Practical Cybersecurity Course Syllabus

12-Week Comprehensive Program

Modified

July 1, 2025

Course Syllabus: Practical Cybersecurity

Course Information

Course Title: Practical Cybersecurity
Duration: 12 Weeks
Level: All Levels (Beginner to Advanced)
Next Start Date: October 15th, 2025
Format Options: Instructor-Led Online, Self-Paced, In-Person Workshops

Course Description

This comprehensive course provides a practical introduction to cybersecurity concepts, tools, and techniques with a focus on hands-on exercises and real-world applications. Students will develop the skills needed to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities, understand attack vectors, and implement effective security measures across various environments. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare participants for real-world security challenges.

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of computer networks (OSI model, TCP/IP)
  • Familiarity with operating systems (Windows, Linux)
  • Basic command-line knowledge
  • Problem-solving aptitude and analytical thinking
  • Computer with internet access and ability to run virtual machines

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Identify and analyze security threats and vulnerabilities in various environments
  2. Implement network security controls and monitoring solutions
  3. Conduct basic vulnerability assessments and security tests
  4. Apply cryptographic solutions to protect sensitive information
  5. Respond effectively to security incidents and perform basic forensic analysis
  6. Develop and implement security policies and procedures
  7. Evaluate and improve the security posture of systems and applications

Course Structure

Module 1: Cybersecurity Fundamentals (Weeks 1-2)

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity

  • Cybersecurity concepts and terminology
  • The evolving threat landscape
  • Types of attacks and adversaries
  • Security principles: CIA triad, defense in depth, least privilege
  • Risk management fundamentals

Week 2: Security Frameworks and Lab Setup

  • Regulatory frameworks and compliance (NIST, ISO, GDPR)
  • Building a security lab environment
  • Using virtualization for security testing
  • Introduction to security tools and platforms
  • Ethics in cybersecurity

Module 2: Network Security (Weeks 3-4)

Week 3: Network Security Fundamentals

  • Network protocols and vulnerabilities
  • Firewall types and configurations
  • Network segmentation and access controls
  • VPNs and secure communication channels
  • DNS security

Week 4: Network Monitoring and Defense

  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems
  • Network traffic analysis
  • Security information and event management (SIEM)
  • Network vulnerability scanning
  • Network security best practices

Module 3: Web Application Security (Weeks 5-6)

Week 5: Web Application Vulnerabilities

  • Web application architecture
  • OWASP Top 10 risks
  • SQL injection and cross-site scripting
  • Authentication and session management
  • API security

Week 6: Web Application Security Testing

  • Web application security testing methodology
  • Using security testing tools (OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite)
  • Client-side vs. server-side security
  • Secure coding practices
  • Web application firewalls

Module 4: Cryptography and Secure Communications (Week 7)

  • Cryptographic concepts and mathematics
  • Symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms
  • Hashing and digital signatures
  • Public key infrastructure
  • Transport Layer Security (TLS)
  • Implementing encryption in applications

Module 5: Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (Weeks 8-9)

Week 8: Vulnerability Assessment

  • Vulnerability assessment methodology
  • Vulnerability scanning tools and techniques
  • Asset discovery and enumeration
  • Vulnerability prioritization and management
  • Creating effective vulnerability reports

Week 9: Penetration Testing

  • Penetration testing frameworks (PTES, OSSTMM)
  • Reconnaissance and information gathering
  • Exploitation techniques
  • Privilege escalation
  • Post-exploitation and lateral movement
  • Legal and ethical considerations

Module 6: Security Operations and Incident Response (Weeks 10-11)

Week 10: Security Operations

  • Security operations center (SOC) functions
  • Log management and analysis
  • Security monitoring strategies
  • Threat hunting
  • Continuous security monitoring

Week 11: Incident Response

  • Incident response planning and preparation
  • Incident detection and analysis
  • Containment, eradication, and recovery
  • Digital forensics fundamentals
  • Post-incident activities and lessons learned

Module 7: Advanced Topics and Capstone Project (Week 12)

  • Cloud security fundamentals
  • Mobile security considerations
  • IoT security challenges
  • Future trends in cybersecurity
  • Career pathways and professional development
  • Capstone project presentation and evaluation

Instructional Methods

  • Interactive lectures and demonstrations
  • Hands-on labs and technical exercises
  • Capture-the-flag challenges
  • Case studies of real-world security incidents
  • Team-based security scenarios
  • Guest speakers from the cybersecurity industry
  • Guided research and analysis projects

Assessment and Grading

Assessment Components

  1. Weekly Labs and Exercises (40%)
    • Hands-on technical tasks
    • Tool proficiency demonstrations
    • Security configuration assignments
  2. Mid-course Assessment (20%)
    • Comprehensive security assessment project
    • Vulnerability analysis and reporting
    • Remediation recommendations
  3. Capstone Project (30%)
    • End-to-end security assessment
    • Implementation of security controls
    • Documentation and presentation
  4. Participation and Engagement (10%)
    • Contribution to discussions
    • Collaboration in team exercises
    • Peer reviews and feedback

Grading Scale

  • A: 90-100%
  • B: 80-89%
  • C: 70-79%
  • D: 60-69%
  • F: Below 60%

Required Materials

  • Personal computer capable of running virtualization software
  • Virtualization platform (VirtualBox, VMware)
  • Access to the course learning management system
  • Kali Linux virtual machine
  • Various security tools (provided during the course)
  • Recommended readings (provided throughout the course)

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 hands-on exercises is essential for skill development

Lab Environment Usage

  • Lab environments are provided for educational purposes only
  • All security testing must be performed only in authorized environments
  • Ethical guidelines must be followed at all times

Academic Integrity

  • All work must be original or properly attributed
  • Collaboration is encouraged, but individual assignments must reflect individual work
  • Any form of cheating or unauthorized system access will result in immediate course dismissal

Support and Resources

  • Instructor office hours (schedule provided at course start)
  • Technical support for lab environments
  • Community forum for peer assistance
  • Curated list of external resources and readings
  • Recorded lectures and demonstrations

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, lab 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.