Computers and the invention of the internet have, and will continue, to revolutionize our world. Cyberspace offers endless opportunities to connect, share, create and collaborate- for the youngest to the most elderly people, for the smallest of business to the largest of corporations, and for the tiniest of towns to the most powerful countries. This digitally connected environment also affords many opportunities for cybercrime, the fastest growing area of crimes involving computer networks. How can we continue to share information, collect data, communicate effectively and foster collaboration through technology, while still ensuring that the we know who we are communicating with, and that the information that we store or share online is protected?
This semester course will provide an interesting and engaging look at the concept of cybersecurity. During the initial Introduction to Cybersecurity unit, students will begin by exploring the latest threats that exist in our digital world and then investigate the cyberlaws that have emerged as a result. In Unit 2, Internet Fundamentals, students will explore digital communication and the internet, and investigate why and how protective measures are necessary across networks. During the third unit on Coding for Security, students will develop fundamental programming skills in HTML, CSS and JavaScript that enable them to identify and remove potential security issues. In the final unit on Cyberprotection, students will reflect on what behaviors and actions are consistent with good cyber hygiene, as well as the many types of careers associated with cybersecurity, and discuss efforts to predict and prevent future threats.
Students will uncover their digital footprint early in the course, reflect on their footprint and determine how they can better protect themselves going forward. Throughout the course, students will utilize real world Linux-based command-line digital forensics tools to protect networks against cyberattacks. Students will consistently stay informed on current cybersecurity threats by blogging about the latest global news and explore a different career associated with Cybersecurity each week. In a final project, students will create a public service announcement to inform the public about the importance of cybersecurity and describe key steps that are essential to protect one’s digital footprint in cyberspace.
It’s no surprise that in a rapidly advancing digital age, cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing career fields and is at the forefront of everyone’s minds now, and as we look toward the future, to predict and protect from the next generation of cyber threats. This survey of cybersecurity threats, protective measures and best practices is essential knowledge for all students, as they must be informed users of cyberspace to be productive citizens in today’s world, and to prepare for virtually all careers of tomorrow.
Students must be
13 years of age or older to participate in this course, due to the terms of service of
picoCTF, a Linux platform with security challenges.
Please note: Students do not need any prior programming experience to be successful in this course.