RIVACYBERSECURITY
LEARNING & RESOURCES
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COURSE 01 · BEGINNER

Cybersecurity 101

Build a strong foundation in cybersecurity, online safety, and the habits that help protect accounts and devices.

Lesson 1 — What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting devices, accounts, networks, and information from unauthorized access, damage, or disruption. It includes technology, processes, and everyday habits.

Core idea: protect confidentiality (who can see data), integrity (whether data stays accurate), and availability (whether systems work when needed).

Lesson 2 — Threats, vulnerabilities, and risk

A threat is something that could cause harm. A vulnerability is a weakness. Risk considers how likely a threat is to exploit a weakness and how much impact it could have.

Lesson 3 — Passwords and multifactor authentication

Use long, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can help. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA), which adds another verification step beyond a password.

Lesson 4 — Spotting phishing

Phishing messages try to trick people into revealing information or opening unsafe links. Check the sender and destination carefully, be skeptical of urgent requests, and verify unusual messages through a separate trusted channel.

Lesson 5 — Safer devices and networks

Install updates, lock your devices, use screen locks, back up important files, and secure your Wi-Fi with modern encryption and a strong router password. Avoid entering sensitive information on sites that don't use HTTPS.

Knowledge check

Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does MFA add to account security?

2. What is a vulnerability?

3. What should you do with an unexpected urgent link?

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