Skills in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity – 3-Month Course Outline

Duration: 12 Weeks (Approx. 120 Hours)
Mode: 5 classes per week, 2 hours per class

Month 1: Cybersecurity Foundations

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

• What is cybersecurity?
• Importance of data protection
• Types of cyber threats (malware, phishing, ransomware)
• Key cybersecurity terminologies

Week 2: Computer Systems & Networks

• Basic hardware and software concepts
• Operating systems overview (Windows/Linux)
• Network fundamentals for cybersecurity
• Ports, protocols, and services

Week 3: Cyber Attacks & Threat Actors

• Categories of attackers (hackers, insiders, hacktivists)
• Real-world case studies
• Understanding vulnerabilities and exploits
• Ethical hacking vs. malicious hacking

Week 4: Security Principles

• CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
• Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA)
• Defense in depth
• Risk management basics

Month 2: Security Tools and Practices

Week 5: Malware and Prevention

• Types of malware (viruses, worms, trojans, spyware)
• Detection techniques
• Antivirus and endpoint protection
• Malware analysis basics

Week 6: Firewalls and Network Security

• Types of firewalls (hardware/software)
• Firewall rules and configuration
• Network segmentation and DMZ
• Introduction to Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Week 7: Cryptography and Encryption

• History and importance of cryptography
• Symmetric vs asymmetric encryption
• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
• SSL/TLS and HTTPS

Week 8: Web & Email Security

• Securing web applications (OWASP Top 10)
• Secure email practices (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
• Social engineering and phishing protection
• Safe browsing tools

Month 3: Hands-On & Project Work

Week 9: Ethical Hacking Tools

• Kali Linux introduction
• Wireshark for packet analysis
• Nmap for port scanning
• Metasploit Framework overview

Week 10: Security Policies & Compliance

• Password and access control policies
• Incident response plan
• Introduction to standards (ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA)
• Role of audits and compliance

Week 11: Cybersecurity Lab Activities

• Simulated penetration test
• Network vulnerability scan
• Firewall rule testing
• User awareness mock scenarios

Week 12: Final Project

• Conduct a security audit for a simulated network
• Identify weaknesses and recommend solutions
• Submit final documentation and present findings