Cyber Security Syllabus

Welcome to The Coding College, where we provide in-depth resources for learners of all levels in the field of cyber security. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your knowledge, this syllabus is designed to guide you through the essential concepts and skills needed to master cyber security.

Course Overview

This cyber security syllabus covers key areas of information security, including network security, cryptography, threat management, ethical hacking, and more. The course is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced modules, and it’s tailored to help individuals who want to pursue a career in cyber security or gain a deeper understanding of how to secure their digital lives.

Module 1: Introduction to Cyber Security (Beginner Level)

1.1 What is Cyber Security?

  • Definition and importance of cyber security.
  • The history and evolution of cyber threats.
  • Types of cyber security: Network Security, Application Security, Information Security, Operational Security.

1.2 Understanding Threats

  • Types of cyber threats: Malware, Phishing, Man-in-the-Middle, Ransomware, etc.
  • Common attack vectors: Social Engineering, Insider Threats, Exploits.
  • Understanding APTs (Advanced Persistent Threats).

1.3 The CIA Triad

  • Confidentiality: Ensuring data is kept secret.
  • Integrity: Ensuring data is accurate and unaltered.
  • Availability: Ensuring that systems and data are accessible to authorized users when needed.

Module 2: Network Security (Intermediate Level)

2.1 Networking Basics

  • OSI model: Layers and protocols.
  • IP addresses, subnets, and routing.
  • Understanding TCP/IP, UDP, and their roles in security.

2.2 Firewalls and VPNs

  • Role of firewalls in network security.
  • Configuring firewalls for protection.
  • Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Use, setup, and advantages.

2.3 Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

  • What is IDS/IPS and how do they work?
  • Types of IDS/IPS: Network-based and Host-based.
  • Configuration and management of IDS/IPS.

2.4 Network Mapping & Port Scanning

  • Tools like Nmap for discovering network vulnerabilities.
  • Identifying open ports and weak points in a network.
  • Ethical considerations and legal implications.

Module 3: Cryptography and Encryption (Intermediate Level)

3.1 Introduction to Cryptography

  • Basics of cryptography: Symmetric vs. Asymmetric encryption.
  • Encryption algorithms: AES, RSA, SHA-256.
  • Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Certificates.

3.2 Cryptographic Protocols

  • SSL/TLS for secure communications.
  • HTTPS and its role in web security.
  • Hashing, Digital Signatures, and their use in integrity checking.

3.3 Practical Cryptography

  • How to implement cryptographic techniques.
  • Using tools for encryption/decryption (e.g., OpenSSL).
  • Securing communications and storage using cryptography.

Module 4: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing (Advanced Level)

4.1 Introduction to Ethical Hacking

  • Difference between ethical hacking and black-hat hacking.
  • Legal and ethical considerations in penetration testing.
  • Tools and methodologies used by ethical hackers.

4.2 Penetration Testing Phases

  • Reconnaissance: Gathering information.
  • Scanning: Identifying vulnerabilities.
  • Exploitation: Gaining access to systems.
  • Post-Exploitation: Maintaining access and data extraction.
  • Reporting: Documenting findings and mitigation recommendations.

4.3 Web Application Security Testing

  • Common vulnerabilities in web applications (SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting, etc.).
  • Using tools like OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, and others for penetration testing.
  • Ethical considerations when testing web applications.

Module 5: Security Operations and Incident Response (Advanced Level)

5.1 Security Operations Center (SOC)

  • What is a SOC and its role in incident detection and response.
  • Key functions: monitoring, detection, and response to security incidents.
  • SOC tools: SIEM systems, threat intelligence feeds, and more.

5.2 Incident Response Lifecycle

  • Phases of Incident Response: Preparation, Identification, Containment, Eradication, Recovery, and Lessons Learned.
  • Developing and implementing an Incident Response Plan (IRP).
  • Handling and reporting incidents in a timely and efficient manner.

5.3 Threat Hunting and Threat Intelligence

  • Proactively searching for hidden threats in the network.
  • Using threat intelligence to stay ahead of attackers.
  • Tools for threat hunting: Elastic Stack, Splunk, and others.

Module 6: Risk Management and Compliance (Intermediate Level)

6.1 Risk Assessment

  • Identifying and evaluating risks to IT systems.
  • Risk management processes: Risk identification, assessment, treatment, and monitoring.
  • Using frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS.

6.2 Regulatory Compliance

  • Understanding the importance of compliance in cyber security.
  • Key regulations: GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOX, etc.
  • Implementing security controls to meet compliance requirements.

6.3 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

  • Designing plans for business continuity (BC) and disaster recovery (DR).
  • Importance of regular testing and updating BC/DR plans.
  • Creating backup strategies for critical systems and data.

Module 7: Advanced Topics in Cyber Security (Expert Level)

7.1 Cloud Security

  • Understanding cloud computing models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS.
  • Securing cloud environments and services (AWS, Azure, GCP).
  • Identity and Access Management (IAM) in the cloud.

7.2 AI and Machine Learning in Cyber Security

  • How AI and ML are transforming threat detection and response.
  • Use cases for AI/ML in detecting patterns and anomalies in network traffic.
  • Ethical implications of AI in security.

7.3 Security of IoT (Internet of Things)

  • Vulnerabilities and risks associated with IoT devices.
  • Best practices for securing IoT devices and networks.
  • Securing smart devices, healthcare IoT, and industrial IoT.

Final Project: Capstone Project (Advanced Level)

  • Objective: Apply all the skills learned throughout the course to conduct a comprehensive security assessment of a network or web application.
  • Deliverables: Penetration test reports, incident response plans, cryptography implementation, and a presentation detailing your findings and solutions.

Conclusion

By completing this comprehensive Cyber Security Syllabus, you will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to protect against a wide variety of cyber threats, and you will be well-prepared to pursue further studies or a career in the field of cyber security.

For more resources, tutorials, and practice exercises, visit us at The Coding College.

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