Cyber Attack Countermeasures (Coursera)

This course introduces the basics of cyber defense starting with foundational models such as Bell-LaPadula and information flow frameworks. These underlying policy enforcements mechanisms help introduce basic functional protections, starting with authentication methods. Learners will be introduced to a series of different authentication solutions and protocols, including RSA SecureID and Kerberos, in the context of a canonical schema.

The basics of cryptography are also introduced with attention to conventional block ciphers as well as public key cryptography. Important cryptographic techniques such as cipher block chaining and triple-DES are explained. Modern certification authority-based cryptographic support is also discussed and shown to provide basis for secure e-commerce using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) schemes.

Course 2 of 4 in the Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Cyber Security Safeguards

This module provides an introduction to security modeling, foundational frameworks, and basic safeguard approaches.

Graded: Module 1 Quiz

WEEK 2

Understanding Authentication Protocols

This module introduces important protocols and techniques associated with advanced authentication processes.

Graded: Module 2 Quiz

WEEK 3

Introducing Conventional Cryptography

This module introduces the foundations of conventional cryptography along with its practical application in Kerberos.

Graded: Module 3 Quiz

WEEK 4

Overview of Public Key Cryptographic Methods

This module introduces the basics of public key cryptography including an overview of SSL and CA applications.

Graded: Module 4 Quiz

Graded: Selecting and Managing Public and Private Keys