Cyber Security Essentials

The Cyber Security Essentials program is a hands on technical introduction to Cyber Security concepts for those new to the industry, students, career changes or anyone looking for a technical refresher.  The Cyber Security Essentials course is perfect for you if you have basic computing knowledge and want to increase your cybersecurity skills by tackling more challenging scenarios. It is crafted for those who seek to deepen their expertise and stay ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

With a blend of 20% lectures and 80% practical labs, attendees will master identifying cyber threats, employing safe browsing techniques, utilising OSINT tools, navigating the dark web securely, understanding malware impacts and analysis, becoming familiar with penetration testing methodologies, and performing basic digital forensics.  Through a mix of lectures and practical labs, attendees will gain an understanding of fundamental cybersecurity concepts and the risks associated with cybercrime.   The Essentials program provides a unique, immersive, hands-on experience across various areas of cybersecurity.

Led by experienced trainers this program will allow participants to engage in real-life exercises, learn, ask questions, and practise these skills in a supported environment.

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Cybersecurity Essentials Sessions

  • Set-up Lab: The program begins with a lab to set up the participant’s computer.
  • Session 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity & Cybercrime
  • Session 2: Introduction to Network Security
  • Session 3: OSINT and Dark Web Fundamentals
  • Session 4: Penetration Testing Basics
  • Session 5: Malware Analysis for Newbies
  • Session 6: Cybersecurity Incident Handling

Objectives

The goals of this program in terms of participant outcomes are as follows:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity, including its importance in today's digital landscape and an overview of prevalent cyber threats.
  • Recognise common cyber threats through practical case studies, emphasising threat identification and implementing basic security measures.
  • Utilise tools like traceroute and Wireshark for packet tracing exercises.
  • Gain familiarity with Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and the Dark Web.
  • Understand ethical considerations and the role of operational security (OPSEC) in cybersecurity.
  • Navigate the Dark Web and utilise OSINT tools for gathering threat data.
  • Understand the basics of penetration testing, the different kinds of tests that are typically conducted and how they relate to real attacks.
  • Review the attack lifecycle.
  • Identify different types of malware and assess their impact on cybersecurity, enabling proactive measures to prevent malware attacks.
  • Perform basic static malware analysis to comprehend malware characteristics, aiding in developing effective mitigation strategies.
  • Learn about the importance of cybersecurity incident handling, the stages, and processes, and participate in an incident response tabletop exercise.

Pre-requisites

To participate in this hands-on cybersecurity foundational course, participants should have a basic understanding of computer systems and networking concepts, including how computers and devices connect and communicate with each other over a network. In addition, participants should be familiar with how to use and manage computers and other technology in their daily activities.

**It's important to note that while the lab exercises may be technically challenging for some participants, completing all of the labs is not required to complete the program.

If you need to gain more knowledge to meet these prerequisites, there are free Cisco courses on cybersecurity, networking, and basic computer hardware and operating systems.  Here is a link if you wish to explore these courses before your cohort commences. 

https://www.cisco.com/c/m/en_sg/partners/cisco-networking-academy/index.html


Equipment, software, and communications

To complete this course, participants will require the following:

  • A laptop on which they have administrative privileges to install software, download software and other information.
  • **The use of corporate-owned devices is not recommended for this course.**
  • Have at least 50GB of free hard drive space and be able to allocate 4GB of RAM to a virtual machine.
  • Instructions for installing VirtualBox will be provided. Although other hypervisor software can be used, support will be limited.
  • Internet, webcam, microphone, and a quiet place when attending the online sessions and participating in discussions.

Course Structure

  • A week before Session 1, there is a required attendance lab from 5:30 to 7:30 to set up the participants' computers, which you will use during the training.
  • Training will be delivered across 6 nights, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
  • Each evening will start with a lecture for approximately 1 hour, followed by a hands-on lab.
  • Two instructors will be available between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm each evening to provide guidance and answer questions online in the program Discord server.

Dates
The upcoming Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 course dates will be announced soon. 

Cost
AWSN Member Cost: $ 230 + GST

Thank you to the Australian Signals Directorate for sponsoring this Program.


Venue

  • All sessions are delivered online with **Google Meet**.
  • Sessions will be recorded and provided to participating students online for 30 days from the course start date.
  • Discussion and lab support is provided on **Discord**.

2024 Training Provider

Cosive is a specialised cybersecurity consultancy known for its deep expertise in helping organisations navigate the complex landscape of cyber threats and information security. Based in Australia, Cosive has carved out a niche for itself by offering tailor-made cybersecurity solutions that address the unique challenges faced by businesses in today's digital age. With a keen focus on incident response, threat intelligence, and strategic security advice, Cosive stands out for its pragmatic and results-oriented approach. 

Shanna is the Cosive trainer:

Shanna Daly

With over 20 years in the information security industry, Shanna Daly stands as an expert in data breach investigations, security solutions, and managing consulting teams. Her unique "think outside the box" approach to securing organisations has made her a valued figure in the field. Shanna is committed to sharing her knowledge and continues to influence the industry through her roles in consulting and advisory capacities.

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Thank you to the Australian Signals Directorate for sponsoring this Program.

The AWSN Security Pathways program is one of the many exciting AWSN initiatives sponsored by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD).