Unit 1: Introduction to Security
Unit Overview
Unit 1 provides students with a broad introduction to cybersecurity fundamentals. Students learn about common threats and vulnerabilities, particularly those related to human factors and emerging AI technologies. The unit emphasizes personal security practices that students can apply in their daily digital lives while building foundational knowledge for more advanced cybersecurity concepts.
This unit focuses on scenarios relevant to personal security in everyday life, helping students develop critical thinking skills about digital safety and security awareness.
Unit Scenarios
Scenario 1A: Detecting Phishing Messages
Students analyze suspicious emails and learn to identify social engineering tactics used to manipulate victims.
Scenario 1B: Detecting Unauthorized Logins
Students examine Wi-Fi router logs to identify signs of potential password attacks and unauthorized access attempts.
Scenario 1C: Impacts of Using Public Wi-Fi
Students explore the risks of connecting to malicious wireless networks and learn protective measures.
Scenario 1D: AI-Powered Cyberattacks
Students investigate how adversaries use AI tools like voice cloning to conduct sophisticated social engineering attacks.
Scenario 1E: AI-Powered Cyber Defense
Students learn how AI tools can be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity defenses and vulnerability detection.
Lessons in This Unit
1.1 Understanding Social Engineering
Learn how adversaries use psychological manipulation to trick people into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.
1.2 Suspicious Wi-Fi Login
Explore password attacks and authentication vulnerabilities through the analysis of suspicious login attempts.
1.3 The Dangers of Public Wi-Fi
Understand wireless network vulnerabilities and learn how to protect yourself from attacks targeting public Wi-Fi users.
1.4 AI-Based Cybersecurity Attacks
Examine how adversaries leverage artificial intelligence to enhance their attack capabilities and learn defensive strategies.
1.5 Leveraging AI in Cyber Defense
Discover how cybersecurity professionals use AI tools to improve threat detection, response, and overall security posture.
Course Skills Emphasized
- Skill 1.A: Identify, with and without the support of AI, vulnerabilities, threats, and attack methods, and explain how they generate risk.
- Skill 2.A: Identify security controls, and explain how they mitigate risks.
- Skill 3.A: Identify methods for monitoring systems, and explain how they detect attacks.
Key Topics Covered
- Social engineering tactics and psychological manipulation
- Password security and authentication vulnerabilities
- Wireless network security and public Wi-Fi risks
- AI-powered cybersecurity attacks and defenses
- Personal security practices and awareness
- Risk identification and mitigation strategies