Cyber Security Essentials | Stay Safe. Stay Sharp. Stay Secure.

In today’s hyper-connected world, cyber threats are no longer a distant danger, they’re a daily reality. From phishing emails and weak passwords to compromised devices and unsafe networks, the risks are everywhere. This introductory course empowers you with the critical knowledge and practical tools needed to protect yourself, your data, and your organisation, at home and at work. Your First Line of Cyber Defence Developed by Macquarie University’s Cyber Skills Academy—ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and Australia’s leading cyber security school—this course has been designed for every individual, regardless of role or technical background. Whether you're a student, professional, or team leader, cyber security starts with you. Throughout the course, you’ll learn how to: • Recognise cyber risks and understand why security awareness matters in every workplace. • Create and manage secure passwords and use multi-factor authentication to protect your accounts. • Browse the internet safely and use social media without compromising privacy. • Avoid common traps like phishing scams, malware downloads, and data breaches. • Protect your mobile devices, handle portable media responsibly, and connect through public or untrusted networks with caution. • Understand the human and organisational cost of cybercrime, and how to spot threats before they become disasters. • Apply the CIA triad and explore the role of cyber strategy in modern organisations. Why It Matters Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy more than $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025. Every 39 seconds, a new cyber attack occurs. And yet, many attacks succeed not because of advanced hacking—but because of human error. This course is your essential toolkit for building cyber confidence. It’s not just about protecting data, it’s about protecting people, reputations, and livelihoods. Designed for Impact With self-paced, engaging content that can be completed in just a few hours, Cyber Security Essentials is perfect for building your cyber security resilience and literacy, onboarding new employees, building a culture of security awareness, or upskilling individuals with the practical knowledge to stay safe in a digital world. Secure your skills. Secure your future.