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There are 5 modules in this course
In today's digital world, cyberattacks are aimed at stealing sensitive information or holding data hostage. Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that by 2031, a ransomware attack will occur every two seconds, compared to one every eleven seconds in 2021. This growing frequency underscores the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
If you are starting a career as a cybersecurity analyst or are simply curious about how cybersecurity works, join us on this five-week journey through Cybersecurity Architecture. You will learn from a distinguished cybersecurity engineer who also teaches as an adjunct professor at a local university.
This course is designed for anyone interested in gaining a solid understanding of cybersecurity. It covers fundamental topics such as the five security principles, the CIA triad, Identity and Access Management (IAM), endpoint security, and key security domains. You will also learn about detection and response concepts and tools, giving you a complete view of prevention, detection, and response.
Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to apply what you learn through practical activities and labs, and to test your knowledge with quizzes across different modules. Come and explore the world of cybersecurity.
In this module, you will be introduced to fundamental principles of cybersecurity including defense in depth, least privilege, separation of duties, security by design, Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS). You will also be introduced to bad practice Security by Obscurity that can lead to cyberattacks. Next, you will be able to recognize the importance and key concepts related to Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, or the CIA Triad. Finally, you will become familiar with roles and how to manage the role security.
What's included
5 videos4 readings2 assignments9 plugins
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 54 minutes
Course Introduction•4 minutes
Five Principles to Follow (and One to Avoid)•17 minutes
Fundamentals of Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability•12 minutes
Roles and Tools•14 minutes
OWASP Top 10•7 minutes
4 readings•Total 24 minutes
Course Overview•10 minutes
Prerequisites and Course Syllabus•1 minute
Reading: Disclaimer•10 minutes
Summary and Highlights: Cybersecurity Architecture Overview•3 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Practice Quiz: Getting Started with Cybersecurity Architecture•10 minutes
This module introduces Identity and access management (IAM) and endpoints. IAM is one of the security domains and is referred to as the new perimeter. You will learn about the LDAP and the 4 A’s of IAM including administration, authorization, authentication, and audits. After a brief discussion on Privileged access management (PAM), you will be introduced to the concepts of multifactor authentication (MFA) and single sign on (SSO). You will also learn about endpoints, which is another key security domain. After learning the definition of an endpoint, you will be introduced to endpoint management systems, which help control the endpoints.
What's included
2 videos1 reading2 assignments5 plugins
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 45 minutes
Who Are You? Identity and Access Management Really Wants to Know•31 minutes
Endpoints Are the IT Front Door - Guard Them•14 minutes
1 reading•Total 2 minutes
Summary and Highlights: Access Management and Endpoint Security •2 minutes
2 assignments•Total 40 minutes
Module 2 Practice Quiz: Access Management and Endpoint Security•10 minutes
Graded Quiz: Access Management and Endpoint Security•30 minutes
Glossary: Access Management and Endpoint Security•4 minutes
Network, Application, and Data Security
Module 3•4 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will be introduced to security in the network, application and data domains. As part of the network security domain, you will gain insight into firewall concepts, such as packet filter, stateful packet inspection, and proxy. You will also be introduced to security concepts associated with segments and VPNs, and SASE. Moving to the Application security domain, you will get familiar with the phases when security vulnerabilities creep in along with best practices for secure coding along with introduction of vulnerability testing. The concept of DevSecOps, Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) will also be introduced. This module will conclude with concepts associated with data security including governance, discovery, compliance, detection, and response.
Glossary: Network, Application, and Data Security•4 minutes
Detection and Response
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will learn about detecting cyberattacks and responding to them. This module will introduce you to security being the sum of prevention, detection, and response. You will be introduced to detection using the security information and event management (SIEM) system or extended detection response (XDR) system detection techniques to perform tasks such as monitoring, analyzing, reporting, and threat hunting. You will also get an overview of the SIEM process followed by the XDR process and how SIEM and XDR work together. Further, you will be introduced to federated search. This module will also cover how to respond to cyberattacks. You will become familiar with the SOAR system and also understand how automation and orchestration differ. Finally, you will be introduced to breach notifications.
Reading: Case Study -Stopping Cyberattacks at a Major International Airport•5 minutes
Module Glossary: Detection and Response•3 minutes
Final Project, Exam, and Course Wrap-Up
Module 5•3 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, you will complete a final project where you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in designing a secure network architecture. Next, a case study will help you understand the different security tools from IBM. Finally, the final exam will test your knowledge of the course’s content including cybersecurity fundamentals and security domains.
At IBM, we know how rapidly tech evolves and recognize the crucial need for businesses and professionals to build job-ready, hands-on skills quickly. As a market-leading tech innovator, we’re committed to helping you thrive in this dynamic landscape. Through IBM Skills Network, our expertly designed training programs in AI, software development, cybersecurity, data science, business management, and more, provide the essential skills you need to secure your first job, advance your career, or drive business success. Whether you’re upskilling yourself or your team, our courses, Specializations, and Professional Certificates build the technical expertise that ensures you, and your organization, excel in a competitive world.
This course is ideal for system architects, IT professionals, network engineers, cybersecurity analysts, and anyone interested in designing secure systems. It’s also valuable for technical leads and managers responsible for embedding security into enterprise solutions.
Why is cybersecurity architecture critical?
Cybersecurity architecture is critical because it provides a structured framework for defending systems, networks, and data from evolving cyber threats. Strong architecture ensures that security controls are integrated into every layer of technology, reducing vulnerabilities and ensuring operational resilience.
What practical skills will I gain from this course?
Learners will develop hands-on skills in applying cybersecurity principles, building secure network and system architectures, implementing identity and access management, using detection technologies, and designing effective incident response strategies.
How does this course prepare me for real-world cybersecurity challenges?
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical labs and real-world case studies. Learners apply frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF) and the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) standards to identify vulnerabilities, design secure systems, and respond to cyber incidents effectively.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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.
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.