Overview

AI, Data Science & Cloud Certificates from Google, IBM & Meta — 50% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera. 50% off Coursera Plus Annual for 10 days only — price increases June 17.

Unlock All Certificates

This course is designed for professionals without a technical background who manage people, data, or business operations to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals. Learners will learn how to securely configure wireless routers, identify risks associated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and secure physical access to critical systems like point-of-sale devices. The course emphasizes the importance of patch management in preventing breaches and helps learners distinguish between fake update malware and legitimate system prompts. Additionally, the course covers essential practices such as applying the Principle of Least Privilege to employee accounts, implementing the 3-2-1 data backup strategy, and evaluating third-party vendors for security risks. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with practical skills to secure their business infrastructure effectively and ensure safe payment processing workflows.

Syllabus

The Fortress Walls (Network and Devices)

In this module, you will learn how to securely configure wireless routers, understand the risks associated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments, and secure physical access to critical systems such as point of sale (POS) systems and laptops. We'll cover network segmentation, router security best practices (SSID, WPA2/3, guest networks), and physical security measures to protect against attacks. This module builds directly on the CIA Triad and Threat-Vulnerability-Risk concepts introduced in Course 1 — Introduction to Cyber Threats and Digital Hygiene Risk.

The Immune System (Software and Patching)

This module guides you through the essentials of patch management, identifying fake update malware, and applying the Principle of Least Privilege to employee accounts. You'll understand the differences between admin and standard user accounts, learn to configure antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and explore vulnerability management in practice. Keep your software updated — it is the single most effective technical defense available to a small business.

The Supply Chain (Backups and Vendors)

In this module, you'll discover effective data backup strategies using the 3-2-1 rule, learn how to evaluate third-party vendors for security risks, and secure payment processing workflows. We'll cover disaster recovery basics, third-party risk management, and secure payment practices for merchants — including an introduction to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) as an example of how industry standards shape payment security obligations. Set up a regular backup schedule as a first step before completing this module.

Final Assessment

This cumulative assessment tests your knowledge across all three content modules: The Fortress Walls, The Immune System, and The Supply Chain. Completing it successfully demonstrates readiness to progress to Course 3 — Human Factors and Incident Response in Cybersecurity.