Cybersecurity Foundations and Technical Fundamentals

Across four modules, you’ll build a practical, system-level understanding of how cyber risks emerge and how layered controls protect modern digital environments. You’ll begin with the core goals and language of cybersecurity before exploring cryptography, authentication, access control and network security. 

Throughout the course, you’ll apply these concepts in a virtual Linux Sandpit. Rather than only learning what cybersecurity controls are designed to do, you’ll use commands and tools to navigate systems, inspect files, generate and compare hashes, manage permissions, examine authentication processes and explore network behaviour. 

By connecting technical concepts with guided hands-on activities, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of what happens beneath the surface of digital systems. By the end of the course, you’ll be better equipped to recognise vulnerabilities, explain how attacks occur and understand how multiple technical controls work together to protect systems, identities and networks.

The micro-credential consists of four (4) modules that combine cybersecurity concepts with guided technical practice: 

Cyber Security in Practice: introduces the goals and language of cybersecurity, including assets, threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, risk and controls. You’ll also enter the Linux Sandpit and begin using commands to navigate, create, copy and inspect files and directories. 

Protecting Information: explores how cryptography, encryption and hashing protect information. Through practical activities, you’ll generate and compare hashes, observe how changes affect file integrity and investigate how cryptographic controls operate. 

Authentication and Access Control: examines how systems verify identity and control what users are permitted to do. You’ll work with password protection, hashing, multi-factor authentication, SSH, users, groups and Linux file permissions. 

Network Security: explores how data moves through networks and where vulnerabilities can emerge. You’ll use network tools and apply defence-in-depth thinking to examine secure transmission, firewalls, segmentation and intrusion detection. 

This course is ideal for professionals, operational staff, aspiring cyber practitioners and learners who want to build practical cybersecurity capability through guided technical activities. 

It will be particularly valuable for participants who want to move beyond a general awareness of cyber risk and develop hands-on experience with Linux systems, cryptography, authentication, access controls and network security. No advanced technical background is required, but participants should be comfortable engaging with command-line activities and working through practical system-based tasks. 

Participants who complete this micro-credential will earn a certificate of completion. Participants who package this course together with Cyber Leadership, Governance and Organisational Resilience (study both courses) will be eligible to receive a digital badge to recognise their achievement, demonstrating to employers and peers the skills and knowledge acquired. Participants who complete both this course and Cyber Leadership, Governance and Organisational Resilience will also earn 10 credit points (CP) that contribute toward the Master of Cyber Security at Griffith University.  

This 6-week online course is structured for flexible, self-paced learning and is hosted on Griffith University’s Learning Management System.  

The course includes: 

• Rich learning content featuring videos, case studies, explanations and practical activities. 
• Four sequential learning modules.
• Regular guided activities in a virtual Linux Sandpit, where you’ll use cybersecurity commands and tools in a safe, controlled environment. 
• Assessments that include quizzes, Sandpit activities and scenario-based tasks designed to test both conceptual understanding and practical application. 
• Optional interactive webinars that provide opportunities to engage with facilitators, ask questions, discuss practical examples and connect with other participants. 

Professor Ernest Foo 

Professor Ernest Foo is a cybersecurity researcher and educator with extensive experience in critical infrastructure security, industrial control systems, network security, and cyber resilience. 

Throughout his career, Ernest has worked with industry, government, and critical infrastructure operators to help address complex cybersecurity challenges in sectors where reliability, safety, and trust are essential. His research has focused on protecting the systems that underpin modern society, including energy networks, industrial control systems, and other cyber-physical environments. 

At Griffith University, Ernest has played a leading role in cybersecurity education and workforce development, helping to prepare the next generation of cyber professionals and leaders. 

Known for his practical and engaging approach, Ernest is passionate about helping people understand cybersecurity as more than a technical issue - it is a leadership, governance, and organisational challenge that affects every sector and profession. 

Shaoqing Wang 

Shaoqing Wang is a cybersecurity and artificial intelligence researcher with a strong interest in securing next-generation communication systems. Her research integrates machine learning, network security, and quantum communication technologies to address emerging security challenges in increasingly complex digital environments. Through her research and teaching experience, she has developed strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. She is passionate about designing secure, resilient, and scalable systems that support critical infrastructure and large-scale digital services.