Who is this program for?

This program is for you: <text variant="body1">If you want to switch or start a career in the field of cybersecurity. <text variant="body1">If you are interested in the field of cybersecurity, just beginning to work with cybersecurity solutions and services, or new to Microsoft Azure.

How long does it take to complete the Professional Certificate?

It typically takes 6 months to complete the 9 courses. But some learners may go through the content faster.

What will I be able to do upon completing the Professional Certificate?

When you complete the Professional Certificate, you’ll have an understanding of the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and how they apply to an enterprise environment including: <text variant="body1">The ability to evaluate cybersecurity risks and implement threat mitigation strategies. <text variant="body1">The skills to design a secure network model and a suitable incident response plan for an enterprise. <text variant="body1">Insight into how to use Microsoft cybersecurity software products, and the measures that can be implemented to protect an enterprise from cyber threats.

What does a cybersecurity analyst do?

Cybersecurity analysts defend an organization’s hardware, software, and networks from cyberattacks, theft, loss, and unauthorized access. As part of a team, you monitor systems, evaluate threats, and develop and implement strategies to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks.

What jobs can I get with cybersecurity skills?

Build job-ready skills for an in-demand career in the field of cybersecurity. The cybersecurity skills you learn in this program prepare you for an entry-level role as a cybersecurity analyst. This program also prepares you for entry-level roles in information security, security compliance, and identity and access management sectors.

Will I be able to complete this course online?

This course is completely online. You can access your lessons, readings, and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

What will I get if I subscribe to this Certificate?

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

Cybersecurity Threat Vectors and Mitigation

This course is part of Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate

Instructor: Microsoft

25,484 already enrolled

Included with

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

316 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

316 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the constantly evolving world of cyber threats, including the types of attacks and vulnerabilities that exist.
Explore different encryption algorithms and their various applications, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each type.
Gain an understanding of key concepts in security and compliance, such as risk assessment, defense models, and regulatory requirements.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

21 assignments

Taught in English

91%

of learners achieved a positive career outcome

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Build your Security expertise

This course is part of the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate from Microsoft

There are 5 modules in this course

This course provides a comprehensive overview of threat vectors and the strategies for mitigating them, and aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard against cyber threats.

You’ll gain a deep understanding of the threat vectors used by attackers, discover encryption techniques, and explore different compliance concepts. This course will get you one step closer to the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, which requires no degree or prior experience. After completing this course, you’ll be able to: • Describe the active threat landscape • Describe common types of cyber attacks • Classify different types of encryption algorithms • Explain security and compliance concepts This is also a great way to prepare for the Microsoft SC-900 exam. By passing the SC-900 exam, you’ll earn the Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Certification.

Dive into the world of cyber threats and attacks and get to know the active threat landscape.

What's included

10 videos15 readings4 assignments

10 videosTotal 46 minutes

Introduction to the course: Cybersecurity threat vectors and mitigation4 minutes
Introduction to cyber attacks4 minutes
Trojans and viruses6 minutes
Introduction to threat vectors5 minutes
Malware and ransomware5 minutes
Phishing and social engineering5 minutes
Threats2 minutes
Personal mitigation strategies5 minutes
Security software5 minutes
Module summary: Threats and attacks5 minutes

15 readingsTotal 170 minutes

Course syllabus10 minutes
Additional resources: Threats and attacks15 minutes
WannaCry ransomware attack15 minutes
Stuxnet worm15 minutes
Data breaches10 minutes
Additional resources: Epic attacks10 minutes
Evading detection10 minutes
Malware and ransomware in action10 minutes
Types of phishing10 minutes
Other threat vectors15 minutes
Additional resources: Threat vectors10 minutes
Biometrics10 minutes
Firewalls and antivirus10 minutes
Protecting data10 minutes
Additional resources: Mitigation strategies10 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 75 minutes

Knowledge check: Epic attacks15 minutes
Knowledge check: Threat vectors15 minutes
Knowledge check: Mitigation strategies15 minutes
Module quiz: Threats and attacks30 minutes

Explore the cryptographic methods and standards used to protect data and secure communication.

What's included

12 videos14 readings6 assignments

12 videosTotal 53 minutes

Introduction to encryption4 minutes
Modern encryptions4 minutes
Private key and symmetric encryption5 minutes
Public key and asymmetric encryption5 minutes
Hashing4 minutes
The power of encryption2 minutes
Digital signing5 minutes
Certificates and certificate authorities5 minutes
Signed URLs5 minutes
Centralized authentication and authorization systems5 minutes
Authentication and authorization methods5 minutes
Module summary: Cryptography5 minutes

14 readingsTotal 140 minutes

Evolution of encryption10 minutes
Encryption tools10 minutes
Exercise: Initial protective measures30 minutes
Exemplar: Initial protective measures10 minutes
Additional resources: Encryption5 minutes
The formation of symmetric standards10 minutes
The formation of digital signatures10 minutes
List of hashing and encryption techniques and algorithms10 minutes
Additional resources: Public/private key and hashing5 minutes
Secure certificates10 minutes
Secure communication using SSL and HTTPS10 minutes
Additional resources: Digital signing and certificates5 minutes
Centralized authentication and authorization systems examples10 minutes
Additional resources: Authentication and authorization5 minutes

6 assignmentsTotal 100 minutes

Self-review: Initial protective measures10 minutes
Knowledge check: Encryption15 minutes
Knowledge check: Public/private and key hashing15 minutes
Knowledge check: Digital signing and certificates15 minutes
Knowledge check: Authentication and authorization15 minutes
Module quiz: Cryptography30 minutes

Examine the various types of threats that can occur during data transmission, the importance of security controls in protecting against these threats, and the importance of keeping applications and devices updated to mitigate these risks.

What's included

9 videos11 readings5 assignments

9 videosTotal 46 minutes

Data transmission threats5 minutes
Virtual private network6 minutes
Advanced persistent threats (APT)5 minutes
Firewall optimization5 minutes
Network segmentation5 minutes
Intrusion detection and prevention system5 minutes
Introduction to application updates5 minutes
Bring your own device risks5 minutes
Module summary: Network and device-based threats5 minutes

11 readingsTotal 115 minutes

Data transmission intercept tools10 minutes
APTs in action10 minutes
IoT threats10 minutes
Additional resources: Data transmission5 minutes
Firewall configuration10 minutes
Endpoint security10 minutes
Exercise: Walling off30 minutes
Exemplar: Walling off10 minutes
Additional resources: Security controls5 minutes
Keeping applications and operating systems up to date10 minutes
Additional resources: Application updates5 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Knowledge check: Data transmission15 minutes
Self-review: Walling off15 minutes
Knowledge check: Security controls15 minutes
Knowledge check: Application updates15 minutes
Module quiz: Network and device-based threats30 minutes

Explore the different laws, regulations, and industry standards that organizations must adhere to in order to ensure the security of their systems and data.

What's included

9 videos11 readings4 assignments

9 videosTotal 43 minutes

Overview of security compliance5 minutes
Risk management and compliance5 minutes
Browser cookies and GDPR4 minutes
Identity management5 minutes
Single sign-on (SSO)5 minutes
Active Directory and Group Policy5 minutes
Defense in depth4 minutes
Zero Trust Model5 minutes
Module summary: Security, compliance and identity6 minutes

11 readingsTotal 95 minutes

Industry standards and compliance frameworks10 minutes
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)10 minutes
Additional resources: Security and compliance concepts5 minutes
Identity management in action10 minutes
Group Policies10 minutes
Managing identities and access with Azure Active Directory10 minutes
Additional resources: ID and Active Directory5 minutes
Defense in depth in action10 minutes
Cloud security and defense in depth10 minutes
Security operations and monitoring10 minutes
Additional resources: Defense models5 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 61 minutes

Knowledge check: Security and compliance concepts1 minute
Knowledge check: ID and Active Directory15 minutes
Knowledge check: Defense models15 minutes
Module quiz: Security, compliance and identity30 minutes

Put your skills into practice by creating your own compliance strategy for the end-of-course project and reinforce your understanding of the key concepts you’ve learned.

What's included

2 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

2 videosTotal 9 minutes

Course recap: Cybersecurity threat vectors and mitigation6 minutes
Congratulations3 minutes

4 readingsTotal 40 minutes

About the final course project and assessment10 minutes
Final course project: Security strategy10 minutes
Exemplar: Security strategy10 minutes
Next steps10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Self-review: Security strategy30 minutes
Course quiz: Cybersecurity threat vectors and mitigation30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Reflect on learning10 minutes

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Instructor

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(78 ratings)

Microsoft

326 Courses2,558,011 learners

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Microsoft

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Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Foundational and entry-level concepts for starting up on a cyber career

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

Excellent course for conceptual understanding of mitigating threats in cybersecurity.

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2024

Well presented Modules with best Instructors and additional resources .

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Frequently asked questions

This program is for you:

If you want to switch or start a career in the field of cybersecurity.

If you are interested in the field of cybersecurity, just beginning to work with cybersecurity solutions and services, or new to Microsoft Azure.

You don’t need any background knowledge to take this Professional Certificate. Whether you’re just starting out or a professional in a relevant field, this program can be the right fit for you.

Whether you’re looking to start a new career or change your current one, Professional Certificates help you become job ready. Apply your new skills on hands-on projects that showcase your expertise to potential employers and earn a career credential to kickstart your new career.

When you complete the Professional Certificate, you’ll have an understanding of the fundamental concepts of cybersecurity and how they apply to an enterprise environment including:

The ability to evaluate cybersecurity risks and implement threat mitigation strategies.

The skills to design a secure network model and a suitable incident response plan for an enterprise.

Insight into how to use Microsoft cybersecurity software products, and the measures that can be implemented to protect an enterprise from cyber threats.

We highly recommend taking the courses of each certificate program in the order they are presented. The content in the courses builds on information from earlier courses. The final course contains a practice exam that assesses your knowledge of the content covered in the previous courses. As such, it makes the most sense to take the courses in the order they are presented.

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.