Cybersecurity Fundamentals
The core concepts behind defending systems, networks, and data from attackers.
1. What is Cybersecurity?
Protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access or damage, the range of specialties inside the field.
2. The CIA Triad
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, the three goals nearly every security control exists to protect.
3. Common Threats: Malware, Phishing & Social Engineering
Malware, phishing, and social engineering, the most common ways attackers actually get in, and why people, not just software, are the target.
4. Passwords & Authentication
What makes a password strong, and why multi-factor authentication is the single highest-impact step most people can take.
5. Encryption Basics
Scrambling data so only someone with the right key can read it, symmetric vs. asymmetric, and a toy example of the idea.
6. Firewalls & Network Security
Controlling what traffic is allowed in and out of a network, and why a firewall alone isn't a complete defense.
7. The OWASP Top 10 (Intro to Common Vulnerabilities)
The most common categories of security flaws found in real web applications, with a concrete SQL injection example and its fix.
8. Staying Safe Online
Practical habits that block most everyday attacks, a short, high-impact checklist worth actually following.