Cybersecurity Fundamentals Semester 1

Enrollment Message

Available for 2026 Summer registration. Students need access to a webcam or video recording device.

Course Description

In today’s world, almost everything we do in school, shopping, social media, banking, and communication depends on computers and the internet. With that convenience comes risk. Cybersecurity is all about protecting our personal information, devices, and networks from digital attacks and keeping our online world safe.

In this course, you’ll explore how cyberattacks happen, why people commit them, and how professionals defend against them. You’ll learn about topics such as hacking, encryption, digital footprints, intrusion detection, and password safety. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with real-world scenarios, discussions, and creative projects that help you think like a cybersecurity expert.

By the end of the course, you’ll understand the importance of cybersecurity in everyday life and know how to apply safe and smart digital practices in your own online world.

• Indiana Core40 Diploma Applicable through class of 2028
• Counts as a directed elective or elective all diplomas
• Fulfills a science requirement for all diploma types
• Indiana NEW Diploma Applicable for students entering school in 2025-26 (Class of 2029) 
• Fulfills an Elective Credit

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• explain the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) and how it protects digital information.
• identify and describe common cyber threats and attack methods, such as phishing, spoofing, DoS/DDoS attacks, malware, and social engineering.
• analyze real-world data breaches and explain how vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and human behavior can lead to attacks.
• describe the structure and purpose of network defense tools, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and other security technologies.
• explain the basics of cryptography and steganography, and how they are used to protect and conceal digital information.
• describe the role and lifecycle of digital certificates and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in keeping online communication secure.
• compare and contrast types of hackers (e.g., white hat, black hat, gray hat) and discuss ethical responsibilities in cybersecurity.
• evaluate the impact of social media and digital footprints on online privacy, reputation, and security awareness.
• apply practical cybersecurity strategies such as strong password creation, data protection, and safe wireless configuration to real-world scenarios.
• demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills through discussions, assignments, and projects that connect course learning to everyday digital life.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Next Level Programs of Study Competencies

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1 Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Unit 2 The Basics of Cybersecurity Part I 
• Unit 3 The Basics of Cybersecurity Part II
• Unit 4 Intrusion and Intrusion Detection Systems Part I

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the minimum number of assessments

• 8 Discussion
• 9 Assignments
• 7 Quizzes

The assessments for this asynchronous course are weighted as follows

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students are required to have a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.