Cybersecurity Study Plan

 

🛡️ Cybersecurity Essentials Overview

🔐 1. Encryption

• What it is: The process of converting readable data into unreadable code to prevent unauthorized access.

• Example: End-to-end encryption in WhatsApp ensures only you and the recipient can read messages.

• Two types:

  • Symmetric encryption: Same key to encrypt/decrypt (e.g., AES)

  • Asymmetric encryption: Public key to encrypt, private key to decrypt (e.g., RSA)

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🔥 2. Firewalls

• What it is: A security system that filters incoming/outgoing traffic based on rules.

• Example: Blocking all traffic except web traffic (ports 80 and 443).

• Types:

  • Software firewall: Installed on a device (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall)

  • Hardware firewall: Physical device between network and gateway

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🕵️ 3. Threat Detection

• What it is: Identifying malicious activity like malware, viruses, or unauthorized access.

• Example: Antivirus detects a suspicious file; SIEM alerts about unusual login attempts.

• Key tools:

  • IDS (Intrusion Detection System): Alerts you

  • IPS (Intrusion Prevention System): Blocks it

  • SIEM (Security Information and Event Management): Monitors and analyzes logs

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🗓️ 5-Week Beginner Cybersecurity Study Plan

Each week includes:

• ✅ Learning goals

• 🎯 Daily tasks

• 📚 Free resources

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🧭 Week 1: Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Goal: Understand core concepts (CIA triad, malware types, basic threats)

Day	Task
1-2	Watch "What is Cybersecurity?" by IBM on YouTube
3-4	Read Introduction to Cybersecurity on Cybrary
5	Explore Cybersecurity Path on TryHackMe
6	Write notes on malware types: virus, worm, trojan, ransomware
7	Take a quiz or flashcard review (e.g., Quizlet)

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🧱 Week 2: Encryption & Secure Communication

Goal: Learn how encryption protects data

Day	Task
1-2	Read How Encryption Works – Cloudflare
3-4	Learn about symmetric vs asymmetric encryption
5	Try this tool: CyberChef to encrypt/decrypt a message
6-7	Practice RSA demo: Practical Crypto - CrypTool

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🧱 Week 3: Network Security & Firewalls

Goal: Understand ports, firewalls, and basic network rules

Day	Task
1-2	Watch: Firewalls Explained Simply
3	Read: What is a Firewall? - Kaspersky
4-5	Complete TryHackMe room: Network Security
6-7	Set up UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) on a Linux VM (see project below)

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🧱 Week 4: Threat Detection & Malware

Goal: Learn how threats are detected and prevented

Day	Task
1	Read: IDS vs IPS – Cisco Guide
2-3	Explore Splunk Fundamentals 1 - Free course
4	TryHackMe room: Intro to SIEM
5-6	Study antivirus/anti-malware detection strategies
7	Reflect: How does detection help mitigate ransomware?

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🧱 Week 5: Cyber Hygiene & Phishing

Goal: Learn about user-level security practices

Day	Task
1	Read: Phishing 101 by Norton
2-3	Complete TryHackMe room: Phishing
4	Watch: How Hackers Crack Passwords
5	Research password managers (Bitwarden, LastPass, etc.)
6	Enable 2FA on your personal accounts
7	Write a checklist for secure account management

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🛠️ Practical Project: Setup a Firewall on a VM

📦 What You Need:

• VirtualBox or VMware (Install a Linux distro like Ubuntu)

• Basic terminal commands

• Internet connection

⚙️ Steps:

1. Install Ubuntu on VirtualBox.

2. Open terminal and install 

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install ufw
   

3. Enable firewa

   sudo ufw enable
   

4. Check status:

   bash
   sudo ufw status verbose
   

5. Allow only HTTP and SSH:

   bash
   
   sudo ufw allow 22/tcp
   sudo ufw allow 80/tcp
   

6. Try pinging other ports to verify blocking.

✅ This simulates basic server security for real-world systems.

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🧠 Practice Questions (Cybersecurity Basics)

1. What is phishing and how can you avoid it?
   A. It’s spam mail; ignore all emails.
   B. It’s an email attack to steal credentials — avoid clicking suspicious links. ✅
   C. It’s a brute force attack.
   D. It’s secure communication.

2. What’s the most secure way to manage multiple passwords?
   A. Write them down in a notebook.
   B. Use the same password for all accounts.
   C. Store them in a password manager with 2FA. ✅
   D. Ask a friend to remember them.

3. What is the purpose of encryption?
   A. To compress files.
   B. To format hard drives.
   C. To make data unreadable to unauthorized users. ✅
   D. To speed up networks.

4. Which command enables UFW firewall in Linux?
   A. ufw off
   B. ufw run
   C. sudo ufw enable ✅
   D. firewall -on

5. What does an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) do?
   A. Deletes viruses automatically.
   B. Encrypts passwords.
   C. Monitors and alerts on suspicious activity. ✅
   D. Blocks DDoS attacks.