COURSE

Cybersecurity for Absolute Beginners: Essential Concepts

Part 1 of 3: Cybersecurity Basics - Hackers, Threats, Malware, Social Engineering, Core Security Principles, and More

4.8 rating0 students4 hours · 73 lectures

Created by Alton Hardin

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Description

Why Cybersecurity Matters

The global cost of cybercrime exceeded $10.5 trillion in 2025 and continues to rise. The industry faces a massive skills gap with a shortage of over 4.8 million qualified professionals worldwide. Whether you are an aspiring IT professional or a business owner, understanding the mechanics of digital defense is now an essential life skill.

Comprehensive Learning Resources

This course moves beyond theory. We analyze real-world disasters and provide you with reference materials to keep long after you finish the videos.

37-Page Companion Study Guide: A downloadable PDF eBook featuring detailed diagrams of network structures, hacker methodologies, and key definitions.
4 Hours of Video Lecture: In-depth explanations of the CIA Triad, Defense in Depth, and more.
Real-World Case Studies: Deep-dive analysis into the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack and the TJX Companies data breach.
AI Role Play Scenarios: Interactive simulation to practice what you learn in a risk-free environment.

What You'll Learn

This course is Part 1 of a comprehensive cybersecurity series designed for absolute beginners. We strip away the jargon and focus on the fundamental concepts used by security professionals every day.

Understanding Hackers: Distinguish between White Hat and Black Hat hackers, understand their motivations (Script Kiddies, Hacktivists, State-Sponsored), and learn the 5-step Hacking Methodology.
Network Security 101: Master the basics of how the internet works, including LANs vs WANs, IP & MAC addresses, Switches vs Routers, and the TCP/IP Protocol Suite.
The Threat Landscape: Identify and stop Malware (Viruses, Worms, Ransomware), Social Engineering attacks, and Phishing campaigns.
Defense Strategies: Implement the core principles of security: the CIA Triad, Defense in Depth, Firewalls, VPNs, and DMZs.
Workplace Security: Learn how organizations handle Patch Management, Change Control, Incident Response, and Disaster Recovery.
Risk Management: Understand Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities, and how to calculate and mitigate risk in a business environment.

What You’ll Learn

Understand the 5-Step Hacking Methodology and distinguish between White Hat, Black Hat, and Grey Hat hackers
Learn network fundamentals including LANs vs WANs, IP and MAC addresses, TCP/IP Protocol Suite, and how the internet works
Identify and recognize malware including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, rootkits, and spyware
Detect social engineering attacks, phishing campaigns, and email-based threats before they compromise your systems
Understand the CIA Triad, Defense in Depth, Least Privilege, and risk management frameworks
Learn how multi-factor authentication, firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems, and DMZ architectures work
Understand workplace security practices including patch management, incident response, and security assessments
Analyze real-world breaches like Colonial Pipeline and TJX to understand how million-dollar attacks succeed and how to prevent them

Requirements

A Desire to Learn
A Basic Understanding of Computers

Who This Is For

Career changers exploring cybersecurity as a new profession with no prior IT experience required
Small business owners who need to protect customer data, financial systems, and company networks
IT professionals transitioning into security roles who need foundational knowledge before pursuing certifications
Aspiring cybersecurity analysts starting their journey toward Security+, CISSP, or other professional credential
Students and educators looking for a comprehensive introduction to information security concepts
Compliance officers and managers who need to understand cybersecurity risks without becoming technical experts
Anyone who wants to stop feeling vulnerable online and understand how digital attacks actually work

Course Curriculum

11 sections · 73 lectures · 4 hours

About the Instructor

Alton Hardin

Alton Hardin is a former college professor, bestselling author, and the founder and lead instructor at Alton Teaches LLC. He holds an MBA specialized in Information Assurance & Security Management and an MS in Information Technology Network Management, and spent 12 years as a cybersecurity specialist at the U.S. Department of the Treasury in governance, risk, and compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any IT experience?

No prerequisites required. Every concept is explained from scratch.

How long do I have access?

Lifetime access with individual purchase, or for as long as your All-Access Pass is active.

What if I’m not satisfied?

100% satisfaction guarantee. Refund within 14 days of purchase.

Cybersecurity for Absolute Beginners: Essential Concepts

Description

Why Cybersecurity Matters

Comprehensive Learning Resources

What You'll Learn

What You’ll Learn

Requirements

Who This Is For

Course Curriculum

Section 1: Course Introduction (5 lectures)

Section 2: Introduction to Cyber Security (4 lectures)

Section 3: Understanding Hackers (5 lectures)

Section 4: Networking 101 (10 lectures)

Section 5: Malware Threats (8 lectures)

Section 6: Additional Threats & Vulnerabilities (9 lectures)

Section 7: Social Engineering & Email Based Threats (6 lectures)

Section 8: Core Cyber Security Principles (5 lectures)

Section 9: Fundamental Threat Countermeasures (12 lectures)

Section 10: Cyber Security in the Workplace (8 lectures)

Section 11: Conclusion & Next Steps (1 lectures)

About the Instructor

Frequently Asked Questions