Cyberhygiene Essentials Course Syllabus
6-Week Comprehensive Program
Course Syllabus: Cyberhygiene Essentials
Course Information
Course Title: Cyberhygiene Essentials
Duration: 6 Weeks
Level: All Levels (No technical prerequisites)
Next Start Date: July 20th, 2025
Format Options: Instructor-Led Online, Self-Paced, In-Person Workshops
Course Description
This comprehensive course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to maintain strong digital security in both personal and professional contexts. From understanding the current threat landscape to implementing effective protection measures, the curriculum focuses on building sustainable cybersecurity habits that can be maintained over time. The course balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on practice, ensuring participants can immediately apply what they learn to improve their security posture.
Prerequisites
- Basic computer literacy (ability to use computers, smartphones, and common applications)
- No prior cybersecurity knowledge required
- Access to personal devices (computer/laptop and smartphone) for practice
- Internet access for online resources and exercises
- Willingness to make changes to current digital habits
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify common cybersecurity threats and how they might affect you personally
- Create and manage strong authentication across your digital accounts
- Implement effective protection measures for all your devices
- Practice safe browsing, email, and social media habits
- Protect your personal data and maintain your privacy
- Develop sustainable security habits for long-term protection
- Respond effectively to potential security incidents
- Help friends, family, and colleagues improve their cybersecurity
Course Structure
Week 1: Digital Threat Landscape
Day 1-2: Understanding Today’s Threats
- Evolution of cybersecurity threats
- Common attack vectors:
- Phishing and social engineering
- Malware and ransomware
- Data breaches and identity theft
- Scams and fraud
- Real-world examples and case studies
- Threat actors and their motivations
- Lab: Security news analysis
Day 3-5: Personal Risk Assessment
- Identifying your digital assets
- Understanding what attackers want
- Personal vs. professional security concerns
- Security myths and misconceptions
- Psychological aspects of security
- Developing a security mindset
- Lab: Personal security inventory
Week 2: Password Security and Authentication
Day 1-2: Password Fundamentals
- How passwords get compromised
- Password cracking techniques
- Creating strong, memorable passwords
- Common password mistakes
- Password reuse dangers
- Developing a password strategy
- Lab: Password strength assessment
Day 3-5: Authentication Tools and Techniques
- Password manager selection and setup
- Multi-factor authentication methods
- Biometric authentication pros and cons
- Account recovery options and security
- Authentication across different platforms:
- Banking
- Social media
- Shopping
- Lab: Password manager implementation
Week 3: Device Protection Strategies
Day 1-2: Computer Security
- Operating system security settings
- User account security
- Windows/macOS/Linux security features
- Software update management
- Antivirus and anti-malware options
- Disk encryption implementation
- Lab: Computer security audit
Day 3-5: Mobile Device Security
- Smartphone security settings
- App permissions and management
- iOS vs. Android security
- Mobile malware protection
- Lost device protections
- Physical security considerations
- Lab: Mobile security implementation
Week 4: Safe Browsing and Communication
Day 1-2: Browser Security
- Browser selection and configuration
- Security and privacy extensions
- Cookie and tracking management
- Safe download practices
- Identifying malicious websites
- Private browsing limitations
- Lab: Browser security setup
Day 3-5: Communication Security
- Email security best practices
- Phishing identification techniques
- Social media privacy settings
- Safe messaging apps and practices
- Public Wi-Fi dangers
- VPN selection and usage
- Lab: Email security audit
Week 5: Data Protection and Privacy
Day 1-2: Data Management
- Personal data inventory
- Data classification and value
- Data minimization principles
- Storage options and security
- Backup strategy (3-2-1 rule)
- Secure data deletion
- Lab: Backup implementation
Day 3-5: Privacy Protection
- Digital footprint assessment
- Privacy settings across services
- Location tracking management
- Ad targeting and mitigation
- Privacy-enhancing technologies
- Data broker opt-outs
- Lab: Privacy audit and cleanup
Week 6: Building Sustainable Security Habits and Capstone Project
Day 1-2: Security Habit Formation
- Daily security routines
- Weekly security tasks
- Monthly security reviews
- Security habit tracking
- Overcoming security fatigue
- Keeping up with security news
- Lab: Personal security plan creation
Day 3-5: Incident Response and Capstone
- Security incident identification
- Response steps for common incidents
- Data breach response
- Recovery strategies
- Identity theft recovery
- Capstone project: Complete personal cybersecurity implementation
- Final assessment and discussion
Instructional Methods
- Interactive lectures with real-world examples
- Hands-on labs and exercises
- Guided implementation sessions
- Security tool demonstrations
- Case study analysis
- Group discussions and knowledge sharing
- Personal security audits
- Reflection and habit-building activities
Assessment and Grading
Assessment Components
- Weekly Implementation Exercises (40%)
- Hands-on security improvements
- Tool setup and configuration
- Security audit activities
- Security Analysis Project (20%)
- Personal security risk assessment
- Threat modeling
- Prioritized security plan
- Progress Documentation (15%)
- Security improvements portfolio
- Before/after security status
- Implementation evidence
- Capstone Project (20%)
- Comprehensive security implementation
- Documentation and reflection
- Ongoing maintenance plan
- Participation and Engagement (5%)
- Contribution to discussions
- Peer support and collaboration
- Q&A participation
Grading Scale
- A: 90-100%
- B: 80-89%
- C: 70-79%
- D: 60-69%
- F: Below 60%
Required Materials
- Personal computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux)
- Smartphone (Android or iOS)
- Internet access
- Access to the course learning management system
- Note-taking capability
- Ability to install software on personal devices
Course Policies
Attendance and Participation
- Instructor-led format: Attendance at live sessions is strongly encouraged
- Self-paced format: Regular progress through course materials is expected
- Active participation in discussions and exercises is essential for skill development
Implementation Expectations
- Students are expected to implement security changes on their personal devices
- All implementation is voluntary but strongly encouraged for learning
- Alternative options will be provided when direct implementation isn’t possible
Privacy Considerations
- Students will never be required to share sensitive personal information
- Implementation evidence can be anonymized
- Discussions about personal security should respect privacy boundaries
Support and Resources
- Instructor office hours (schedule provided at course start)
- Technical support for security tool implementation
- Community forum for peer assistance
- Curated list of external resources and readings
- Recorded demonstrations and walkthroughs
Accessibility
We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment. Students with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to discuss accommodations.
Course Schedule
A detailed week-by-week schedule with specific topics, readings, exercises, and assignment due dates will be provided at the start of the course.
This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion. All changes will be communicated to students in advance.