Instructor: Gideon Owhonda
Total Duration: 42 Hours
Program Length: 6 Weeks
Schedule: 3 Days per Week (e.g., Mon, Wed, Fri)
Class Duration: ~2.5 – 3 Hours per Session

This Cybersecurity Fundamentals Course is a hands-on, career-focused program designed to help beginners and transitioning professionals build practical cybersecurity skills, threat detection capabilities, and real-world incident response experience.

Learners will gain in-demand knowledge in network security, cyber threats, ethical defense strategies, and cybersecurity tools used by professionals globally.

By the end of this program, participants will be equipped to pursue roles such as SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, and IT Security Support Specialist.

Target Audience

• Beginners with no cybersecurity background
• Students transitioning into tech careers
• IT professionals seeking security skills
• Entrepreneurs and professionals concerned about digital safety
• Job seekers preparing for entry-level cybersecurity roles

Learning Outcomes (Career-Focused)

Participants will be able to:

• Understand core cybersecurity concepts and frameworks
• Identify and mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities
• Analyze real-world cyber attack patterns
• Perform basic security monitoring and incident response
• Use tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and OSINT tools
• Prepare for entry-level cybersecurity job roles

MODULE 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity & Digital Defense

Total Module Duration: 4 Hours

Session 1 (2 Hours): Foundations of Cybersecurity

Topics:

• What is Cybersecurity? (20 mins)
• Scope of Cybersecurity (Domains & Applications) (20 mins)
• Why Cybersecurity Matters (Global & Local Context) (30 mins)
• Case Study Discussion (Data Breach Scenario) (30 mins)
• Q&A + Recap (20 mins)

Session 2 (2 Hours): Core Principles & Career Pathways

Topics:

• CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) (40 mins)
• Introduction to Security Frameworks (20 mins)
• Cybersecurity Career Paths Explained (30 mins)
• Skills Required & Industry Demand (20 mins)
• Quiz + Discussion (10 mins)

MODULE 2: Cyber Threat Landscape & Attack Techniques

Total Module Duration: 6 Hours

Session 1 (3 Hours): Understanding Cyber Threats

Topics:

• Types of Malware (45 mins)
• Phishing Attacks Explained (40 mins)
• Social Engineering Techniques (35 mins)
• Practical Exercise: Identify a Phishing Email (30 mins)
• Q&A (30 mins)

Session 2 (3 Hours): Advanced Threats & Case Studies

Topics:

• Insider Threats (30 mins)
• Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) (40 mins)
• Real-World Cyber Breach Analysis (60 mins)
• Group Discussion: Attack Breakdown (30 mins)
• Quiz (20 mins)

MODULE 3: Networking Fundamentals for Cybersecurity

Total Module Duration: 6 Hours

Session 1 (3 Hours): Networking Basics

Topics:

• Introduction to Networks (30 mins)
• TCP/IP Model Explained (50 mins)
• DNS & HTTP/HTTPS (40 mins)
• Real Traffic Flow Walkthrough (30 mins)
• Q&A (30 mins)

Session 2 (3 Hours): Network Defense & Vulnerabilities

Topics:

• Firewalls & Routers (40 mins)
• Network Segmentation (30 mins)
• Common Network Vulnerabilities (50 mins)
• Scenario: Network Breach Analysis (40 mins)
• Quiz (20 mins)

MODULE 4: System Security & Endpoint Protection

Total Module Duration: 5 Hours

Session 1 (2.5 Hours): System Security Basics

Topics:

• OS Security (Windows/Linux) (40 mins)
• Endpoint Protection Tools (40 mins)
• Patch Management (30 mins)
• Q&A (20 mins)

Session 2 (2.5 Hours): Access & Authentication

Topics:

• Access Control Models (40 mins)
• Authentication Methods (30 mins)
• Password Security (30 mins)
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) (30 mins)
• Scenario: Password Attack Simulation (20 mins)

MODULE 5: Security Operations & Monitoring (SOC)

Total Module Duration: 6 Hours

Session 1 (3 Hours): SOC Foundations

Topics:

• SOC Overview (30 mins)
• SIEM Basics (40 mins)
• Log Monitoring Fundamentals (50 mins)
• Practical Demo (40 mins)
• Q&A (20 mins)

Session 2 (3 Hours): Threat Detection & Response

Topics:

• Threat Detection Techniques (40 mins)
• Alert Analysis (40 mins)
• Security Alert Triage (40 mins)
• Lab: Log Analysis Simulation (40 mins)
• Quiz (20 mins)

MODULE 6: Incident Response & Cyber Defense

Total Module Duration: 5 Hours

Session 1 (2.5 Hours): Incident Response Basics

Topics:

• Incident Response Lifecycle (40 mins)
• Identifying Incidents (40 mins)
• Containment Strategies (30 mins)
• Q&A (20 mins)

Session 2 (2.5 Hours): Response Execution

Topics:

• Escalation Procedures (30 mins)
• Documentation & Reporting (40 mins)
• Post-Incident Review (30 mins)
• Scenario: Ransomware Response (40 mins)
• Quiz (10 mins)

MODULE 7: Cybersecurity Tools & Hands-On Labs

Total Module Duration: 6 Hours

Session 1 (3 Hours): Network & Threat Tools

Topics:

• Wireshark Basics (60 mins)
• Nmap Fundamentals (60 mins)
• Guided Practice (40 mins)
• Q&A (20 mins)

Session 2 (3 Hours): Investigation Tools

Topics:

• VirusTotal Analysis (40 mins)
• OSINT Tools (60 mins)
• Practical Investigation Exercise (50 mins)
• Mini Project (20 mins)
• Wrap-up (10 mins)

MODULE 8: Career Readiness & Job Placement Strategy

Total Module Duration: 4 Hours

Session 1 (2 Hours): Career Positioning

Topics:

• Building a Cybersecurity CV (40 mins)
• Portfolio Development (30 mins)
• LinkedIn Optimization (30 mins)
• Q&A (20 mins)

Session 2 (2 Hours): Job Readiness

Topics:

• Interview Preparation (40 mins)
• Entry-Level Role Mapping (30 mins)
• Certification Pathways (30 mins)
• Mock Interview (20 mins)