Cybersecurity Essentials You Always Wanted to Know

1. Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
1.1 Introduction to Cybersecurity
1.2 The CIA Triad
1.3 Importance of Cybersecurity
1.4 Cyber Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Attacks
1.5 Cybersecurity Awareness Training
Chapter Summary
Quiz
Case Study 1: Adoption of the CIA Triad

2. Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance
2.1 Cybersecurity Governance
2.2 Cybersecurity Risk Management
2.3 Cybersecurity Compliance
2.4 Cybersecurity Compliance Frameworks
Chapter Summary
Quiz

3. Physical Security
3.1 Access Control
3.2 Physical Security Risks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
3.3 Physical Security Controls
3.4 Physical Security Challenges
Chapter Summary
Quiz

4. Network Security
4.1 Network Security Devices
4.2 Network Security Threats
4.3 Network Security Technologies
4.4 Wireless and Mobile Security
4.5 Network Monitoring
Chapter Summary
Quiz

5. Database Security
5.1 Types of Database Models
5.2 Components of a Database Management System (DBMS)
5.3 ACID Principles
5.4 Database Security Risks and Controls
5.5 Data Loss Prevention
Chapter Summary
Quiz

6. Cryptography
6.1 Introduction to Encryption
6.2 Encryption Methods
6.3 Encryption Mechanisms
6.4 Encryption Key Management
6.5 Hashing
6.6 Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
Chapter Summary
Quiz
Case Study 2: Implementation of Encryption Strategies

7. Identity and Access Management
7.1 Introduction to IAM
7.2 Identification, Authentication, and Authorization
7.3 Identity Governance and Administration (IGA)
7.4 Identity as a Service (IDaaS)
7.5 Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
7.6 Emerging Technologies in IAM
Chapter Summary
Quiz

8. Security Testing
8.1 Vulnerability Assessments
8.2 Penetration Tests
8.3 Dynamic Testing
8.4 Static Testing
8.5 Secure Coding Practices
Chapter Summary
Quiz

9. Incident Management
9.1 Incident Response Process
9.2 Tips for Improving an Incident Response
9.3 Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR)
9.4 Disaster Recovery
9.5 Cyber Forensics
Chapter Summary
Quiz

10. Cloud Security
10.1 Introduction to Cloud Security
10.2 Cloud Service Models
10.3 Cloud Deployment Models
10.4 Importance of Cybersecurity in the Cloud
10.5 The Shared Responsibility Model (SRM)
10.6 Application Security
10.7 DevSecOps
Chapter Summary
Quiz

Glossary

Further Reading

Elastos Chimwanda is a seasoned cybersecurity and cloud security expert with 15+ years of experience. He is also a subject matter expert with esteemed professional bodies like ISACA, ISC2, and CSA.

Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth.

Vibrant Publishers is focused on presenting the best texts for learning about technology and business as well as books for test preparation. Categories include programming, operating systems and other texts focused on IT. In addition, a series of books helps professionals in their own disciplines learn the business skills needed in their professional growth.

Vibrant Publishers has a standardized test preparation series covering the GMAT, GRE and SAT, providing ample study and practice material in a simple and well organized format, helping students get closer to their dream universities.

The Self-Learning Management Series is designed to help students, new managers, career switchers, and entrepreneurs learn essential management lessons and covers every aspect of business, from HR to Finance to Marketing to Operations across any and every industry. Each book includes basic fundamentals, important concepts, and standard and well-known principles as well as practical ways of application of the subject matter.

This book provides a well-structured and concise introduction to cybersecurity, allowing both beginners and professionals to build or reinforce their understanding. The layout is clean and easy to follow, with well-formatted tables, images, lists, case studies, and practice questions that enhance learning. It effectively covers a wide range of topics, from core concepts to cloud security and GRC, with strong coverage of database security, which is often underrepresented. Ideal for students, professionals, and certification candidates, this book can also support courses in IT fundamentals, security awareness, or introductory cybersecurity.
-- Jonathan Isley
Author, CompTIA CySA+ Certification Guide

Cybersecurity Essentials simplifies a complex field with clarity and purpose. Elastos Chimwanda has crafted a much-needed bridge between foundational cybersecurity knowledge and real-world application. An ideal starting point for students, business leaders, and professionals looking to break into the field.
-- Julio Bandeira de Melo
Cybersecurity Leader

All good scholars always begin with the basics. In Cybersecurity Essentials, Elastos Chimwanda uses his long experience to build an introduction to cybersecurity. The book introduces and defines core terminology and explains where different terms might be encountered. The book covers terms from basic compliance and network security, through cryptography, testing, and incident management. If you are just starting your cybersecurity journey, this can point you in the right direction.

Each chapter has a great deal of definitional explanation, beginning with basic terms, discussing challenges, and then best practices. The book’s latter half dives a little deeper into concepts such as cryptography, Identity and Access Management, and security testing. The author also dives into cloud security and the importance of sharing responsibility with a provider. One of the standout chapters was the Incident Response.

Overall, this book is a great start for anyone beginning their journey into cybersecurity. It introduces the right terms, the right thought patterns, and the correct questions to ask. Every term is carefully explained, and the chapters include follow-up questions to ensure the right message appears. If you are just starting your cybersecurity journey, this book can help ease your journey.
-- Dr. Mark Peters,
Retired USAF and Cybersecurity Author

This is an excellent introductory resource to cybersecurity. As a novice, its prose isn't too technical to inhibit understanding, and it also explains more complicated concepts well. Diagrams and models support understanding.
This textbook offers a thorough and well-explained overview of cybersecurity. It would be a great resource for individuals interested in learning about it or for supporting learning in a classroom.
-- Open Doors Learning Services Ltd.

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