Cyber Security - An Introduction

This course provides an essential introduction to cyber security, equipping participants with the knowledge and awareness required to protect themselves and their organisations against cyber threats. Learners will examine who cyber attackers are, the techniques they use, and the motivations behind their actions. Using real-world examples and practical exercises, this course helps attendees understand the risks and how to take proactive steps to mitigate them. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of security frameworks, threat classification, and best practices in cyber hygiene.

Prerequisites

Participants do not need prior technical expertise, but a general awareness of IT systems and a willingness to engage in interactive exercises will be beneficial. This course is suitable for professionals across all departments, especially those in information-sensitive roles.

Target audience

This course is ideal for:

• Non-technical professionals seeking foundational cyber security awareness
• Managers and team leaders responsible for data protection
• New entrants to cyber security roles
• Individuals interested in learning how to protect themselves online and in the workplace

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand why cyber security is relevant to personal and organisational risk
• Describe the motivations and tactics of hackers
• Identify and explain the stages of a cyber attack, including footprinting, social engineering, and network scanning
• Define common types of malware and their impact
• Describe how organisations respond to and recover from attacks
• Apply recommended practices to reduce cyber risks
• Locate trusted sources for ongoing support and threat intelligence

Introduction to cyber and information security

• The CIA triad: confidentiality, integrity, availability
• Building a basic information security management system (ISMS)
• Understanding how organisational culture and policy play a role in security

The threat landscape

• Types of cyber attackers: hacktivists, cybercriminals, state actors, insiders
• Motivation behind attacks: profit, protest, disruption
• Trends in threat activity and how organisations are being targeted

Understanding a cyber attack

• The anatomy of an attack: reconnaissance, access, execution
• Techniques used by attackers: footprinting, social engineering, port scanning, network sniffing
• Real-life case studies to illustrate attacker methodologies

Practical defence: tips and advice

• Securing your access: passwords, multi-factor authentication
• System protection: anti-virus, endpoint security, software patching
• Data protection: backup strategies, encryption basics
• What to do in case of an attack: incident response, recovery actions, who to contact

Exams and assessments

There are no formal exams or assessments for this course. Learning is reinforced through discussion, live demonstrations, and interactive practical activities throughout the two days.

Hands-on learning

This course integrates practical exercises at every stage to reinforce learning outcomes. Activities include simulated attack walkthroughs, interactive quizzes, and hands-on practice with basic security settings. Scenarios will help learners identify threats and apply protective measures in real time.