Consumer Cyber Training

1. Understand the characteristics and differences between types of malware like computer viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
2. Understand common behaviors and mistakes that can lead malware infections.
3. Learn how to protect yourself against Malware.
4. Learn about and understand the characteristics and differences between other common cyberattacks like phishing, password attacks, man in the middle, and social engineering.
5. Learn strategies used to identify and combat these common cyberattack methods.
6. Learn password management best practices and common mistakes everyone makes when managing passwords.
7. Learn how to deploy and use tools that will prevent most cyber and password-based attacks in addition to protecting your privacy.
8. Participate in multiple discussions to ensure understanding of all topics presented.

Anyone that wants to learn about how to protect private information and their data.  This class was designed to convey this information to people who are not IT or cybersecurity experts.  Topics are explained in plain English in context and terms that most people will understand.

A basic understanding of computers, mobile devices, and the internet is required.  If you own a computer and smart mobile device (smart phone | tablet) and use them to access the internet, you have the required knowledge to learn from this class.

This class does not dive deep into technical concepts or bombard people with technical jargon and details.  The goal of this class is to equip the everyday person with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to protect themselves and their personal data online. 

Introduction

Brief discussion on the purpose of the class, the class format, and the background of the instructor.

Malware

Introduction to computer viruses, spyware, and ransomware.  Malware characteristics outlined with discussion including how to protect your system from Malware.

Other Common Threats

In addition to malware, other common threats that will be covered are phishing, password attacks, man in the middle attacks, and social engineering.  These concepts are explained in detail with the opportunity for questions and discussions.  Tips on how to prevent falling victim to these techniques are discussed.

Privacy

The amount of data and circumstances it is collected about you online are discussed.  Reasons why this data is collected as well as common entities that collect this data.  Methods to prevent this data collection are discussed in terms of how to protect your privacy.

Tools

This section introduces security tools that are low cost, easy to use, protect your privacy, or overcome many weaknesses in terms of how you secure your data.  Tools will be demonstrated, and time will be allotted to walk users through set up and use of these tools should they choose to use them.

Class Conclusion | Success Assessment

Any activity that is being executed must be assessed for effectiveness.  An opportunity for students to ask final questions, kick off supplemental discussions, and assess their level of confidence in their ability moving forward to protect their data and privacy online will be available.

The combination of the knowledge obtained in how cybercriminals attack and the tools | techniques you can use to protect yourself is a powerful one and will separate you from the majority of people online.  Enroll in the Consumer Cyber Training class and learn to protect your privacy and data online.