Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks (Coursera)

Offered by IBM,
Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks (Coursera)

This course gives you the background needed to understand basic Cybersecurity. You will learn the history of Cybersecurity, types and motives of cyber attacks to further your knowledge of current threats to organizations and individuals. Key terminology, basic system concepts and tools will be examined as an introduction to the Cybersecurity field.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You will learn about critical thinking and its importance to anyone looking to pursue a career in Cybersecurity.
Finally, you will begin to learn about organizations and resources to further research cybersecurity issues in the Modern era.
This course is intended for anyone who wants to gain a basic understanding of Cybersecurity or as the first course in a series of courses to acquire the skills to work in the Cybersecurity field as a Jr Cybersecurity Analyst.
The completion of this course also makes you eligible to earn the Introduction to Cybersecurity Tools & Cyber Attacks IBM digital badge.
This course is part of multiple programs
This course can be applied to multiple Specializations or Professional Certificates programs. Completing this course will count towards your learning in any of the following programs:

What You Will Learn

  • Discuss the evolution of security based on historical events.
  • List various types of malicious software.
  • Describe key cybersecurity concepts including the CIA Triad, access management, incident response and common cybersecurity best practices.
  • Identify key cybersecurity tools which include the following: firewall, anti-virus, cryptography, penetration testing and digital forensics.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
History of Cybersecurity
This module will give you a brief overview of the history of cybersecurity. You will also learn key terms and roles in cybersecurity.

WEEK 2
A brief overview of types of actors and their motives
This module will provide you with a brief overview of types of actors and their motives. You will also understand different types of attacks and their impact on an organization and individuals. You will also learn about tools that are available to you to assist in any cybersecurity investigation.

WEEK 3
An overview of key security concepts
This module will describe various key security concepts that are important in any cybersecurity position. The CIA Triad will be further explained. You will also begin to learn the significance of incident response and frameworks around cybersecurity. Finally, you will get an overview of IT Governance best practices and compliance.

WEEK 4
An overview of key security tools
In this module, you will be introduced to key security tools including firewalls, anti-virus and cryptography. You will explore penetration testing and digital forensics. You will learn where you can get resources on industry and current threats to assist in further research around cybersecurity.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Information Systems Auditing, Controls and Assurance (Coursera)

Information systems (IS) are important assets to business organizations and are ubiquitous in our daily lives. With the latest IS technologies emerging, such as Big Data, FinTech, Virtual Banks, there are more concerns from the public on how organizations maintain systems’ integrity, such as data privacy, information security, the compliance to the government regulations. Management in organizations also need to be assured that systems work the way they expected. IS auditors play a crucial role in handling these issues.

Sep 7th 2026
4 Weeks
Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University

Security & Safety Challenges in a Globalized World (Coursera)

Security and safety challenges rank among the most pressing issues of modern times. Challenges such as, cyber-crime, terrorism, and environmental disasters impact the lives of millions across the globe. These issues also rank high on the agenda of politicians, international organizations and businesses. They also feature prominently in the public conscience and in governmental policies.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Risk in Modern Society (Coursera) Coursera
Leiden University,LDE Centre for Safety and Security

Risk in Modern Society (Coursera)

Risk has become one of the defining features of modern society. Almost daily, we are preoccupied with assessing, discussing, or preventing a wide variety of risks. It is a cornerstone notion for businesses and organizations, but also for nation states and their many levels of government. And even for individuals, risk and the avoidance or embracing thereof, is a key theme. The course Risk in Modern Society sheds light on the broad concept of risk.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Cybersecurity Job Search and Interviews: Getting Started (Coursera) Coursera
University System of Georgia

Cybersecurity Job Search and Interviews: Getting Started (Coursera)

Are you planning to have a career in cybersecurity? This course can help you plan your preparation for such a career as well as give some advice on finding positions and landing a position. What you will learn: the process and resources for finding the perfect cybersecurity job; the cybersecurity professional’s role in an organization’s cybersecurity effort; the knowledge preparation for the cybersecurity professional from an education versus training perspective.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Azure Infrastructure Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Azure Infrastructure Fundamentals (Coursera)

Microsoft Azure is a service created by Microsoft to provide cloud computing for creating and managing applications and services using a cloud environment. Azure provides software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS). The platform supports many programming languages and frameworks and can be used alone or in a multi-vendor cloud environment.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Tencent Cloud SysOps Associate (Coursera) Coursera
Tencent Cloud

Tencent Cloud SysOps Associate (Coursera)

This course is primarily aimed at cloud professionals that are interested in learning about Tencent Cloud‘s system operations. The course equips learners with a foundational knowledge in deploying, monitoring, and operating Tencent Cloud's basic products and prepares them to take the Tencent Cloud SysOps Associate examination.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Healthcare Data Management and Information Systems (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Healthcare Data Management and Information Systems (Coursera)

This course is the continuation of the Health Informatics for Healthcare Professionals course. If you have not yet taken the introductory course, it is recommend that you complete that course prior to this course. The foundational knowledge from the introduction is carried through in this deeper dive into informatics in healthcare.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations (Coursera)

Welcome to the MOOC "Global Health Security, Solidarity and Sustainability through the International Health Regulations". We are very excited to have you on board and hope you will enjoy the course! In the coming 6 weeks, you will learn about the International Health Regulations (IHR), history of its creation and evolution, its major principles and implementation procedures, as well as challenges and future opportunities.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Core 2: OS, Software, Security and Operational Procedures (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Core 2: OS, Software, Security and Operational Procedures (Coursera)

Are you interested in becoming a proficient and sought-after IT professional? Are you currently or do you plan to pursue a career in an IT support, network technician, or other IT-related role? This IBM course, designed for individuals with IT Fundamentals knowledge, is part of a series of courses that will help you prepare for the CompTIA Core 2 Certification exam. You will gain a solid foundation in operating systems, IT support best practices and procedures, and the skills necessary to excel in an IT role.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Getting Started with Cloud Foundry (Coursera) Coursera
Board Infinity

Getting Started with Cloud Foundry (Coursera)

"Getting Started with Cloud Foundry" is a comprehensive course designed for beginners and intermediate learners aiming to master Cloud Foundry, a leading cloud platform. Comprising two modules, the course begins with an introduction to Cloud Foundry's basics, including its architecture and application deployment process.

Sep 14th 2026
2 Weeks
Introduction to Applied Cryptography (Coursera) Coursera
University of London

Introduction to Applied Cryptography (Coursera)

This course is a non-mathematical introduction to the role that cryptography plays in providing digital security for everyday applications such as the internet, mobile phones, wireless networks and cryptocurrency. In this introductory course you will develop an understanding of the functionality and purpose of the main cryptographic tools we use today. You will learn how to make decisions about which cryptographic tools are most appropriate to deploy in specific settings. You will also explore the wider infrastructure surrounding cryptography and how this impacts the overall security of systems deploying cryptography.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks