices for securing a network. ● how to help others to grasp security concepts and protect themselves.

Outline

Understanding Security Threats
Course Introduction
The CIA Triad
Essential Security Terms
Malicious Software
Malware Continued
Network Attacks
Denial-of-Service
Client-Side Attacks
Password Attacks
Deceptive Attacks
Navigating Coursera
Program Surveys
How to Use Discussion Forums
Get to Know Your Classmates
Supplemental Reading for Malicious Software
Supplemental Reading for Network Attacks
Supplemental Reading for DDoS Attacks
Malicious Software
Network Attacks
Other Attacks
Understanding Security Threats

Pelcgbybtl (Cryptology)
Cryptography
Symmetric Cryptography
Symmetric Encryption Algorithms
Rob What a Security Engineer Does
Asymmetric Cryptography
Asymmetric Encryption Algorithms
Hashing
Hashing Algorithms
Hashing Algorithms (continued)
Public Key Infrastructure
Cryptography in Action
Securing Network Traffic
Cryptographic Hardware
Rejection
Supplemental Reading for The Future of Cryptanalysis
Supplemental Reading for Symmetric Encryptions
Supplemental Reading for Asymmetric Encryption Attack
Supplemental Reading for SHA1 Attacks
Supplemental Reading for the X.509 Standard
Supplemental Reading for PGP
Supplemental Reading for Securing Network Traffic
Supplemental Reading for TPM Attacks
Instructions for Accessing Linux and Windows Qwiklabs
Symmetric Encryption
Public Key or Asymmetric Encryption
Hashing
Cryptography Applications
Week Two Practice Quiz

AAA Security (Not Roadside Assistance)
Authentication Best Practices
Multifactor Authentication
Certificates
LDAP
RADIUS
Kerberos
TACACS+
Single Sign-On
Rob Path to IT
Authorization and Access Control Methods
Access Control
Access Control List
Tracking Usage and Access
Rob Important Skills in Security
Supplemental Reading for Authentication
Supplemental Reading for Authorization
Authentication
Authorization and Accounting
AAA Security (Not Roadside Assistance)

Securing Your Networks
Network Hardening Best Practices
Network Hardware Hardening
Network Software Hardening
Joe Personal Obstacle
WEP Encryption and Why You Shouldn't Use It
Let's Get Rid of WEP! WPA/WPA2
Wireless Hardening
Heather Social Engineering
Sniffing the Network
Wireshark and tcpdump
Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems
Supplemental Reading for Network Hardening Best Practices
Supplemental Reading on IEEE 802.1X
Supplementary reading on HAProxy, nginx and Apache HTTP server
Supplementary reading for WEP Encryption and Why You Shouldn't Use It
Supplementary reading on WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) PIN brute force vulnerability
Supplemental Reading for Promiscuous Mode
Supplemental reading for Intrusion Detection/Prevention System
Secure Network Architecture
Wireless Security
Network Monitoring
Week Four Practice Quiz

Defense in Depth
Intro to Defense in Depth
Disabling Unnecessary Components
Host-Based Firewall
Logging and Auditing
Antimalware Protection
Disk Encryption
Heather Self Learning
Software Patch Management
Application Policies
Supplemental Reading for Logging and Auditing
Supplemental Readings for Antimalware Protection
Supplemental Reading for Disk Ecryption
System Hardening
Application Hardening
Defense in Depth

Creating a Company Culture for Security
Security Goals
Measuring and Assessing Risk
Privacy Policy
User Habits
Third-Party Security
Security Training
Alex Grit Story
Incident Reporting and Analysis
Incident Response and Recovery
Mobile Security and Privacy
Amir Interview
Ari Interview
Interview Role Play: Security
Final Assessment
Framing yourself
Congratulations!
Supplemental Reading for Risk in the Workplace
Supplemental Reading for User Habits
Supplemental Reading for Vendor Security Assessment Questionnaires
Supplemental Readings for Mobile Security and Privacy
Invitation to Sign Up for Big Interview
Final Project - Sample Submission
How to Add Google IT Support Certificate to Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Common Job Search Terms
Information and FAQs about badges
Risk in the Workplace
Users
Incident Handling
Creating a Company Culture for Security
Creating a Company Culture for Security - Design Document
Your Access to Google Job Search Resources

Summary of User Reviews

Read reviews about the IT Security course on Coursera. Learners have given positive feedback about the comprehensive curriculum and engaging instructors. The course has received an overall high rating based on user feedback.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Many users found the course to be very informative and practical, providing them with the necessary skills to protect their digital assets and understand the latest cybersecurity threats.

Pros from User Reviews

Comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics in IT security
Engaging instructors with real-world experience in the field
Hands-on assignments and projects that reinforce the concepts learned in the course
Flexible learning options with self-paced modules and quizzes
Access to a supportive community of learners and professionals in the field

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too technical and challenging for beginners
Limited interaction with instructors and other learners
Course materials and lectures could be more engaging and interactive
The course may not provide enough practical experience for those seeking advanced cybersecurity skills
The course may not be suitable for those looking for a quick and easy overview of IT security concepts

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IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts

This course covers a wide variety of IT security concepts, tools, and best practices. It introduces threats and attacks and the many ways they can show up....

Save Course