CYB801 – Foundations of cybersecurity

This foundational unit introduces key principles, concepts and terminology used in cybersecurity theory and practice at an introductory level. The unit is divided into three parts covering three broad areas of knowledge. The first part frames the modern cybersecurity context in terms of the cybersecurity requirements of organisations operating in the modern threat landscape. The second part presents contrasting perspectives on cybersecurity from the points of view of systems,management practice, physical and human factors, and legal, ethical and professional issues. The final part of the unit presents the foundational principles, models and practices used in cybersecurity theory and practice.
Students will acquire abilities in each of these areas throughout their studies in the Master program. They will need to be able to analyse cybersecurity challenges and controls with reference to the modern threat landscape and using the various perspectives as appropriate. They will also make use of the foundational principles, models and practices as they analyse organisations’ needs, and begin to design secure systems, networks and management practices throughout the program.

Learning Outcomes:

• Compare, contrast and critically reflect on the systems, management, physical, legal, ethical and human perspectives of cybersecurity as they apply to the contemporary contexts of individuals, organisations and society
• Critically analyse the applicability and utility of a diverse range of cybersecurity principles, models, management practices and technologies as they relate to organisations
• Critically analyse cybersecurity challenges for organisations in defending assets, controlling risk and developing strategies
• Critically reflect on the theory and practice of cybersecurity by interpreting research and professional literature to communicate developments in scholarship and practice