MIS 503 Cybersecurity Fundamentals

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the foundational principles and practices of cybersecurity, establishing a conceptual and technical framework for advanced study and professional application. The course begins by developing a shared understanding of cybersecurity terminology, concepts, and the evolving threat landscape. Students will explore critical domains including network and systems security, cryptography, data protection, and secure operating system design. Building upon these core concepts, the course examines contemporary and emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile computing, robotics, and social media, emphasizing their unique security challenges and implications for organizational resilience. Students will analyze common cybersecurity attacks and defense mechanisms, evaluate risk management strategies, and assess the ethical, legal, and policy dimensions that shape modern cybersecurity practice.