Introduction to Cyber Security

Nature and basic concepts of cyber security - assets, risks, threats, weaknesses, security measures. Different security and risk assessment methods, security task solving process. Cryptographic techniques in cybersecurity, various cryptal algorithms and their uses. Authentication and authorization, password security. E-signature (digital signature) tools, PKI. Secure programming, database security, network security. Web Application Security, OWASP. Cyber Hygiene. Ethical and legal side of security, protection of personal data.

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2025/2026 which starts on 1st of September and ends on 25th of January (you can find that information under Start date section). TalTech's timetables for Autumn semester 2025 will be published at the end of June via tunniplaan.taltech.ee. Switch the page to English and use "Search" and "Open detailed search" to find your course. NB! Some courses are taught by several lecturers during the same semester. Make sure that the course name and lecturer/teacher infromation of your course match with the information given in the Course Catalogue.

Student:

• is familiar with the main concepts of cybersecurity and their content;
• knows the most common basic cybersecurity techniques and can use them in typical situations;
• is familiar with typical malware behaviour patterns;
• is familiar with the main cryptograhic methods in cybersecurity and is able to use them for encryption and signing purposes, as well as is familiar with the principles of PKI;
• can test password security by using dictionary attacks and rainbow tables;
• is familiar with the standard techniques for database security and network security;
• can implement best cyber hygiene practices;
• is familiar with the ethical and legal side of cyber security at the basic level.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

None.

• - Edward Griffor. Handbook of System Safety and Security.Elsevier, 2016;
• - Micki Krause Nozaki, and Harold F. Tipton. Information Security Management Handbook, 6th Edition, CRC Press, 2016;
• - Ross Anderson. Security engineering. http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~rja14/book.html;
• - H. Mägi, L. Vitsut. Infosõda: visioonid ja tegelikkus. Tallinn, EE, 2008;
• - T. Beltier, J. Beltier, J. Blackley. Information Security Fundamentals. Auerbach, 2004.

lectures, practices