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.