Welcome to the Module “Introduction to Cybersecurity” (3.0 ECTS) – an interdisciplinary course that explores the fundamental principles, threats, technologies and practices that underpin digital security. In the digital age, where almost every area of life depends on computer systems and networks, basic knowledge of cybersecurity is essential for anyone looking to navigate the world of technology safely.
Course theme
This course examines key aspects of cybersecurity, including the nature of cyber threats, information protections, ethical and legal requirements, and the role of the user in ensuring a secure digital environment. Particular attention is paid to global challenges in the field of cyber defense, from phishing attacks and personal data leaks to the protection of critical infrastructure and countering cyber wars.
Partisipants will be able to:
- get acquainted with the basic concepts of cryptography, network protection, software security and risk management;
- develop critical thinking about digital security;
- understand the impact of technology on the security of individuals, organizations and society as a whole.
The course covers both technical and organizational and legal aspects of cybersecurity, demonstrating an interdisciplinary approach to solving modern challenges in the field of digital security.
Course structure (topics):
- Cybersecurity Basics: Terms, Principles, History.
- Cyber threats: typology of attacks, real-life examples.
- Information protection and risk management.
- Cryptography: Basic Concepts and Applications.
- Security of computer networks.
- Cyber hygiene: user behavior, passwords, social engineering.
- Legislation and ethics in cyberspace.
- Global challenges and cyber warfare.
- Security of critical information infrastructure.
- Current trends: IoT, cloud services, AI and security.
Read more about setting up the course, аssessment, participation requirements, form of education, lecturer team.
Training format
The course is based on the principles of active learning: lectures, practical seminars, attack and defense simulations, case analysis, team projects. The emphasis is on the application of knowledge in the real world and interdisciplinary interaction.
Typical research questions of the course:
- What are the main types of cyber threats and how to protect yourself from them?
- How to ensure data security in personal, corporate and government contexts?
- How can cybersecurity technologies be used to protect democracy and human rights?
- What are the social, ethical and legal implications of modern digital security practices?
Assessment and deliveries
The deliveries, on which course assessment and success (3 ECTS credit points in total) is based, are assessed as follows:
- Participation in classes and practices (individually; 20%).
- Team project – cyber incident analysis or cyber defense simulation (group work; 40%).
- Individual essay or research report (40%) – threat analysis, security policies, or ethical aspects of cybersecurity.
Entry requirements for participation
The course is open to students of all majors, especially useful for those studying IT, law, social sciences, or management. Prior technical training is not required, but is encouraged.
Form of tuition
The Introduction to Cybersecurity course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. It includes lectures, interactive discussions, simulations of real situations, case analysis, as well as group project work related to the development of elements of cyber defense policies or modeling security incidents. The course is focused on an interdisciplinary approach and solving practical problems in a team.
Estimated time budget
This is an intensive 10-week course of 3 ECTS, which requires regular attendance of lectures and practical classes, as well as active participation in group projects that are carried out outside of classroom time. The total workload is about 70 hours, of which about 30 are classroom work and 40 are independent preparation, research and project activities.
Learning outcomes (with Dublin Descriptors):
At the end of the course, students will:
A. Know the basic concepts of cybersecurity, types of cyber threats, principles of information protection and understand their impact at the individual, organizational and societal levels (knowledge and understanding).
B. Apply basic cyber defense tools in everyday digital practice, taking into account both technical and behavioral aspects of security (application of knowledge and understanding).
C. Analyze modern risks and challenges in the field of cybersecurity, make informed decisions on digital security, weighing technical, ethical, legal and social factors (critical thinking, formation of judgments).
D. Work as a team on incident modeling projects, cyber threat research, or the development of information security policy elements, effectively presenting the results (communication and collaborative skills).
E. Develop the ability to act responsibly in the digital environment: (i) explore challenges and solutions in the face of cyber risks, (ii) consider the ethical, legal and democratic aspects of digital interaction, (iii) promote safe and ethical online behavior (soft skills, responsible digital behavior, problem solving).
Learning outcomes according to the Louis framework
The Louis framework is used in EURIDICE education to strengthen the general – higher order – academic and personal learning outcomes. It is based on the AAC&U-Value approach and adopted/adapted for higher education for societal impact by the Aurora Universities Alliance.
- Critical thinking
- Ethical reasoning
- Global Digital Literacy
- Active participation in the digital society
Lecturing team
- Maryna Yesina, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Acting Head of the Department of Cybersecurity of Information Systems, Networks and Technologies, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University (General Supervisor of the course): [email protected].
- Vladyslav Vilihura, PhD, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Cybersecurity of Information Systems, Networks and Technologies, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University: [email protected].
Dr. Olena Mykolenko (General course coordinator, [email protected]).
Virtual classroom
All classes will be held in a mixed format using Zoom, Moodle and specialized cyber simulators (where possible).
Creative Commons
All materials in this course are created by Maryna Yesina and Vladyslav Vilihura.
