Cyber Security Fundamentals
A clear, practical introduction to cyber security for anyone starting out. Learn how attacks happen, how organisations defend themselves, and the core ideas every cyber professional uses every day.
Who this course is for: Career changers, students, new IT and security staff, and anyone who wants a solid foundation in cyber security. No previous technical knowledge is needed.
Self-paced online learning. Earn a Certificate of Completion on passing.
What you will learn
- Explain what cyber security is and why it matters, using the CIA triad and basic risk language
- Describe the main types of attacker, malware and social engineering, including AI-enabled attacks
- Understand the basics of networks, the internet, firewalls and Wi-Fi security
- Apply good practice for passwords, multi-factor authentication, passkeys and access control
- Explain how updates, encryption and backups protect devices and data
- Describe security in the cloud, in email and when using AI tools
- Recognise the key UK laws, Cyber Essentials and major security frameworks
- Follow the stages of responding to a cyber incident
Course modules
- What is cyber security?
- Threats and attackers
- How networks and the internet work
- Identity and access
- Protecting devices and data
- Cloud, email and AI security
- Frameworks, law and governance
- Responding to cyber incidents