Cyber Sentinel: Mastering Cybersecurity in a Digital Age

Duration: 8–10 Weeks (Self-paced or Instructor-led)
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Format: Video Lectures, PDFs, Quizzes, Labs, Case Studies, Final Project
Tools Used: Kali Linux, Wireshark, VirtualBox, Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, OWASP Juice Shop

---

Course Objective
To provide a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity concepts, tools, and best practices, enabling learners to detect, defend against, and prevent cyber threats across personal, corporate, and national levels.

---

Module 1: Cybersecurity Foundations

Topics Covered:

• What is Cybersecurity?

• The CIA Triad: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability

• Types of Threats: Malware, Phishing, Ransomware, Insider Threats

• Types of Hackers: White, Black, Grey Hat

• Common Cybersecurity Myths

Learning Outcome:
Understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity and its importance in today’s world.

Activities:

• Cybersecurity self-check quiz

• Write about a recent major cyberattack and what went wrong

---

Module 2: Networking and Security Basics

Topics Covered:

• Networking Basics: IP, DNS, TCP/IP, HTTP, Ports

• Firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS

• Public vs Private Networks

• Packet Sniffing and Network Monitoring

Learning Outcome:
Gain essential knowledge of how networks operate and how they’re secured.

Activities:

• Simulate a simple network topology with IP addressing

• Use Wireshark to analyze packets on your network

---

Module 3: System Security and Operating Systems

Topics Covered:

• Operating Systems Security (Windows, Linux)

• File System Permissions and User Roles

• Secure Configurations and Hardening

• Command Line Basics (Windows CMD, Linux Bash)

Learning Outcome:
Understand how operating systems manage security and how to harden them.

Activities:

• Create a secure user setup on a Linux VM

• Use VirtualBox to install Kali Linux for upcoming modules

---

Module 4: Cyber Threats and Attack Vectors

Topics Covered:

• Malware: Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Keyloggers

• Phishing and Social Engineering

• DDoS Attacks

• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

• Brute Force and Dictionary Attacks

Learning Outcome:
Identify and analyze various types of cyber threats and their methods.

Activities:

• Analyze a phishing email example and explain the signs

• Simulate a MITM attack on a test environment (ethical, guided)

---

Module 5: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Kali Linux

• The 5 Phases of Ethical Hacking:

  1. Reconnaissance

  2. Scanning

  3. Gaining Access

  4. Maintaining Access

  5. Covering Tracks

• Metasploit Framework

• Nmap and Vulnerability Scanning

Learning Outcome:
Perform basic ethical hacking tasks in a controlled environment.

Activities:

• Conduct a port scan using Nmap

• Use Metasploit to simulate a test exploit on OWASP Juice Shop

---

Module 6: Web Application and Cloud Security

Topics Covered:

• OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities (XSS, SQL Injection, CSRF, etc.)

• Secure Coding Practices

• Cloud Security Basics (AWS, GCP, Azure)

• API Security

Learning Outcome:
Understand web application and cloud security threats and how to protect against them.

Activities:

• Perform a vulnerability test on OWASP Juice Shop

• Explore AWS Shared Responsibility Model

---

Module 7: Cybersecurity Best Practices and Risk Management

Topics Covered:

• Password Policies and Multi-Factor Authentication

• Data Encryption (SSL, TLS, AES, RSA)

• Backup Strategies

• Risk Assessment Frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001)

• Cybersecurity Policies and Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS)

Learning Outcome:
Develop strategies to minimize risk and maintain organizational security.

Activities:

• Draft a security policy for a small business

• Run a local file encryption and decryption test with OpenSSL

---

Module 8: Incident Response and Digital Forensics

Topics Covered:

• Incident Response Plan: Preparation, Detection, Containment, Eradication, Recovery

• Introduction to Digital Forensics

• Log Analysis

• Chain of Custody

• Reporting and Documentation

Learning Outcome:
Respond to and investigate cybersecurity incidents effectively.

Activities:

• Simulate a security breach and write an incident report

• Analyze logs for signs of intrusion using Splunk or Log Parser

---

Module 9: Careers in Cybersecurity and Certification Paths

Topics Covered:

• Career Paths: Analyst, Pen Tester, SOC Analyst, CISO, GRC

• Building a Cybersecurity Resume and Portfolio

• Popular Certifications:

  • CompTIA Security+

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

  • CISSP

  • CISM

• Interview Preparation

Learning Outcome:
Plan your cybersecurity career path with clear direction and resources.

Activities:

• Create a LinkedIn-optimized cybersecurity profile

• Practice 10 common interview questions and answers

---

Module 10: Capstone Project and Certification

Final Project Options:

• Build and document a secure network configuration for a company

• Simulate a penetration test and submit a report

• Design a cybersecurity policy for an SME (Small/Medium Enterprise)

Certificate of Completion:
Awarded to learners who pass all modules and complete the capstone project.

---

Bonus Materials

• Cybersecurity Toolkit (Downloadable PDFs)

• Security Policy Templates

• Glossary of Over 100 Cybersecurity Terms

• Cheatsheets (Linux Commands, Nmap, OWASP Top 10)

• Weekly Cyber News Digest (Optional)

• Access to Cyber Challenges and CTFs (Capture The Flag)

---

Teaching Methodology

• Short, structured video lessons (5 to 12 minutes each)

• Slide presentations and diagrams for clarity

• Hands-on labs with virtual machines

• Simulation and sandbox-based learning

• Discussion forums or student community (Discord, Slack, WhatsApp)

• Weekly quizzes and downloadable notes

---

Target Audience

• Students or job seekers exploring cybersecurity careers

• IT professionals moving into security roles

• Business professionals seeking digital safety skills

• Anyone interested in protecting themselves and their data online