CYBERSECURITY - VIRUS AND MALWARE PROTECTION

By the end of this 6-week curriculum, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the threat landscape, the role of technical safeguards including anti-malware software and network network security, and incident response strategies. You will be equipped with practical skills to safeguard computer systems from viruses and malware.

Week 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity Threats

Objective: Understand the landscape of cybersecurity threats, with a focus on viruses and malware.
Introduction to common types of malware: viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware.

Week 2: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Objective: Explore the basic framework for understanding safeguards
Overview of the 6 fundamental concepts:
Confidentiality
Integrity
Availability
Physical Safeguards
Technical Safeguards

Week 3: Securing Endpoints and Networks

Objective: Understand how to extend protection beyond individual devices.
Introduction to endpoint security: firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems.
Network-level protection strategies.

Week 4: Guest Speaker – Sandia Labs

Week 5: Technical Safeguard: anti-malware software

Objective: Delve into advanced techniques employed by anti-malware tools for proactive defense.
Signature-based vs. behavior-based detection.
Explore XDR (extended detection and response)

Week 6: Final Student Presentations