Cybersecurity Foundations course
Start your cybersecurity career: the core concepts, tools and hands-on skills every security role builds on.
Overview
A practical introduction to cybersecurity for people with little or no security background. You will learn how attacks work, how organisations defend against them, and the networking, Linux, identity and risk fundamentals behind every security role. Each week combines live teaching with hands-on labs, and the programme closes with a simulated incident investigation. It is a first step into Cybersecurity (SOC) and aligns with the topics covered by entry-level security certifications such as CompTIA Security+.
Syllabus
- Module 1
Security Principles & the Threat Landscape
The CIA triad, threat actors and their motives, common attacks such as phishing and ransomware, the cyber kill chain, and an overview of security frameworks.
- Module 2
Networking & Linux for Security
TCP/IP, DNS and HTTP, ports and firewalls, how network traffic is inspected, the Linux command line, file permissions, and reading system logs.
- Module 3
Vulnerabilities, Malware & Social Engineering
How vulnerabilities arise and are scanned for, the OWASP Top 10 in outline, malware types and behaviour, and how social engineering attacks work.
- Module 4
Identity, Access & Cryptography
Authentication and multi-factor authentication, password security, least privilege, encryption, hashing, digital certificates and TLS.
- Module 5
Risk, Policy & UK Compliance
Risk assessment basics, security policies, UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, Cyber Essentials, and an introduction to ISO 27001.
- Module 6
Detection, Response & Capstone Lab
Log analysis, an introduction to SIEM, the incident response lifecycle, and a capstone lab: investigate a simulated phishing incident and write up your findings.
Who it's for
Career changers, IT support staff, graduates and anyone starting out in cybersecurity. No prior security experience is needed; basic computer confidence is enough.
Tools covered
Security Principles & CIA Triad, Networking Fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP), Linux Command Line, Common Attacks & Malware, Vulnerability Scanning Basics, Authentication, MFA & Encryption, Risk & UK Compliance (UK GDPR, Cyber Essentials), Incident Response Basics.
Other programmes
- DevOps Engineering
Modern infrastructure automation, continuous integration, and cloud deployment pipelines.
- Cybersecurity (SOC)
Defensive security operations, threat detection, log analysis, and incident response.
- Identity, Access Management (IAM)
Enterprise identity architecture, cloud IAM policies, privileged access, and zero trust governance.
- Cloud Engineering (AWS & Azure)
Design, build and secure cloud infrastructure on both AWS and Azure, the two platforms most UK employers run.