Cyber Security Course Syllabus

Great Learning offers a wide array of top-notch online Cyber Security courses carefully crafted to cater to different learning needs and proficiency levels. The Cyber Security subject syllabus acts as a roadmap for both students and professionals, guiding them through various aspects of the field.

The syllabus covers network security, cryptography, cyber laws, cloud security, and many more. Each course's syllabus is meticulously designed to empower individuals keen on Cyber Security, helping them to advance their careers.
 

Cyber Security Course Syllabus

Below is detailed information on the Cyber Security syllabus for each course, thoughtfully put together to assist budding Cyber Security enthusiasts in carving out their successful career paths:

1. Cyber Security Program - Great Lakes Executive Learning

• Module-1: Pre-work (Optional)

This introductory module sets the stage for this post-graduate program in Cyber Security, immersing students in the fundamental concepts and practices that form the bedrock of Cyber Security. It provides a solid foundation for more advanced exploration. By delving into various aspects, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of Cyber Security and acquire the vital skills needed to excel in this ever-evolving field.

• Foundations of Cyber Security - Obtain a robust understanding of basic Cyber Security principles, such as the security lifecycle, threat models, and cyber laws. Familiarize yourself with key concepts, such as data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, to better understand the dynamics of Cyber Security.

• Module-2: Foundations of Information Security

This module delves into the core aspects of Cyber Security. Exploring these key areas will deepen the understanding of the foundations and help learners gain crucial skills for securing information in various digital environments.

1. Risk Management - Learn the intricacies of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks in the cyber realm. This knowledge will help you plan effective security strategies and ensure the robustness of your systems.
    
2. Cryptography - Uncover the world of cryptography, mastering techniques to encrypt and decrypt data to maintain its confidentiality and integrity. This understanding is essential for securing sensitive information.
    
3. Network Security - Explore the methodologies to safeguard data during transmission and protect network infrastructures. Gain insights into various network security protocols and techniques to deter cyber threats.
    
4. Cloud Security - Understand the protocols and strategies to secure data in cloud environments, learn about cloud-specific risks and measures to mitigate them, and discover ways to maintain data privacy and compliance in the cloud.

• Module-3: Understanding Cyber Attacks

This module offers students a deep understanding of the nature of cyber threats. As learners delve into these topics, they'll gain crucial knowledge and skills to anticipate and counter cyber attacks.

1. Types of Cyber Attacks - Get acquainted with various cyber attacks and their potential risks and understand how different attacks function and their implications on data and systems.
    
2. Threats and Threat Actors - Familiarize yourself with different types of threats and the actors behind them. Gain insights into the motivations and methods of various threat actors.
    
3. Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) - Delve deeper into the strategies and tactics employed by adversaries and understand how these tactics evolve and can be detected and countered.
    
4. Kill Chain Methodology - Learn about the 'Kill Chain' methodology, a model used to understand and describe the stages of a cyber attack.
    
5. SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline Attacks - Apply your understanding of cyber attacks to real-world incidents like the SolarWinds and Colonial Pipeline breaches.

• Module-4: Designing Security Controls

This module equips students with the skills to create and implement robust security measures. Through these topics, learners will develop the practical skills to fortify digital environments against cyber threats.

1. Detecting Security Threats - Understand the controls that aid in detecting security threats and learn how these mechanisms can help in timely threat identification and response.
    
2. SIEM Purpose - Gain a deeper understanding of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), a crucial tool for real-time analysis of security alerts.
    
3. Interpreting Computer-Generated Logs - Familiarize yourself with reviewing, analyzing, and understanding computer-generated logs, an essential skill for identifying security incidents.
    
4. Cyber Threat Intelligence - Learn how cyber threat intelligence can inform security threat assessments and understand how to use this information to preempt potential attacks.
    
5. Network and Web Application Firewalls - Gain knowledge about Network Firewalls and Web Application Firewalls, vital tools for blocking malicious traffic.
    
6. Antivirus Applications - Understand the workings of antivirus software, a fundamental tool in protecting systems from malware.
    
7. Shell Scripting - Learn and practice shell scripting, an essential skill for automating tasks and managing system configurations.

• Module-5: Security Operations & Incident Management

This module imparts crucial skills in handling and mitigating Cyber Security incidents. Through these topics, learners will gain a practical understanding of the steps to manage and recover from cyber threats effectively.

1. Incident Reports - Learn to read, write, and analyze incident reports, a crucial skill for understanding and responding to security events.
    
2. Incident Response Lifecycle of NIST - Understand the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Incident Response Lifecycle, a framework for managing Cyber Security incidents.
    
3. The Golden Hour Concept - Familiarize yourself with the 'Golden Hour' concept, a critical period post-incident during which prompt action can significantly limit the damage.
    
4. Forensic Examination of Incident Data - Understand how to examine incident data using forensics to identify potential threats and bolster security measures.
    
5. Security Operations Center (SOC) Tasks - Gain knowledge about the tasks performed at a Security Operations Center (SOC), the command centre for managing cyber security incidents.
    
6. Recovery Strategy - Learn how to formulate a recovery strategy following a cyber attack. Understand the steps necessary to restore normal operations and prevent future attacks.

• Module-6: Prepare for CompTIA Security+ (Optional)

This module is designed to help students gear up for the globally recognized CompTIA Security+ certification. This course will cover the essential concepts needed for the exam, ensuring students are fully prepared.

1. CompTIA Security+ Overview - Understand the exam structure, domains, and skills measured by the CompTIA Security+ certification.
    
2. Key Knowledge Areas - Delve into critical areas like network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography.
    
3. Exam Preparation - Gain effective strategies for studying, mastering the material, and successfully navigating the exam. It includes practice questions and exam-taking tips to increase confidence and success rate.

• Module-7: Cyber Range

This module provides students with an interactive, hands-on experience in dealing with cyber incidents. Through this module, learners will test their knowledge and skills in a practical environment, facilitating a deep understanding of Cyber Security.

1. Self-Paced Incidents - Experience over 20 self-paced incidents that expose you to a variety of tools, techniques, and procedures used in Cyber Security. Through these scenarios, you can apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
    
2. Test Your Knowledge and Expertise - These incidents will test your ability to detect, protect, and investigate Cyber Security events. By addressing these real-world-like scenarios, you can gauge your expertise and readiness to handle actual cyber incidents.

2. CompTIA Security+ Bootcamp - Great Learning

• Module-0: Pre-work (Optional)

This introductory module prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification, grounding them in the fundamental concepts and practices that underlie Cyber Security. The module establishes a strong foundation for more advanced exploration throughout the course.

1. Fundamentals of Cyber Security - Gain a firm grasp of the fundamental principles of Cyber Security, including the security lifecycle, threat models, and cyber laws. These foundational concepts form the bedrock of Cyber Security, and understanding them is crucial to excelling in this field. Get familiar with key concepts, such as data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, to understand Cyber Security dynamics better.

• Module-1: Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities

This module delves into various aspects of cyber threats, where learners will identify and understand different types of attacks and develop strategies to counter them effectively.

1. Social Engineering Techniques - Compare and contrast different social engineering techniques, understanding the psychological tricks attackers use to manipulate victims.
    
2. Scenario-Based Attack Analysis - Given a scenario, analyze potential indicators to determine the type of attack, equipping yourself with the ability to identify and respond to diverse attack scenarios.
    
3. Application Attacks - In a given scenario, analyze potential indicators associated with application attacks. Learn to identify the red flags that signal an ongoing application attack.
    
4. Network Attacks - Analyze potential indicators associated with network attacks in given scenarios. Learn how to discern the signs of a network compromise and formulate an appropriate response.
    
5. Threat Actors, Vectors, and Intelligence Sources - Explain different threat actors and vectors and understand the various intelligence sources that can help predict and prevent attacks.
    
6. Security Concerns and Vulnerabilities - Understand the security concerns associated with various types of vulnerabilities, helping you design systems with security in mind.
    
7. Security Assessment Techniques - Summarize the techniques used in security assessments and understand how these evaluations can help improve your security posture.
    
8. Penetration Testing Techniques - Explore the techniques used in penetration testing, an essential practice to uncover system vulnerabilities before attackers do.

• Module-2: Architecture and Design

This module explores how security can be implemented in the various aspects of enterprise systems. Learners will understand how to build secure systems and networks through these topics.

1. Security Concepts in Enterprise - Understand the importance of security concepts in an enterprise environment and how they underpin the overall security posture of an organization.
    
2. Virtualization and Cloud Computing - Learn about virtualization and cloud computing concepts and their implications on security. Understand how to mitigate risks associated with these technologies.
    
3. Secure Application Development - Learn how to create robust applications through development, deployment, and automation concepts
    
4. Authentication and Authorization Design - Understand the concepts of authentication and authorization design, crucial components for ensuring that only authorized users can access specific resources.
    
5. Security Implications of Embedded and Specialized Systems - Learn about the security implications of embedded and specialized systems like IoT devices and understand how they can pose unique security challenges.
    
6. Physical Security Controls - Understand the importance of physical security controls, an often-overlooked aspect of Cyber Security, that protect hardware and data centres.
    
7. Basics of Cryptography - Grasp the basics of cryptography, an essential method for securing data and communications in Cyber Security.

• Module-3: Implementation

This module is designed to help learners apply their knowledge to practical tasks associated with building secure systems. These topics focus on creating secure solutions at various levels, from applications to networks.

1. Secure Protocols - Learn how to implement security protocols and essential tools for ensuring secure communication over a network.
    
2. Host or Application Security Solutions - Discover how to implement security solutions at the host or application level, creating secure software from the ground up.
    
3. Secure Network Designs - Learn how to secure network designs, including secure architecture, firewall configurations, and intrusion detection systems.
    
4. Wireless Security Settings - Learn how to install and configure wireless security settings, protecting your network from unauthorized access and data theft.
    
5. Secure Mobile Solutions - Understand how to implement security solutions for mobile devices, a growing concern in Cyber Security due to the widespread use of mobile technology.
    
6. Authentication and Authorization Solutions - Learn to implement robust authentication and authorization solutions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access your systems.
    
7. Public Key Infrastructure - Understand the steps to implement a public key infrastructure (PKI), a critical tool for managing and distributing digital certificates to secure network communication.

• Module-4: Operations and Incident Response

This module covers essential aspects of maintaining an organization's security posture and responding effectively to security incidents. Here, learners will understand how to handle an incident from detection to resolution.

1. Assessing Organizational Security - Learn about tools and techniques for determining an organization's security, including vulnerability scanners, risk assessments, and audit logs.
    
2. Incident Response - Understand the policies, processes, and procedures necessary for an effective incident response. Learn how to create a response plan that ensures quick and efficient handling of security incidents.
    
3. Data Sources for Investigation - Discover various data sources useful in a Cyber Security investigation, which include system logs, network traffic data, and user activity reports.
    
4. Mitigation Techniques and Controls - Learn how to apply various mitigation techniques and controls to prevent further damage during a security incident, which include isolating affected systems, patching vulnerabilities, and changing user permissions.
    
5. Digital Forensics - Gain insights into digital forensics, a critical aspect of incident response that involves collecting and analyzing digital evidence to identify what happened during a security incident.

• Module-5: Governance Risk & Compliance

This module explores the strategies and principles guiding the implementation of security at an organizational level. Learners will get a grasp on the policies, regulations, and controls crucial in governing Cyber Security.

1. Types of Controls - Learn about various kinds of controls used in an organization to manage and mitigate security risks, which include preventive, detective, corrective, physical, technical, and administrative controls.
    
2. Regulations, Standards, and Frameworks - Understand the key regulations, standards, and frameworks that guide security practices. Learn about essential standards like ISO 27001, NIST frameworks, and GDPR regulations.
    
3. Organizational Security Policies - Get familiar with policies that help maintain security at the corporate level, which cover access control, incident response, and employee behaviour.
    
4. Risk Management Processes - Understand the processes involved in risk management, including identifying risks, evaluating their potential impact, and developing strategies to manage them.
    
5. Data Privacy and Sensitive Data - Explore the importance of data privacy and handling sensitive data, such as personal identification information or financial data. Understand the legal and ethical obligations involved in managing such data.