Beginner to Intermediate · 6 Weeks · 5 Portfolio Projects
A practical, project-based curriculum designed to teach learners how to identify, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats while protecting systems, networks, and data. By Week 6, you'll have built a professional cybersecurity portfolio and completed a hands-on security assessment of a real or simulated environment.
Highlights
No prior cybersecurity experience required
5 portfolio projects
Networking · Linux · Security Fundamentals · Ethical Hacking · Incident Response · Cloud Security
1 live class per week · 60–90 minutes per class
Hands-on labs and real-world security scenarios
What cybersecurity is and why it matters
Career paths in cybersecurity
Understanding the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
Common cyber threats and attack types
Networking fundamentals (IP addresses, DNS, HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP)
Introduction to Linux for cybersecurity
Setting up a safe cybersecurity lab using virtual machines
Security ethics and responsible disclosure
Portfolio Project — Home Network Security Assessment
Assess your home or a simulated network and document:
Network diagram
Connected devices
Potential vulnerabilities
Security improvement recommendations
Linux command reference sheet
Windows and Linux security fundamentals
User accounts and permissions
Password security and multi-factor authentication
File permissions
Security updates and patch management
Device hardening
Endpoint protection
Secure configuration best practices
Portfolio Project — System Hardening Guide
Create a security hardening checklist for a Windows or Linux computer including:
Password policy
User permissions
Firewall settings
Software update plan
Backup strategy
Security recommendations
Ethical hacking principles
Cybersecurity laws and professional ethics
Information gathering techniques
Vulnerability assessment fundamentals
Introduction to penetration testing
Using tools such as Nmap and Wireshark
Understanding common vulnerabilities
Writing vulnerability reports
Portfolio Project — Vulnerability Assessment Report
Conduct a vulnerability assessment in your lab environment and prepare:
Scope of assessment
Scan results
Identified vulnerabilities
Risk ratings
Recommended mitigations
Executive summary
Web application security fundamentals
Common web vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10 overview)
SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting concepts
Secure authentication practices
Cloud security fundamentals
Data encryption
Secure APIs
Security best practices for developers and organizations
Portfolio Project — Web Security Review
Review a web application or website and produce:
Security observations
Potential risks
Authentication review
HTTPS assessment
Security recommendations
Prioritized remediation plan
Security Operations Center (SOC) fundamentals
Monitoring security events
Introduction to SIEM platforms
Detecting suspicious activities
Incident response lifecycle
Digital forensics fundamentals
Malware basics
Business continuity and disaster recovery
Portfolio Project — Incident Response Plan
Develop an incident response plan including:
Incident classification
Response workflow
Communication plan
Evidence collection checklist
Recovery procedures
Lessons learned template
Conducting complete security assessments
Risk identification and prioritization
Writing professional cybersecurity reports
Building a cybersecurity portfolio
Preparing for cybersecurity interviews
Certifications and career pathways
Security consulting fundamentals
Cybersecurity ethics and continuous learning
Perform a comprehensive cybersecurity assessment for a real business, startup, nonprofit, or simulated environment.
Required:
Security scope
Asset inventory
Network diagram
Risk assessment
Vulnerability assessment
Security policy recommendations
Incident response plan
Security awareness recommendations
Backup and recovery strategy
Executive summary
Technical report
10–15 minute presentation of findings and recommendations
| Week | Project | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Home Network Security Assessment | Network Security Report |
| Week 2 | System Hardening Guide | Security Configuration Guide |
| Week 3 | Vulnerability Assessment Report | Professional Security Report |
| Week 5 | Incident Response Plan | Incident Response Documentation |
| Week 6 | Cybersecurity Assessment | Complete Security Audit Portfolio |
You finish the course with a professional cybersecurity portfolio demonstrating your ability to assess risks, identify vulnerabilities, secure systems, and respond to security incidents. You'll also gain practical experience that prepares you for internships, entry-level cybersecurity roles, IT security positions, or further specialization in ethical hacking, cloud security, or security operations.
Learners first understand how systems and networks work before learning how attackers exploit weaknesses and how defenders protect against them.
Every week includes practical labs and security assessments that mirror the work performed by cybersecurity professionals in real organizations.
The curriculum introduces learners to widely used security concepts, methodologies, and tools while emphasizing ethical and legal responsibilities.
Every project contributes to a professional portfolio that demonstrates practical cybersecurity knowledge and problem-solving ability to employers and internship providers.