Building a Cybersecurity Mindset
Course Description:
In this Bigger Brains course, you’ll explore what it means to build a true cybersecurity mindset—one that helps you recognize and respond to threats at work and at home. Guided by subject matter expert Dr. Mike Chapple, a cybersecurity practitioner and educator with more than 25 years of experience, you’ll learn why cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and how daily habits play a critical role in preventing attacks. You’ll see how cybercriminals misuse stolen passwords and discover how to strengthen your defenses with passphrases, password managers, multifactor authentication, and passkeys. You’ll learn how to recognize common attack techniques including phishing, spear phishing, vishing, and deepfakes and how AI has increased the sophistication of modern threats. You’ll also learn how to spot email red flags, avoid dangerous attachments, and limit your exposure on social media. Finally, you’ll explore practical steps for securing your home network, protecting your data on public WiFi, and staying safe while traveling—equipping you with the mindset and habits needed to guard against cyber risks every day.
Why “Building a Cybersecurity Mindset” Matters:
• Describe the impact of cyberattacks
• Explain why cybersecurity is a shared business responsibility
• Discuss the importance of daily security habits
• Define passphrases, password managers, MFA, and passkeys
• Define and recognize phishing, spear phishing, and vishing
• List ways to spot red flags in emails
• Define and recognize deep fakes
• Explain how AI has changed the quality of attacks
• Explain how hackers target your personal and corporate data posted online
• Identify red flags that may indicate potential attacks
• List steps to take to limit exposure on social media
• Identify the risks of using public Wi-Fi
• List steps you can take to make your home network stronger
• Identify steps to take to stay secure when traveling