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Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

This beginner course starts from zero and assumes no IT knowledge. Across five modules you will learn, in plain English, what cybersecurity is, how attackers think, the core ideas professionals use every day, the threats you are most likely to meet, and the practical habits that protect you — with a simple illustration and a quick self-check in every lesson.

What you will learn

  • Module 1 — Introduction to Cybersecurity: what it is, why it matters, and what it protects.
  • Module 2 — Understanding Hackers: who attacks, the types of hackers, and how an attack unfolds.
  • Module 3 — Cybersecurity Core Concepts: the CIA Triad, access control, defense in depth, and controls.
  • Module 4 — Common Cyber Threats: malware, ransomware, phishing, and more.
  • Module 5 — Protection Fundamentals: passwords, MFA, antivirus, firewalls, updates, backups, and safe habits.

How to use this course

Work through the modules in order — each one builds on the last. Your progress is saved in this browser on this device, so you can mark lessons complete and pick up where you left off.

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Module 1 Introduction to Cybersecurity

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  1. 1
    What is cybersecurity?

    A plain-English introduction to what cybersecurity means and why everyone needs it.

    ~8 min
  2. 2
    Why cybersecurity matters

    The real cost of weak security for people, businesses, and society.

    ~8 min
  3. 3
    What cybersecurity protects

    The four things every security program is built to defend.

    ~7 min
  4. 4
    Digital assets — what is worth protecting

    How to recognise the valuable digital things you already own.

    ~7 min
  5. 5
    Understanding cyber threats

    What a threat is, who is behind them, and the forms they take.

    ~8 min
  6. 6
    Vulnerabilities, threats, and risk

    How three key words fit together to describe danger.

    ~8 min

Module 2 Understanding Hackers

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  1. 7
    What is a hacker?

    The real meaning of the word, beyond the movie stereotype.

    ~7 min
  2. 8
    Types of hackers: white, black, and grey hat

    The hats that describe a hacker's intent and permission.

    ~8 min
  3. 9
    Why do hackers attack?

    The motivations that drive cyberattacks.

    ~7 min
  4. 10
    Common hacking techniques

    A beginner's tour of the methods attackers use most.

    ~8 min
  5. 11
    How a cyberattack happens, step by step

    The typical stages an attacker moves through, in plain language.

    ~9 min
  6. 12
    Real-world cyberattack examples

    Famous attacks and the simple lessons they teach.

    ~9 min

Module 3 Cybersecurity Core Concepts

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  1. 13
    The CIA Triad: the heart of security

    Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability explained simply.

    ~8 min
  2. 14
    Authentication vs authorization

    Two similar-sounding words that mean very different things.

    ~7 min
  3. 15
    Identification and access control

    How systems recognise you and control what you can reach.

    ~7 min
  4. 16
    Defense in depth: layered security

    Why good security never relies on a single wall.

    ~8 min
  5. 17
    Security policies and best practices

    The written rules that turn good intentions into consistent habits.

    ~7 min
  6. 18
    Types of security controls

    The three families of controls that make up any defence.

    ~8 min

Module 4 Common Cyber Threats

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  1. 19
    Malware and its types

    The umbrella term for harmful software, and the main kinds.

    ~8 min
  2. 20
    Ransomware

    The attack that locks your files and demands a payment.

    ~8 min
  3. 21
    Phishing attacks

    The deceptive messages behind most breaches, and how to spot them.

    ~8 min
  4. 22
    Social engineering

    Hacking the human instead of the computer.

    ~8 min
  5. 23
    Password attacks

    How attackers crack or steal passwords, and how to resist them.

    ~8 min
  6. 24
    Man-in-the-middle attacks

    When an attacker secretly sits between you and who you are talking to.

    ~8 min
  7. 25
    Data breaches

    What happens when protected information gets out.

    ~7 min
  8. 26
    Denial-of-service (DoS and DDoS) attacks

    Attacks that knock services offline by overwhelming them.

    ~7 min

Module 5 Cybersecurity Protection Fundamentals

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  1. 27
    Strong passwords and password managers

    Your first and most important line of defence.

    ~8 min
  2. 28
    Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

    The single best upgrade you can make to any account.

    ~7 min
  3. 29
    Antivirus and endpoint protection

    The software guard that watches each of your devices.

    ~7 min
  4. 30
    Firewalls and network protection

    The gatekeeper that controls traffic in and out of a network.

    ~7 min
  5. 31
    Updates and patch management

    Why installing updates is one of the most powerful things you can do.

    ~7 min
  6. 32
    Secure internet browsing

    Everyday habits that keep you safe on the web.

    ~7 min
  7. 33
    Data backup and recovery

    Your safety net when prevention is not enough.

    ~7 min
  8. 34
    Safe email practices

    Habits for the inbox, where so many attacks begin.

    ~7 min

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