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University of Cape Town: Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

Learn how to defend your organization’s systems and data against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

Learn how to defend your organization’s systems and data against the growing threat of cyberattacks.

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This course is offered by , an edX partner
8 weeks
7–10 hours per week
Starts Mar 3, 2025
Enroll by Mar 9, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule
8 weeks
7–10 hours per week
Starts Mar 3, 2025
Enroll by Mar 9, 2025
Instructor-paced
Instructor-led on a course schedule

About this Course

The digital age has revolutionized the way that organizations do business. Unfortunately, however, it has also exposed companies, and their customers, to many new risks. With cyberattacks now a real threat in Africa and beyond, there’s a need across industries for professionals with the skills to address online security vulnerabilities.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) Fundamentals of Cybersecurity online short course introduces you to the key elements of cybersecurity management, from both a South African and international perspective. Learn to become the defender of sensitive company data and learn how to make sound decisions to support your organization in both thwarting attacks and responding appropriately to incidents.

This course is beneficial for employees at all levels, both technical and managerial, who currently work within cybersecurity. Those new to the industry or within administrative or information security roles will gain the latest knowledge of cybersecurity and develop a competitive edge within the growing job market. Management professionals will explore the regulations and legislation that affects cybersecurity, and learn to develop dedicated cybersecurity training programs and incident policies. All professionals will have the opportunity to gain the confidence and skills to identify threats and implement the necessary measures to protect an organization from cyber risks.

Course curriculum

Skip Course curriculum

Develop your understanding of cybersecurity risk management strategies as you work through the weekly modules of this online short course.

Orientation module: Welcome to your Online Campus

Module 1: Basic principles of cybersecurity management

Module 2: Risk assessment

Module 3: Corporate governance, policies, and the regulatory environment

Module 4: Cybersecurity culture

Module 5: Cybersecurity architecture

Module 6: Cybersecurity software and hardware

Module 7: The CIS 20 critical security controls (CSCs)

Module 8: Incident management

About the certificate

Gain an understanding of the core principles of cybersecurity and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.

Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.

Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you digitally upon successful completion of the program, as per the stipulated requirements. Please note, due to additional administrative requirements, at times UCT course certificate delivery may be delayed by several weeks/months.

Some facts about the subject

30%

The predicted global cybersecurity spend to come from banking, discrete manufacturing, and central government by 2023.

HashedOut (May, 2020).

$430.33 billion

The predicted global market size of the cybersecurity industry by 2027.

Cision (May, 2020).

Why choose GetSmarter?

GetSmarter, an edX partner, delivers career-relevant, fully supported, and expert-led online courses from the world's leading universities and institutions. As an online learning expert with over 15 years' experience, GetSmarter leverages long-standing expertise in market research, data analysis, and business insights to ensure that you gain the skills critical to career growth.