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Introduction to Cybersecurity (Vigenere)

Units

Unit Description
What is Cybersecurity?: Students will be introduced to cybersecurity basics. They will focus on why cybersecurity is important, recent threats to cybersecurity, and different careers in the field.
Digital Citizenship and Cyber Hygiene: Students will explore topics on Internet etiquette and how to stay safe on the world wide web. They will also look at the potential effects of their digital footprints, how to protect information from online risks, and the implications of cyberbullying. Finally, the module includes how to find and cite quality resources online.
Project: Public Service Announcement: For this project, students will create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to teach their peers about digital citizenship and cyber hygiene. They can select any of the topics covered in this unit.
The ABCs of Cryptography: Students will dive into the history of cryptography systems, the motivation behind using encryption systems, and basic cryptography systems. Additionally, students will explore topics on how to use cryptography, cryptology, and cryptanalysis to decode a message without the use of a key. Finally, they will look into more advanced cryptographic topics like public key cryptography and hash functions.
Project: Classic Cipher Newscast: In this project, students will get to create a newscast! This could be pre-recorded or presented live. They will be assigned to teams of 3-4. Each team is expected to write, rehearse, and perform an approximately 5 – 10 minute newscast. Each team will be given a different **classic cipher** (beyond Caesar and Vigenere) to research and address in their newscast.
Software Security: Students will learn what happens when running a web application and how to look inside web apps using developer tools, source code, and more. They will learn basic SQL so they can learn about common attacks like SQLi and XSS, and recommend solutions for flawed security systems.
Networking Fundamentals: Students will explore the structure and design of the internet and networks, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy. They will learn how the Internet connects computers all over the world. Finally, students will explore basic networking protocols, practical networking, and how networks are secured.
Final Course Project: In this final course project, students will have the option of selecting one of two of the pathways: create a presentation and flyer about a career in Cybersecurity or tips for online safety. Each will require research outside what has been provided in this course.
Final Exam: Students are assessed on topics learned throughout the course.

Unit Description
Cryptocurrency: This module gives an introduction to cryptocurrencies and characteristics of its underlying technology, which is blockchain. It delves into the possibilities of how cryptocurrencies can solve some global banking problems, but also looks at the major deficiencies and problems of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
SQL Part II: The SQL: Continue learning more topics in SQL.
Web Development: In this unit, students will go through a high level introduction to HTML, CSS, and the processes involved in viewing web pages on the internet. Students will create several simple web pages using the CodeHS online editor to gain practice using the various features of HTML and CSS.
Midterm: