This course is designed to provide the absolute building blocks required for a career in information security. Before you can break systems or defend them, you must understand how they work.
Syllabus
Week 1: Computer Architecture & OS Basics
Understanding the hardware and software that powers our world.
- Topics: CPU/RAM/Storage, Kernel vs. User Mode, File Systems (NTFS/EXT4), Boot Process.
- Lab: Install a Virtual Machine (VirtualBox/VMware).
Week 2: Networking 101
How computers talk to each other. The lifeblood of the internet.
- Topics: OSI Model, TCP/IP Stack, IP Addressing (IPv4/IPv6), DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, Ports & Protocols.
- Lab: Analyze traffic with Wireshark.
Week 3: Commander of the Console
Moving away from the GUI and mastering the command line.
- Topics: Linux Shell (Bash), Windows PowerShell, Permissions (Chmod/Chown), Scripting basics.
- Lab: OverTheWire Bandit Wargame (Levels 0-10).
Week 4: The Security Mindset
Thinking like a security professional.
- Topics: The CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), Authentication vs. Authorization, Least Privilege, Defense in Depth.
- Assessment: Final Exam covering all fundamental concepts.