Introduction to Cyber Threats and Digital Hygiene Risk

Introduction to Cyber Threats and Digital Hygiene Risk

This course is part of Everyday Cybersecurity: Protecting People, Data & Business Specialization

Instructor: Bryan H. Hoffman, M.S.

Access provided by Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadim Hetman

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Identify common cyber threats including phishing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and ransomware attacks.
Apply cybersecurity fundamentals such as the CIA Triad, strong password policies, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Assess digital hygiene risks and protect sensitive business data from breaches and cyber incidents.

Details to know

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Assessments

9 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Everyday Cybersecurity: Protecting People, Data & Business Specialization

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

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There are 4 modules in this course

Build essential cybersecurity knowledge and digital hygiene skills to help protect people, data, and business operations. Designed for professionals without a technical background, this course introduces core cybersecurity concepts and practical strategies for recognizing cyber threats, reducing risk, and strengthening an organization’s security posture.

You’ll learn how to apply the CIA Triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—in a business context and distinguish between threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. You’ll identify indicators of Business Email Compromise (BEC) and phishing and examine how ransomware infects systems, including the “Double Extortion” tactic. The course also covers data classification based on sensitivity, the immediate business impact of data breaches, strong password policies, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for critical accounts. By completing the course, you’ll be better prepared to recognize common cyber threats, assess cybersecurity risks, protect sensitive information, and apply digital hygiene practices that improve your organization’s overall security posture.

In this module, you'll explore the foundational concepts of cybersecurity, focusing on the human attack surface.

What's included

3 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

3 videosTotal 11 minutes

Course Introduction — Welcome3 minutes
Why the Human Vector Matters in Cybersecurity3 minutes
Demonstration: Anatomy of a Phishing Attack and BEC5 minutes

4 readingsTotal 75 minutes

Welcome to the Series: How This Course Is Structured and What You Will Walk Away With15 minutes
The Language of Cybersecurity: CIA Triad, Threat, Vulnerability, and Risk20 minutes
The Human Attack Surface: Phishing, Business Email Compromise, and Social Engineering25 minutes
Apply: CIA Triad and TVR Framework — Four Small Business Case Studies15 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 60 minutes

Module 1 Quiz30 minutes
Knowledge Check: CIA Triad, Threat/Vulnerability/Risk, and the Human Vector30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Discussion: Recognizing the Human Vector in Your Own Business15 minutes

In this module, you'll delve into the world of malware, with a particular focus on ransomware. We'll uncover how ransomware infects systems, explore the "Double Extortion" tactic, and discuss the importance of data classification. You'll also learn about the immediate business impacts of data breaches, preparing you to protect your organization effectively.

What's included

2 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

2 videosTotal 6 minutes

Why Ransomware Matters to Your Organization3 minutes
Demonstration: How Ransomware Infects and Spreads3 minutes

3 readingsTotal 65 minutes

Core Concepts: Malware Types and Ransomware Anatomy25 minutes
Deep Dive: Understanding Double Extortion20 minutes
Apply: Classifying Data by Sensitivity (PII, Financial, Intellectual Property20 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module Assessment: Evaluate and Mitigate a Ransomware Breach30 minutes
Module 2 Quiz30 minutes
Knowledge Check: Ransomware Concepts (Practice Assignment)30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Guided Conversation: Assessing an Exfiltration Risk15 minutes

This module focuses on access control mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of strong password policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). You'll explore the risks of credential stuffing and learn how to implement effective authentication strategies to protect your business accounts. This module also introduces the Principle of Least Privilege as a foundational concept — its practical application at the account and system level is covered in Course 2 of this series.

What's included

2 videos2 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

2 videosTotal 6 minutes

Why Strong Access Controls Matter for Your Organization3 minutes
Demonstration: Setting Effective Password Policies in Business Systems3 minutes

2 readingsTotal 45 minutes

Core Concepts: Passwords, Passphrases, and Authentication Factors25 minutes
Apply: Scenario — Designing a Password and MFA Policy20 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 90 minutes

Module Assessment: Implement and Evaluate Authentication Controls30 minutes
Module 3 Quiz30 minutes
Knowledge Check: Passwords, Passphrases, MFA, and Credential Stuffing (Practice Assignment)30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 15 minutes

Guided Conversation: Assessing Credential-Stuffing Risk for Your Accounts15 minutes

This cumulative assessment tests your knowledge across all three content modules of the course: Foundations and The Human Vector, Malware and the Ransomware Epidemic, and Locking the Door. Completing it successfully demonstrates readiness to progress to Course 2 of the series — Cyber Defense Fundamentals: Securing Networks and Systems.