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Complete Introduction to Cybersecurity 2026

Name: Complete Introduction to Cybersecurity 2026
Rating: 4.5 (9006 reviews)

Learn the basics of I.T. and fundamentals cybersecurity. Complete Beginner Course!

Created byGrant Collins

Last updated 1/2026

English

Arabic [Auto],German [Auto],

What you'll learn

High-level overview of cybersecurity concepts, technologies, and principles
Understand what cybersecurity is and where its implemented
Cybersecurity Attacks and Defenses
Hands-on Cyber Attack Demo - A Basic Overview of Password Cracking
Fundamentals of I.T., including hardware, software, operating systems, and computer networks
Very basics of what malware and virus is
Very basics of cybersecurity defenses
Develop a next-step plan to continue your learning journey

Course content

6 sections • 40 lectures • 2h 39m total length

Course Introduction3:10
Discover the foundations of cybersecurity and IT, including threats, defenses, tools, and technologies, across six sections. Create a practical practice lab, complete quizzes, and think critically as you learn.
Course Objectives1:44
Effective Note Taking2:14
Learn effective note taking to conceptualize and internalize cybersecurity concepts, using pen and paper or digital tools, with practical steps to organize notes from lectures.
Download Course Files0:03
Download Instructions:
1. Step 1 - Click File to Download
2. Step 2 - Locate Downloaded File (default is in "Downloads" folder for Windows and Mac)
3. Step 3
- Windows: Right Click on "Course Downloads.zip" and choose "Extract here"
- MacOS: Double click "Course Downloads.zip" and drag / drop into Downloads Folder
[Hands-on Attack Scenario] Download Virtual Machine1:09

What is Cybersecurity?3:27
Where is Cybersecurity Implemented?2:06
Explore how cybersecurity can appear as a process, a strategy, a service, a product, a skill, or a program by applying governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to reduce risk.
The Six Cybersecurity Domains6:39
Explore the six cybersecurity domains that reduce risks to business operations. See security architecture, risk assessment, threat intelligence, governance, risk and compliance, security operations, and physical security in action.
[Hands-on Attack Scenario] Introduction2:19
[Update] The VM Image is currently having issues with downloading to completion the first time. I am currently working with the cloud provider (Sync.com) to get this issue fixed. I am unable to move to another cloud provider due to the egress bandwidth constraints. Please try downloading to completion through retrying the download.
The file will likely fail to download fully the first time depending on Internet speed, after hitting the refresh button, the download will resume back to where it was. You may have to do this a few times. You will eventually be able to get the 'Attacker Scenario.ova' file.
Here's the temporary download link (VM Image): https://ln5.sync.com/dl/c1920b070/qjtykntt-guzac772-ye4m6u4k-aexmq9x7
Download the file below (Sync.com Link). This download will allow us to set up the attack in a contained, isolated environment. You can proceed to the next lecture if you do not wish to download the file at this time.
Make sure to take note of where you downloaded this file. It will be named "Attack Scenario 1.ova."

Make sure to take note of where you downloaded this file. It will be named "Attack Scenario.ova."
For Windows machines, the default download directory is: C:\Users\YourUserName\Downloads.
For Mac macOS machines, the default download directory is: /Users/YourUserName/Downloads/.

NOTE: This file will take several hours to download, depending on Internet connection. Make sure to start the download process now to follow along with the preceding lectures [Hands-on Attack Scenario].
NOTE: The [Hands-on Attack Scenario] and VirtualBox will not work with Apple macOS m1 or m2 processors.
Section 2 Quiz

Section 3 Overview0:59
Explore hardware, software, and network components in the IT fundamentals section, covering computer hardware, storage types, operating systems, internet terms and models, and cloud models.
Computer Hardware3:24
Discover how computing devices use input and output, with examples like keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, laptops, mobile devices, tablets, and learn basic binary units (bit, byte) and common peripherals.
Internal Computing Components5:05
Explore the internal components of a pc workstation, including the motherboard, cpu, ram, gpu, storage, nic, power supply, cooling systems, and firmware, and learn how they interact to power computing.
Demo of Hardware Components in PC2:41
Open a PC tower to identify internal components—heat sink, CPU under thermal paste, GPU, power supply, motherboard, RAM, and hard drive, with notes on cable management and SSD option.
Data Storage Devices2:42
Software4:07
Explore how software sits above hardware and powers devices, from operating systems to applications, with cloud, hosted, and locally installed delivery. Learn how databases store structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data.
Computer Networks and Networking5:48
MAC and IP Addresses2:00
Mac addresses provide a unique physical identifier for a local machine, while IP addresses identify devices on a network, with IP version four using four dot-separated numbers.
Network Devices5:56
Explore how servers provide services and host web pages, and how hubs, switches, routers, access points, modems, and firewalls enable secure, efficient data flow across tcp/ip networks.
The TCP/IP Model3:45
Explore how the four tcp/ip layers—network access, internet, transport, and application—packetize, address, transmit, route, and receive data using the end-to-end principle.
The OSI Model4:01
Network Protocols9:56
Identify and understand key network protocols across the OSI model, from layer 2 mac and arp to layer 7 dns, http/https, smtp, imap, ssh, tls, and more, with cybersecurity relevance.
Intro to the Cloud6:46
[Hands-on Attack Scenario] Setting Up The Attack8:16
Set up a complete attack demonstration by installing VirtualBox, enabling CPU virtualization in the BIOS, and importing a Windows 10 enterprise VM named David's for hands-on practice.
Section 3 Quiz

Section 4 Overview0:32
Why do hacker's attack?1:34
Network Attacks8:10
Explore common network attacks, such as DDoS, man-in-the-middle, injection attacks (XSS, SQL injections), remote code execution, DNS poisoning, domain hijacking, rogue access points, evil twin, and MAC/IP spoofing.
Social Engineering Attacks3:24
explain how social engineering attacks manipulate trust to steal confidential information, including phishing, spear phishing, vishing, and hoaxes, using email, phone, and deceptive content as examples.
[Hands-on Attack Scenario] The Email & Initial Access2:53
Physical Attacks3:37
Overview of Malware6:49
Explore how malware infects devices, delivers payloads, and uses viruses, ransomware, trojans, keyloggers, botnets, and backdoors, with defenses across attack types.
[Hands-on Attack Scenario] The Attack - Gathering Passwords11:22
[Update] The VM Image is currently having issues with downloading to completion the first time. I am currently working with the cloud provider (Sync.com) to get this issue fixed. I am unable to move to another cloud provider due to the egress bandwidth constraints. Please try downloading to completion through retrying the download.
The file will likely fail to download fully the first time depending on Internet speed, after hitting the refresh button, the download will resume back to where it was. You may have to do this a few times. You will eventually be able to get the 'Attacker Scenario.ova' file.
Here's the temporary download link (VM Image): https://ln5.sync.com/dl/c1920b070/qjtykntt-guzac772-ye4m6u4k-aexmq9x7

Download the file below (Sync.com Link). This download will allow us to set up the attack in a contained, isolated environment. You can proceed to the next lecture if you do not wish to download the file at this time.
Make sure to take note of where you downloaded this file. It will be named "Attack Scenario 1.ova."

Make sure to take note of where you downloaded this file. It will be named "Attack Scenario.ova."
For Windows machines, the default download directory is: C:\Users\YourUserName\Downloads.
For Mac macOS machines, the default download directory is: /Users/YourUserName/Downloads/.

NOTE: This file will take several hours to download, depending on Internet connection. Make sure to start the download process now to follow along with the preceding lectures [Hands-on Attack Scenario].
NOTE: The [Hands-on Attack Scenario] and VirtualBox will not work with Apple macOS m1 or m2 processors.
Section 4 Quiz

Section 5 Overview0:45
Explore general and advanced cybersecurity defenses, including tools and technologies to prevent, detect, mitigate, and recover from active and passive attacks.
General Cybersecurity Defenses6:36
Explore common cybersecurity defenses individuals use, from antivirus and next-gen heuristic detection to multi-factor authentication, encryption, password management, data backups, updates, and firewalls.
Defensive Cybersecurity Technologies5:30
Explore how defensive cybersecurity technologies prevent, detect, and recover from threats by using VPNs (remote access and site-to-site), proxies, IDS/IPS, DLP, and SIEM to secure networks and data.
Defensive Cybersecurity Software4:44
Explore defensive and offensive cybersecurity tools, including packet analyzers, network scanners, password crackers, vulnerability scanners, and exploitation frameworks. Learn how these tools evaluate and test networks and systems.
Section 5 Quiz

Section 6 Overview4:20
Explore section six hands-on with Wireshark to compare http and https traffic, observe encryption in action, and understand how packet capture reveals plaintext versus cipher text.
[Demo] Download Wireshark1:56
Download the 64-bit Wireshark for Windows 10, install via the wizard with default settings, then open the app to start a pcap file capture.
[Demo] HTTP vs HTTPS - Encryption Demo6:10
Use Wireshark to compare http and https traffic, showing http post requests transmitting usernames and passwords in clear text and https protected by tls encryption.
Practical Application in Cybersecurity2:19
Apply abstract cybersecurity concepts through hands-on practice with packet analysis and Wireshark. Build a home lab via virtualization, learn Linux, shell scripting, firewalls, Python, and project-based resources and projects.
Course Conclusion - Where to Go Next?0:34
Explore next steps after completing the complete introduction to cyber security course by continuing your learning journey and staying connected for questions and resources.

Requirements

No prerequisites required. Just a willingness to learn!

Description

Welcome to the Complete Introduction to Cybersecurity 2026. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of I.T. while learning the working components of cybersecurity. No prior knowledge or skill is required.

If you are a cybersecurity student, aspiring security professional, security enthusiast or someone intrigued to learn more about the industry, this course will provide a springboard for you to learn the basics. As a cybersecurity engineer (and former cybersecurity student), I know exactly what type of questions, doubts, and thoughts you are experiencing. Through dedicated time, self-study, and industry experience, I learned what types of concepts and skills lacked in the academic industry.

Whether you are a complete beginner to I.T. or the security side of I.T., this course will offer a launchpad for you to learn the foundational concepts, skills, and direction for you to get started in cybersecurity.

Starting from scratch, you will get up and running with the very basics of I.T. We will cover the working components of hardware, software, and operating systems, and computer networks. Once we have the basics completed, we will transition into the security side of I.T., understanding why hackers attack, what types of attacks are used, and the different types of malware. Finally, we will cover the types of cybersecurity defenses, including general defenses and advanced tools / technologies.

In this course, we will cover:

1. What Cybersecurity is and how it's implemented.

2. The Domains of Cybersecurity.

3. I.T. Basics, including hardware, software, operating systems, computer networks, and cloud concepts.

4. Cybersecurity attacks, including network, social engineering, physical attacks, and types of malware. (high-level)

5. Cybersecurity defenses, including Firewalls, Next-Gen AV, IDS/IPS, SIEM, and general cybersecurity defenses such as password and patch management. (high-level)

6. Cybersecurity lab demo, with a practical next-step plan.

At the end of this course, you will have a foundational understanding of I.T. and the basics of cybersecurity, including the different areas in security, how it's implemented, the types of cyberattacks and defenses used in the industry.

If you are someone who is struggling to get started in cybersecurity, but eager to learn relevant, updated concepts and skills, then this course will be for you.

See you inside!

Who this course is for:

Complete beginners who are looking to get started or learn more about the cybersecurity industry.
Aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Complete Introduction to Cybersecurity 2026

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Course Overview5 lectures • 8min

Section 2: Cybersecurity Introduction4 lectures • 15min

Section 3: The I.T. Fundamentals14 lectures • 1hr 5min

Section 4: Cyber Attacks8 lectures • 38min

Section 5: Cyber Defenses4 lectures • 18min

Section 6: Packet Analysis and Encryption Demo / Conclusion5 lectures • 15min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: