Explain4.me
Digital Course in Cyber Sercurity
Hello dear reader – you are also a learner!
We believe in micro-learning, and have formed each chapter from the book into one lesson. Here they are organized into topical units, which are again grouped into courses. Read more about our pedagogical model on the ABOUT page. It is based on 10 years of educational development work for corporate education and professional learning, using the new digital and AI tools of production, distribution and marketing.
Each book has a companion course with six sections containing five units each, which in turn contain 5 lessons each. Each lesson is a chapter from the book, or a nano-course here. There are dilemmas, quizzes, audio elements and more in each lesson.
The sections are organized in SOCIETY, TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS, and there are two levels for each: BASIC and ADVANCED. There is something for everyone, and this model helps broaden your perspectives, wherever you are starting from.
Each unit consists of a few lessons, where a lesson is a chapter from the book. If you wish to be nudged into daily learning, we can partner. We plan to send out daily “drips” of one lesson per day, and weekly “drops” of one unit per week. Please subscribe here for our newsletter with this functionality. (hello@nextbook.me)
Stay tuned for our daily and weekly drips of learning and inspiration – soon we will add an LMS where you will be able to collect badges and certificates to gamify and drive your daily professional growth. We plan to add most of a “Duolingo-like” functionality where you can aim for monthly badges, friendly challenges, daily streaks and more. It works, and we believe in you and your growth mindset, in AI, ESG and other future-ready topics for work and life.
CYSEC COURSE SECTION 1
Perspective: SOCIETY, Level: BASIC
This section explores cyber security’s critical role in society, emphasizing how it affects individual privacy, public services, and legal standards. It aims to build foundational awareness and demonstrate the importance of cyber security in everyday life.
CYSEC Unit SB1: Introduction to Cyber Security in Society
Discover the basics of cyber security, its impact on daily life, and practical tips for enhancing personal online safety. This unit is designed to motivate individuals to adopt secure online habits for better digital protection.
CYSEC Unit SB2: Privacy and Personal Security
Learn about digital privacy, how to protect personal devices, and strategies to handle common online threats. This unit equips readers with essential skills to safeguard their digital identity against potential risks.
CYSEC Unit SB3: The Role of Education in Cyber Security
Explore the crucial role of education in promoting cyber security awareness at home and in educational settings. This unit highlights how informed actions can strengthen one’s defenses against cyber threats.
CYSEC Unit SB4: Impact of Cyber Security on Public Services
Analyze how cyber threats affect critical public sectors and the importance of robust security measures. This unit examines the collective responsibility in protecting infrastructure and maintaining public trust.
CYSEC Unit SB5: Legal and Ethical Considerations
Examine the intersection of cyber security with legal and ethical issues, emphasizing the importance of evolving laws and individual advocacy. This unit fosters understanding of one’s role in supporting and shaping cyber security policies.
CYSEC COURSE SECTION 2
Perspective: SOCIETY, Level: ADVANCED
This section delves deeper into the societal implications of cyber security, exploring its global impact, advanced personal security practices, and the interplay between technology and society. It aims to equip readers with a sophisticated understanding of cyber security’s broader consequences and future directions.
CYSEC Unit SA1: Cyber Security and Globalization
Explore the global dimensions of cyber security, its influence on economic stability, and international relations. This unit examines how countries can collaborate to combat cybercrime and enhance global security protocols.
CYSEC Unit SA2: Advanced Personal Security Practices
Learn about advanced techniques to protect online privacy and enhance digital security at home. This unit covers multi-factor authentication, the use of biometrics, and the strategic advantages of VPNs.
CYSEC Unit SA3: The Role of Technology in Society’s Security
Discover how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT are shaping cyber security strategies. This unit assesses the challenges and opportunities these technologies present for societal security.
CYSEC Unit SA4: Privacy in the Digital Age
Investigate how digital advancements have transformed privacy, and the balance between convenience and security. This unit discusses the impact of data breaches and the essential role of encryption in safeguarding personal information.
CYSEC Unit SA5: Future Challenges and Innovations
Anticipate future trends in cyber security, exploring how technological evolutions will affect threats and defenses. This unit encourages proactive learning about the skills and innovations needed to navigate the future cyber security landscape.
CYSEC COURSE SECTION 3
Perspective: BUSINESS, Level: BASIC
This section introduces the essentials of cyber security within a business context, highlighting the importance of protecting corporate assets, educating employees, and adhering to legal standards. It aims to build a foundation of knowledge that empowers businesses to develop robust security practices that safeguard their operations and data.
CYSEC Unit BB1: Fundamentals of Cyber Security in Business
Explore the critical importance of cyber security in protecting business operations and maintaining reputation. This unit discusses common cyber threats, the need for comprehensive cybersecurity policies, and the role every employee plays in maintaining a secure business environment.
CYSEC Unit BB2: Protecting Business Assets
Learn how to effectively secure a company’s digital assets, from developing strong password policies to implementing basic defense strategies against phishing and regular software updates. This unit provides practical steps for businesses to strengthen their security frameworks.
CYSEC Unit BB3: Cyber Security and Employees
Discover the pivotal role of employee education in enhancing an organization’s cyber security. This unit emphasizes creating a culture of security, the impacts of poor cyber hygiene, and how employees can actively contribute to and bolster their company’s cyber resilience.
CYSEC Unit BB4: Technology Solutions for Small Businesses
Focus on tailored cyber security solutions for small businesses, including cost-effective strategies, the benefits of cloud storage, and the importance of two-factor authentication. This unit guides small business owners through assessing their specific cyber security needs and protecting against sophisticated threats like ransomware.
CYSEC Unit BB5: Legal and Compliance Issues
Address the legal aspects of cyber security, detailing the responsibilities businesses have to protect data and comply with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. This unit highlights how adherence to international laws is crucial and the consequences of non-compliance for business operations.
CYSEC COURSE SECTION 4
Perspective: BUSINESS, Level: ADVANCED
This section delves into the complexities of cyber security in the business world, focusing on strategic risk management, the integration of advanced technologies, ensuring business continuity, handling global challenges, and anticipating future trends. It equips business leaders with advanced knowledge and strategies to safeguard their enterprises in an increasingly digital and interconnected landscape.
CYSEC Unit BA1: Strategic Risk Management
Examine how cyber security is integral to corporate risk management, detailing the role of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), the importance of cyber security audits, and strategies for managing third-party risks. This unit teaches businesses how to effectively assess and mitigate cyber risks, especially when adopting new technologies.
CYSEC Unit BA2: Advanced Security Technologies
Explore cutting-edge technologies that enhance business cyber security, such as machine learning, AI, blockchain, and advanced encryption methods. This unit explains how these technologies can be implemented to fortify business defenses and secure data and communications in complex corporate environments.
CYSEC Unit BA3: Cyber Security and Business Continuity
Learn how to create resilient systems that withstand cyber threats through robust incident response and disaster recovery plans. This unit covers the necessity of regular cyber security drills, minimizing downtime from attacks, and strategies to maintain business operations under adverse conditions.
CYSEC Unit BA4: Global Cyber Security Challenges
Address the unique cyber security challenges faced by multinational corporations, including cross-border data breaches and the protection of intellectual property. This unit discusses the nuances of navigating international markets and responding to state-sponsored cyber threats, emphasizing a global perspective on security practices.
CYSEC Unit BA5: Futuristic Cyber Security Insights
Anticipate future shifts in the cyber security landscape, exploring emerging trends, the evolving nature of cyber threats, and the new compliance challenges that will come with technological advancements. This unit prepares business leaders to leverage new technologies and develop the necessary skills for future cyber security leadership.
CYSEC COURSE SECTION 5
Perspective: TECHNOLOGY, Level: BASIC
This section introduces the fundamental aspects of cyber security technology, offering insights into how various technologies work to protect digital environments. It’s designed to help beginners understand the building blocks of network security, data protection, safe web practices, mobile security, and network configurations. The focus is on educating readers about basic cyber security tools and practices to safeguard their technological devices and information.
CYSEC Unit TB1: Introduction to Cyber Security Technology
Learn the essentials of how cyber security technology operates, including the key components of a computer network, the function and importance of antivirus software, the differences between viruses and worms, the role of firewalls, and the critical nature of regular software updates. This unit is foundational for anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of how cyber security mechanisms protect computers.
CYSEC Unit TB2: Data Protection Basics
Dive into the basics of data security, exploring encryption, secure passwords, browser security, virtual private networks (VPNs), and the importance of data backup. This unit equips readers with practical knowledge and tools to enhance their personal and professional data protection strategies.
CYSEC Unit TB3: Secure Web Browsing
Understand what makes web browsing safe or risky by learning about website security, the impact of cookies, the dangers of downloading files, and how to protect against online scams and frauds. This unit also covers the benefits of ad blockers in enhancing online security.
CYSEC Unit TB4: Mobile Security
Examine the common security threats to mobile devices and how to mitigate them. Topics include securing mobile devices from unauthorized access, managing app permissions, the importance of regular updates, and how mobile security apps can protect your devices. This unit is crucial for anyone who relies heavily on their smartphones and tablets for daily activities.
CYSEC Unit TB5: Understanding Networks
Explore the structure and functioning of different types of networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wireless networks, along with the security implications associated with routers, Bluetooth, and other wireless connections. This unit also provides guidance on securing home Wi-Fi networks, essential for safeguarding personal and family online activities.
CYSEC COURSE SECTION 6
Perspective: TECHNOLOGY, Level: ADVANCED
This section explores the sophisticated landscape of advanced cyber security technologies and strategies. It’s crafted for those with a foundational knowledge looking to deepen their understanding of how complex technologies and frameworks protect against modern cyber threats. The focus is on high-level security measures, cutting-edge technologies, and strategic defense mechanisms that are critical for protecting enterprise-level networks and data.
CYSEC Unit TA1: Advanced Network Security
Delve into advanced network security concepts that protect enterprise networks. Learn about the roles and functionalities of intrusion detection and prevention systems, network segmentation benefits, the use of deep packet inspection, and the strategic deployment of honeypots to trap attackers. This unit is essential for IT professionals tasked with safeguarding complex network infrastructures.
CYSEC Unit TA2: Cryptographic Techniques
Explore the critical role of cryptography in securing digital communications and storage. This unit covers the use of symmetric and asymmetric encryption, digital signatures, cryptographic applications in cloud storage, challenges in quantum cryptography, and the use of blockchain technology for enhanced security. These concepts are pivotal for professionals dealing with sensitive or proprietary data.
CYSEC Unit TA3: Security in Software Development
Understand the importance of integrating security into the software development lifecycle. Topics include secure coding practices, testing for security vulnerabilities, the benefits of a secure software development lifecycle, containerization for software security, and best practices for API security. This unit is designed for software developers and security professionals looking to build secure applications from the ground up.
CYSEC Unit TA4: Emerging Technologies and Cyber Security
Examine how emerging technologies like AI, IoT, 5G, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping the cyber security landscape. Understand the new security challenges these technologies introduce and how businesses can prepare for the security implications of quantum computing. This unit is crucial for forward-thinking professionals who need to stay ahead of technological advancements and their associated risks.
CYSEC Unit TA5: Advanced Defense Strategies
Learn about sophisticated defense strategies that can significantly enhance an organization’s security posture. This includes adopting zero trust architectures, implementing effective threat intelligence, leveraging behavioral analytics to detect threats, understanding the operations of cyber security operations centers (CSOCs), and staying updated with the latest trends in cyber security defenses. This unit provides strategic insights for security leaders and decision-makers in high-stakes environments.