Kennesaw State University
An Employee's Guide to Cybersecurity

Cultivate your career with expert-led programs, job-ready certificates, and 10,000 ways to grow. All for $25/month, billed annually. Save now

Kennesaw State University

An Employee's Guide to Cybersecurity

Herbert J. Mattord, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, CDP
Michael Whitman, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP

Instructors: Herbert J. Mattord, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, CDP

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals

    Social Engineering

    Cybersecurity Threats and Attacks

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

April 2025

Assessments

25 assignments

Taught in English
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 6 modules in this course

Welcome to An Employee’s Guide to Cybersecurity. This course is designed to help you understand your role in protecting your organization’s digital information and systems. You’ll explore the fundamentals of cybersecurity, learn how to recognize threats like phishing and malware, and discover practical ways to secure your devices and communications—especially when working remotely. We’ll also cover the importance of cybersecurity policies, legal and regulatory requirements, and how your online behavior can impact your organization. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or need a refresher, this course will equip you with essential knowledge and skills to stay secure and support a safe workplace environment.

What's included

1 video

In today's interconnected world, protecting sensitive information is everyone's responsibility. This module introduces the fundamentals of cybersecurity, helping employees understand what cybersecurity is, why it matters, and how everyday actions can make or break an organization’s security posture. Through five focused lessons, you’ll explore core cybersecurity concepts, learn about common threats and attackers, and discover practical ways to safeguard information—from managing passwords to recognizing malware and avoiding costly mistakes. By the end of this module, you'll be equipped with the essential knowledge to play your part in keeping systems secure.

What's included

7 videos6 assignments

Social engineering is one of the most effective tools in a cyberattacker’s arsenal, targeting people rather than technology. This module explores how attackers use deception, impersonation, and manipulation—online and in person—to exploit human trust and gain access to sensitive systems and information. You’ll learn to recognize common attack techniques, such as phishing and business email compromise, and develop the skills to respond effectively and protect yourself and your organization.

What's included

7 videos6 assignments

As remote work becomes more common, so do the cybersecurity risks that come with working outside the traditional office environment. In this module, employees will learn how to recognize and address the unique threats associated with remote work—ranging from insecure networks and devices to phishing, ransomware, and physical security risks. Each lesson provides practical guidance for safeguarding organizational data and personal devices through proper endpoint protection, secure communication, controlled remote access, and awareness of both digital and physical vulnerabilities. By the end of this module, you'll understand the essential security practices that help keep remote work safe, productive, and resilient.

What's included

7 videos1 reading6 assignments

Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT professionals—every employee plays a vital role in protecting an organization’s information assets and reputation. This module explores how employees contribute to cybersecurity through policy compliance, responsible use of technology, legal awareness, and professional online conduct. By understanding expectations and taking action in everyday situations, employees help safeguard the organization from threats and support a culture of accountability, trust, and resilience.

What's included

7 videos6 assignments

Congratulations on completing An Employee’s Guide to Cybersecurity! You've taken an important step in becoming a more informed, proactive, and responsible member of your organization’s cybersecurity mission. By understanding threats, following policies, and adopting secure behaviors—both online and offline—you help protect not only your company’s information but also your coworkers, customers, and community. Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing responsibility we all share. Stay curious, stay vigilant, and continue applying what you’ve learned to keep yourself and your organization secure. Thank you for your commitment to building a safer workplace. Well done!

What's included

1 video1 assignment

Instructors

Herbert J. Mattord, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP, CDP
Kennesaw State University
19 Courses136,636 learners
Michael Whitman, Ph.D., CISM, CISSP
Kennesaw State University
19 Courses136,636 learners

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

New to Business Essentials? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions