LESSON 1

What is Cybersecurity

Learning objective: Understand what cybersecurity is and why it matters.

Understand

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, data, and people from digital harm.

Cybersecurity keeps information confidential, accurate, and available. It protects individuals and organizations from theft, fraud, and disruption. This course focuses entirely on defence and awareness.

Analogy: Cybersecurity is like locks, alarms, and good habits that keep a house safe.

See It in Action

The three classic goals, often called the CIA triad:

Confidentiality  - keep data private
Integrity        - keep data accurate
Availability     - keep systems usable
How it works: These three goals guide almost every security decision — protect secrecy, correctness, and access.

Try It Yourself

  1. List one thing you would want to keep private online.
  2. Name a service you rely on being available.
  3. Match each to a CIA goal.

Quick Quiz

What does the 'C' in the CIA triad stand for?

Challenge

Describe a personal example for each part of the CIA triad.

Success condition: You can explain confidentiality, integrity, and availability with examples.