University Certificate Course: Introduction to Cybersecurity
This foundational course offers a comprehensive exploration of the cybersecurity landscape. It is meticulously designed to cover the essential principles of protecting our digital world, from individual data to complex corporate and state infrastructures.
Lead Instructor
Konstantin Titov
Konstantin Titov is an instructor and practitioner in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked across multiple industries, developing practical security solutions and helping organizations integrate modern AI technologies safely and effectively.
He is also the author of several applied technology books. His titles include Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Basics: A Comprehensive Guide to Artificial Intelligence (ISBN 9798874154950), Smart Home Security: Building a Safe Home with Smart Technology (ISBN 9798346933342), Machine Learning Fundamentals in Action: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Machine Learning Solutions (ISBN 9798343849080), and The AI-First Firm Blueprint: AI Essentials for Business—Operating Models, Use Cases, and P&L Impact (ISBN 9798269643465).
As an educator, Konstantin focuses on simplifying complex technical concepts and making them accessible to learners at all levels.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Articulate the fundamental principles of cybersecurity, including the CIA Triad, risk management, and the threat landscape.
- Identify and categorize common cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors targeting individuals and organizations.
- Apply essential security controls to protect personal and organizational digital assets, including the use of strong passwords and MFA.
- Describe the basics of cryptography and its role in securing data in transit and at rest.
- Recognize common web and operating system vulnerabilities and apply appropriate mitigation techniques.
- Outline the key phases of an incident response plan and describe various career paths within the cybersecurity domain.
The Course Focus
Understand the core principles of cybersecurity, including the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability), and learn to apply them to real-world scenarios.
Identify and classify common cyber threats, including malware, phishing, social engineering, and Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, to build effective defense strategies.
Implement foundational security measures such as creating strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and understanding the role of firewalls.
Grasp the fundamentals of network security and cryptography, which are essential for protecting data as it moves across networks and is stored on systems.
Who Should Enroll?
This introductory course is designed for individuals seeking to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. It is ideal for:
- Prospective students considering a career in Information Technology or Cybersecurity.
- Professionals across any industry who handle sensitive data and need to understand security best practices.
- General users who wish to enhance their personal digital security.
No prior experience in cybersecurity is required. A keen interest in technology and a desire to understand the principles of digital safety are the only prerequisites.
Course Modules
MODULE 1
Foundations of Cybersecurity
This module introduces the core concepts of cybersecurity. Students will learn what cybersecurity entails, why it is critically important in the digital age, and explore the fundamental principles of the CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. The module will also provide an overview of key terminology and the general threat landscape.
MODULE 2
Common Cyber Threats & Vulnerabilities
Learn to identify and differentiate various types of cyber threats. This module covers different forms of malware (viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware), social engineering tactics such as phishing and pretexting, and common attack vectors including Denial-of-Service (DoS) and web-based attacks.
MODULE 3
Protecting Digital Identity & Data
This module focuses on practical personal security hygiene. Topics include creating and managing strong, unique passwords, the role and benefits of password managers, and the critical importance of enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure online accounts.
MODULE 4
Fundamentals of Network Security
Understand how data travels across networks and the methods used to defend against malicious traffic. This module covers the fundamentals of firewalls, the purpose and use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), and best practices for securing both wired and wireless networks.
MODULE 5
Introduction to Cryptography
This module delves into the science of secure communication. Learn what encryption is, the distinctions between symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, and how technologies like digital signatures and certificates secure our online communications.
Enrollment & Certification
This course is offered for US$450 to all students who wish to gain fundamental knowledge in Cybersecurity.
For students seeking formal recognition of their achievement, we offer an optional University Certificate of Completion.