Introduction

In today’s increasingly connected world, cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for IT professionals; it is a critical issue for everyone. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, non-technical employees play a crucial role in protecting sensitive data, systems, and networks. This course is designed for individuals who do not have a technical background but need to understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity, how to recognize potential threats, and how to adopt secure practices in their day-to-day work. The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge to recognize risks, avoid common mistakes, and adopt simple, effective cybersecurity habits to protect both personal and organizational information.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand basic cybersecurity concepts and their importance in both personal and professional contexts.
2. Recognize common cybersecurity threats such as phishing, malware, and social engineering.
3. Learn how to create strong, secure passwords and manage them effectively.
4. Adopt secure practices when using email, social media, and browsing the internet.
5. Understand how to safeguard sensitive data and ensure privacy in both digital and physical environments.
6. Recognize the importance of reporting cybersecurity incidents and how to respond to potential breaches.
7. Cultivate a cybersecurity-aware mindset and contribute to an organization’s overall security culture.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Non-technical employees who want to understand cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Office administrators, customer service representatives, and other staff members who handle sensitive information.
• Business owners and managers who want to ensure their teams follow basic cybersecurity best practices.
• Individuals working remotely or in hybrid environments who need to safeguard their devices and information.
• Anyone who wants to improve their personal cybersecurity knowledge to stay safe online.

5-Day Training Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Common Threats

• Session 1: What is Cybersecurity?
  • Overview of cybersecurity: Definitions and core concepts.
  • The importance of cybersecurity in the modern digital world.
  • The role of individuals in safeguarding personal and organizational information.
• Session 2: Understanding Common Cybersecurity Threats
  • What is phishing? How to recognize phishing emails, calls, and websites.
  • Introduction to malware, ransomware, and spyware.
  • Social engineering and how attackers manipulate behavior.
  • Case study: Real-world examples of cybersecurity breaches.
• Session 3: Interactive Threat Recognition
  • Group activity: Analyzing examples of phishing emails and suspicious links.
  • Identifying red flags in digital communication.
  • Discussion: What makes a threat believable and how to spot it.

Day 2: Password Management and Data Protection

• Session 1: Password Security Best Practices
  • Importance of strong, unique passwords for each account.
  • How to create secure passwords (and remember them!).
  • Introduction to password managers: Why they are useful and how to use them.
• Session 2: Safeguarding Personal and Sensitive Information
  • What is sensitive data? Understanding personal, financial, and business-related data.
  • How to securely store, share, and dispose of sensitive data.
  • Protecting data from unauthorized access and leaks.
• Session 3: Hands-On Password Creation and Management
  • Exercise: Creating strong passwords and testing them for security.
  • Introduction to a password manager and how to store and retrieve credentials securely.
  • Group discussion: The importance of avoiding password reuse and sharing.

Day 3: Email Security and Safe Internet Practices

• Session 1: Secure Email Practices
  • How to recognize suspicious or fraudulent emails.
  • Understanding attachments, links, and embedded content in emails.
  • Best practices for responding to emails and avoiding social engineering tactics.
• Session 2: Internet Browsing and Privacy
  • Understanding the risks of public Wi-Fi and how to use secure networks.
  • Safe browsing habits: Recognizing insecure websites and avoiding malicious links.
  • Introduction to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure internet access.
• Session 3: Protecting Personal Information Online
  • Managing social media privacy settings to protect personal data.
  • Risks of oversharing on social media and how to control your digital footprint.
  • Group activity: Reviewing social media profiles for privacy vulnerabilities.

Day 4: Secure Collaboration and Communication in the Workplace

• Session 1: Safe Use of Collaboration Tools
  • Introduction to common collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
  • Understanding the risks of file sharing, screen sharing, and group chats.
  • Best practices for securing communications and files during remote work.
• Session 2: Mobile Device Security
  • How to secure smartphones and tablets against cyber threats.
  • Best practices for using mobile apps safely and securely.
  • The importance of keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.
• Session 3: Data Encryption and Secure File Sharing
  • How data encryption protects sensitive information.
  • Best practices for securely sharing files (cloud storage, email attachments, etc.).
  • Hands-on activity: Encrypting and securely sharing a file.

Day 5: Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents and Building a Security-Aware Culture

• Session 1: Recognizing and Responding to Cybersecurity Incidents
  • What to do if you suspect a security breach.
  • Reporting incidents: Who to contact and what information is needed.
  • Steps to take if you’ve fallen victim to a phishing attack or malware infection.
• Session 2: Building a Cybersecurity-Aware Mindset
  • Encouraging proactive cybersecurity habits in the workplace.
  • Educating peers and colleagues about common threats and safe practices.
  • The importance of continuous learning and staying informed about new threats.
• Session 3: Final Review and Cybersecurity Action Plan
  • Recap of key cybersecurity concepts covered in the course.
  • Developing a personal cybersecurity action plan to implement at work and home.
  • Group discussion: How to create a security-conscious workplace culture.

Training Methodology

• Interactive Discussions: Facilitated sessions where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and discuss real-life cybersecurity scenarios.
• Hands-On Exercises: Practical activities such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and securing devices.
• Case Studies: Analyzing real-world cybersecurity breaches and discussing lessons learned.
• Group Activities: Working in small groups to solve cybersecurity challenges, including creating secure passwords, managing social media privacy, and securing files.
• Action Planning: Participants will develop a personalized action plan for adopting and promoting secure practices within their organization.