John Wiley & Sons

How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk

John Wiley & Sons

How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk

Included with Coursera PlusLearn more

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Understand the importance of measurable risk assessment in cybersecurity.

  • Break down complex security risks into manageable components.

  • Apply Bayesian methods to reduce uncertainty and improve decision-making.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

September 2026

Assessments

13 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 12 modules in this course

This module explores the growing cybersecurity risks and the importance of quantitative risk assessment. It covers data breach trends, the limitations of current risk mitigation strategies, and proposes a new approach to managing cybersecurity threats effectively.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental concepts of measurement in cybersecurity, including common misconceptions, measurement scales, and the role of probability in decision-making. Learners will gain insight into how to effectively measure and assess cybersecurity risks using a structured and analytical approach.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module introduces learners to quantitative risk assessment techniques, including Monte Carlo simulations and loss exceedance curves, using Excel for practical risk analysis and decision-making. It covers how to incorporate uncertainty, use expert judgment, and visualize risk data effectively.

What's included

1 video11 readings1 assignment

This module explores the importance of evidence-based decision-making in cybersecurity, focusing on how to measure and evaluate risk analysis methods effectively. Learners will understand the limitations of expert opinion and discover how data-driven approaches can lead to more reliable outcomes. The module also covers strategies for improving the human element in risk assessment.

What's included

1 video9 readings1 assignment

This module delves into the challenges of using risk matrices and ordinal scales in cybersecurity, examining their limitations, psychological biases, and fallacies that hinder accurate risk assessment. Learners will explore quantitative methods, evaluate common misconceptions, and understand how to improve decision-making in risk analysis.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

This module provides strategies for breaking down complex risks and decisions into manageable components. It covers techniques for improving clarity, reducing uncertainty, and applying structured evaluation methods in decision analysis. Learners will develop the ability to assess and model risks effectively using real-world examples.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores the principles of calibrated probability assessments, helping learners recognize and correct overconfidence in their judgments. It provides practical exercises and insights into improving decision-making through structured feedback and expert aggregation. Participants will understand how to enhance their ability to quantify uncertainty accurately.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module introduces learners to Bayesian reasoning and its practical application in cybersecurity. It covers the foundational concepts of probability, prior beliefs, and data-driven decision-making to reduce uncertainty in risk assessments. Learners will gain insights into evaluating claims using statistical methods and real-world examples.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores Bayesian methods for handling uncertainty in cybersecurity, focusing on the use of Beta distributions, Log Odds Ratios, and expert judgment to refine risk estimates. Learners will gain insights into how to model sparse data and improve decision-making under uncertainty. The module also covers techniques for combining expert input and empirical data to enhance predictive models.

What's included

1 video14 readings1 assignment

This module explores the development and application of security metrics to improve organizational security practices. Learners will gain an understanding of functional metrics, survival and wait-time baselines, and escape rates, as well as the role of prescriptive analytics in security decision-making.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores how to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of security investments using sparse data analytics, the BOOM framework, and dimensional modeling. It covers the development of security business intelligence and the application of metrics to both technical and people-based security processes.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the strategic integration of cybersecurity risk management (CSRM) within organizations, focusing on roles, audit processes, and alignment with enterprise-wide risk practices. Learners will understand how to implement effective risk frameworks and improve measurement techniques in real-world scenarios.

What's included

1 video5 readings2 assignments

Instructor

Wiley Skills Network
John Wiley & Sons
218 Courses21,933 learners

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions