Cyber Security Fundamentals and Practices

Overview

This unit introduces students to the foundational principles, technologies, and challenges of cyber security in the digital age. It provides a broad overview of key concepts, including the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) triad, threat landscapes, cryptography, network and system security, identity management, governance, and incident response. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into securing digital systems and responding to evolving cybersecurity threats, preparing them for more advanced studies and professional roles in the cybersecurity field.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Demonstrate foundational knowledge of cybersecurity principles, including the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) triad and common security domains
2. Identify and explain key threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors affecting systems, networks, and applications
3. Evaluate and implement fundamental security controls across operating systems, networks and web application, including but not limited to using cryptographic techniques and secure communication protocals to protect data and systems
4. Interpret and apply industry frameworks and regulatory requirements to develop organisational security policies and responses
5. Analyse real-world security incidents and apply digital forensic and incident response techniques in simulated environments

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Introduction to Cybersecurity and the confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) Triad
• Common Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
• Fundamentals of Cryptography and Public Key Infrastructure
• Network Security and Secure Communication Protocols
• Operating System Security and Access Control
• Web and Application Security with OWASP Top 10
• Identity and Access Management (IAM) Principles
• Malware Types, Propagation, and Basic Analysis Techniques
• Security Policies, Governance Frameworks, and Compliance
• Incident Response Procedures and Digital Forensics
• Emerging Technologies and Modern Security Challenges (e.g., IoT, AI, Blockchain)