Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Course Evaluation

• 7th Grade exam has a 30% practical work weighting, equivalent to 30 marks.
• 12th Grade exam has a 20% practical work weighting, equivalent to 20 marks.
• Year work is assessed with a project, weighted at 10%, equivalent to 10 marks.
• Final exams are weighted at 40%, equivalent to 40 marks.

Reference Textbook

• "Cybersecurity Fundamentals: A Real-World Perspective" by Kutub Thakur and Al-Sakib Khan Pathan, published by CRC Press.

Course Outline

• Course Introduction is the first topic.
• Second topic is the Network Model and Top Layered HTTP Application.
• Third topic is Cybersecurity Basics.
• Cyberattacks and Vulnerabilities is the fourth topic.
• Fifth topic is Computer Malware and classification.
• Cryptography basics – Part I.
• Cryptography basics – Part II.
• Countermeasures for Cyberattacks – Part I.
• Countermeasures for Cyberattacks – Part II.
• Wireless Network Security basics.
• E-commerce Security basics.
• Cybersecurity Risk Management basics.

Introduction

• A computer is an electronic device that processes raw data through input components, transforms it into meaningful information, and produces that information through output components for use.
• A modern computer system unit consists of software and hardware components.

History of Computers

First Generation (1937–1946)

• The first-generation computers were based on vacuum tubes.
• The first machine was invented by J P Eckert and J W Mauchy between 1943 and 1945.

Second Generation (1947–1962)

• Second-generation computers used transistor technology.
• The first commercial computer, UNIVAC 1, was based on transistor technology.

Third Generation (1963–1971)

• Third-generation computers used integrated circuits (ICs).
• The advent of silicon miniaturized transistors, enabling ICs for electronic circuitries.

Fourth Generation (1971–2010)

• Fourth-generation computers became popular and relied on very large-scale integration (VLSI) microprocessors.

Fifth Generation (2010–Present)

• Fifth-generation computers are powered by artificial intelligence (AI), ultra-large-scale integration (ULSI), and robotic processes.

Future Machines

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI simulates human intelligence processes using machines, especially computer systems.
• AI enables machines to learn from experience, adapt to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks.
• Current AI applications, like chess-playing computers and self-driving cars, rely on deep learning and natural language processing.

Quantum Computing (QC)

• Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field involving computer science, physics, and mathematics.
• It utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers.

Nanotechnology

• Nanotechnology involves designing, producing, and using structures, devices, and systems by manipulating atoms and molecules at nanoscale.
• Nanoscale is defined as dimensions on the order of 100 nanometers (100 millionth of a millimeter) or less.

Parallel Processing

• Parallel processing is a computing technique where multiple streams of calculations or data processing tasks occur concurrently.
• This is achieved through numerous central processing units (CPUs) working together.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Types of Networks

• Networks are classified into three major types irrespective of whether they use wireless or wired connections.
• Local Area Network (LAN).
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).
• Wide Area Network (WAN).

The Internet

Major Services Offered

• Voice and Video calls.
• TV Streaming.
• Live movies.
• Chats and Email.
• Gaming and file sharing.
• Faxing.
• Data transfer.
• Social media.
• E-banking and data sotrage.
• Instant Messaging.
• Financial services.
• Bills payments.
• E-marketing.
• Online shopping.
• Remote healthcare and remote working.
• Video conferencing.
• E-learning.
• Counting.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Network Topologies

• Ring
• Mesh
• Star
• Fully connected
• Line
• Tree
• Bus

Elements of Computer Network

• Basic network elements are hosts, connecting media, and connectors.
• Modern networks include:
• Hosts
• Routers
• Switches
• Hubs
• Firewalls
• Servers
• Protocols
• Connectivity

Elements of Computer Network

Hosts vs. Servers

      - Host : A computer or device that can be connected to a network, it can share and consume resources and can be connected to other devices by means of the internet
      - Servers : A piece of software/hardware that carries out services for other programs/devices on the network, that can also share resources as well a s provide services and can be connected through LAN or internet

Elements of the Internet

• The edge router is the first bridge between the Internet and a local network.
• The core router is a central router within a network that maintains information for the entire network.
• Switches separate data packets within corporate networks and isolate small business units.
• Switches distribute data packets at the data link layer based on MAC addresses.
• Firewalls are the defense wall of corporate networks connected to the Internet.
• They are typically connected after the edge router to protect internal devices from unauthorized users.
• Hosts are end terminals that use Internet services, including computers, mobile devices, tablets, watches, printers, and fax machines.
• Hosts access the Internet through client applications like web browsers.
• Servers are specific hosts configured to handle requests from within or from external networks (Internet cloud).
• The Internet Cloud is the entire infrastructure of the Internet.
• The cloud is an abstract representation of the Internet consisting of small networks.
• Data is uploaded, downloaded, and saved in the cloud using Internet services.

Elements of the Internet

Protocols

• Network protocols are established rules for formatting, sending, and receiving data across networks, ensuring communication despite differing infrastructures.
• Successful communication requires devices to accept and follow protocol conventions.
• Application Layer: End User Layer - HTTP, FTP, IRC, SSH, DNS
• Presentation Layer: Syntax Layer - HSL, SSH, IMAP, FTP MPEG, JPEG
• Session Layer: Synch & Send to Port - APIs Sockets, WinSock
• Transport Layer: End-to-End Connections - TCP, UDP
• Network Layer: Packets - IP, ICMP, IPSec, IGMP
• Data Link Layer: Frames - Ethernet, PPP, Switch, Bridge
• Physical Layer: Physical Structure - Coax, Fibre, Wireless, Repeaters

Connectivity

• Hosts are typically connected to the local switch/router via cable or wirelessly.
• Routers connect to edge routers through Gigabit Ethernet copper or fiber cables.
• The connection between edge routers and the backbone depends on bandwidth volume.
• Edge routers connect to the backbone via fiber or satellite links.
• The Internet backbone consists of undersea fiber cables or satellite links across major regions.