Introduction to Cyber Threats and Digital Hygiene Risk

Overview

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This course is designed for professionals without a technical background who manage people, data, or business operations to understand the critical aspects of cybersecurity. Learners will learn to explain and apply the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) in a business context, enhancing their security measures. The course covers identifying indicators of Business Email Compromise (BEC) and phishing, differentiating between threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, and analyzing how ransomware infects systems, including the "Double Extortion" tactic. Additionally, learners will classify types of data based on sensitivity, explain the immediate business impact of a data breach, and implement strong password policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on critical accounts. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with the knowledge to improve their organization's digital hygiene and security posture.

Syllabus

Foundations and the Human Vector

In this module, you'll explore the foundational concepts of cybersecurity, focusing on the human attack surface.

Malware and the Ransomware Epidemic

In this module, you'll delve into the world of malware, with a particular focus on ransomware. We'll uncover how ransomware infects systems, explore the "Double Extortion" tactic, and discuss the importance of data classification. You'll also learn about the immediate business impacts of data breaches, preparing you to protect your organization effectively.

Locking the Door (Access Control)

This module focuses on access control mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of strong password policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). You'll explore the risks of credential stuffing and learn how to implement effective authentication strategies to protect your business accounts. This module also introduces the Principle of Least Privilege as a foundational concept — its practical application at the account and system level is covered in Course 2 of this series.

Final Assessment

This cumulative assessment tests your knowledge across all three content modules of the course: Foundations and The Human Vector, Malware and the Ransomware Epidemic, and Locking the Door. Completing it successfully demonstrates readiness to progress to Course 2 of the series — Cyber Defense Fundamentals: Securing Networks and Systems.