1. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization - NYU (New York University)
Duration: ~4 months (6 courses)
Key Topics:
Cybersecurity basics
Risk management
Cryptography fundamentals
Network security
Why Take It: This specialization is great for building a solid foundation, introducing you to cybersecurity concepts and practices.
Hands-on Practice:
Work on basic cryptographic algorithms and network security configurations.
2. IT Security: Defense against the Digital Dark Arts - Google (Part of Google IT Support Professional Certificate)
Duration: 6 weeks (~35 hours)
Key Topics:
Network security protocols
Encryption and firewalls
VPNs and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Why Take It: This course focuses on practical skills for protecting networks, a key component of cybersecurity.
Hands-on Practice:
Set up and configure firewalls, VPNs, and practice encryption techniques.
Phase 2: Intermediate Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
3. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate - IBM
Duration: 8 months (~8 courses)
Key Topics:
Network security, endpoint protection
Incident response, penetration testing
Security information and event management (SIEM)
Why Take It: This program is hands-on and focuses on tools and techniques that are commonly used in the cybersecurity industry.
Hands-on Practice:
Use real-world tools like Kali Linux, Wireshark, and Metasploit for penetration testing and security monitoring.
4. Practical Ethical Hacking Specialization - University of Colorado
Duration: ~4 months (4 courses)
Key Topics:
Penetration testing methods
Vulnerability scanning
Social engineering and wireless security
Why Take It: Ethical hacking is a critical skill in cybersecurity. This specialization covers the process of testing and exploiting vulnerabilities ethically.
Hands-on Practice:
Set up a virtual lab to practice ethical hacking techniques using tools like Nmap, Burp Suite, and Metasploit.
Phase 3: Advanced Cybersecurity Topics
5. Advanced Cybersecurity Program - University of Maryland
Duration: ~6 months (5 courses)
Key Topics:
Advanced network security and cryptography
Malware analysis and reverse engineering
Advanced penetration testing and digital forensics
Why Take It: This series goes into greater depth on advanced topics such as malware analysis, forensics, and reverse engineering.
Hands-on Practice:
Analyze malware samples and reverse engineer them in a sandbox environment.
Apply advanced penetration testing techniques and report findings.
6. Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies - University of Maryland
Duration: 4 weeks (~10 hours)
Key Topics:
Incident response to major cyber breaches
Recovery planning and post-breach analysis
Why Take It: This capstone course focuses on applying everything you’ve learned to respond to cybersecurity breaches and analyze the post-incident process.
Hands-on Practice:
Develop an incident response plan based on real-world case studies.
Simulate breach response using industry-standard frameworks like NIST or MITRE ATT&CK.
Optional Phase: Specialized Cybersecurity Domains
7. Cloud Security Specialization - University of London
Duration: ~4 months (4 courses)
Key Topics:
Cloud security architecture and design
Identity and access management (IAM) in the cloud
Data encryption and secure deployment in cloud environments
Why Take It: With the rise of cloud computing, securing cloud environments has become a crucial part of cybersecurity.
Hands-on Practice:
Work with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to implement cloud security controls.
8. Security in Machine Learning and AI Systems - University of Colorado Boulder
Duration: 4 weeks (~15 hours)
Key Topics:
Attacks on machine learning models
Adversarial examples
Securing AI pipelines
Why Take It: As AI becomes more integrated into various industries, securing machine learning systems is a growing concern. This course explores security in AI environments.
Hands-on Practice:
Experiment with adversarial machine learning techniques and secure AI models.
Plan Overview
Phase 1 (Fundamentals - 5 to 6 months):
Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization (NYU) – 4 months
IT Security: Defense against the Digital Dark Arts (Google) – 6 weeks
Phase 2 (Intermediate - 8 to 12 months):
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate – 8 months
Practical Ethical Hacking Specialization (University of Colorado) – 4 months
Phase 3 (Advanced - 6 to 8 months):
Advanced Cybersecurity Program (University of Maryland) – 6 months
Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies – 4 weeks
Optional (Specialized - 4 to 6 months):
Cloud Security Specialization – 4 months
Security in Machine Learning and AI Systems – 4 weeks
Final Timeline:
Phase 1 (Fundamentals): ~5 to 6 months
Phase 2 (Intermediate): ~8 to 12 months
Phase 3 (Advanced): ~6 to 8 months
Optional Phase: ~4 to 6 months
Total Duration (without optional): ~1.5 to 2 years
Cybersecurity Learning Plan on Coursera
Phase 1: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
1. Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization - NYU (New York University)
Hands-on Practice:
2. IT Security: Defense against the Digital Dark Arts - Google (Part of Google IT Support Professional Certificate)
Hands-on Practice:
Phase 2: Intermediate Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
3. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate - IBM
Hands-on Practice:
4. Practical Ethical Hacking Specialization - University of Colorado
Hands-on Practice:
Phase 3: Advanced Cybersecurity Topics
5. Advanced Cybersecurity Program - University of Maryland
Hands-on Practice:
6. Cybersecurity Capstone: Breach Response Case Studies - University of Maryland
Hands-on Practice:
Optional Phase: Specialized Cybersecurity Domains
7. Cloud Security Specialization - University of London
Hands-on Practice:
8. Security in Machine Learning and AI Systems - University of Colorado Boulder
Hands-on Practice:
Plan Overview
Phase 1 (Fundamentals - 5 to 6 months):
Phase 2 (Intermediate - 8 to 12 months):
Phase 3 (Advanced - 6 to 8 months):
Optional (Specialized - 4 to 6 months):
Final Timeline: