Cyber Security Fundamentals and Vulnerability Management Training

🛡️ Module 1: Cyber Security Fundamentals

This module provides the essential foundation of cybersecurity, its principles, and the landscape of threats.

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1.1 Introduction and Core Concepts

• What is Cybersecurity?

• The CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)

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• Different careers in Cyber Security.

• Cybersecurity Terminology & Frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).

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1.2 Threats and Attacks

• Types of Threats:

  • Malware (Viruses, Worms, Trojans)

  • Phishing and other social engineering attacks.

  • Insider threats.

  • Ransomware.

• Common Cyberattacks & Threat Actors:

  • Social engineering.

  • DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service).

  • Brute force attacks.

  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APT).

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1.3 Defense Mechanisms and Best Practices

• Security Policies & Best Practices.

• User Security: Password hygiene and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

• Access Control: Access control models and the Least Privilege Principle.

• Secure Configuration Practices (Hardening).

• Network Fundamentals (Review of networking concepts).

• Network Security Mechanisms (Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs).

• Endpoint & Server Security.

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🔍 Module 2: Introduction to Vulnerability Management

This module introduces the key concepts, terminology, and importance of managing vulnerabilities.

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2.1 Foundational Vulnerability Concepts

• Definition and importance of Vulnerability Management in cybersecurity.

• Difference between vulnerabilities, threats, and risks.

• Common vulnerability types (e.g., misconfigurations, outdated software, design flaws).

• Understanding and identifying vulnerabilities:

  • What is a CVE? (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures).

  • What is the CVSS scoring system? (Common Vulnerability Scoring System).

  • What is NVD? (National Vulnerability Database).

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2.2 The Vulnerability Management Lifecycle

• Detailed review of the six stages of the Vulnerability Management Lifecycle:

  1. Discover – Identifying Assets and Vulnerabilities.

  2. Assess – Analyzing and Validating Vulnerabilities.

  3. Prioritize – Determining What to Fix First.

  4. Remediate – Fixing and Mitigating Vulnerabilities.

  5. Verify – Confirming the Effectiveness of Fixes.

  6. Report – Communicating Results and Insights.

• Roles and responsibilities in Vulnerability Management.

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⚙️ Module 3: Vulnerability Identification and Assessment

This module focuses on the practical techniques used to find, scan, and interpret vulnerabilities.

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3.1 Asset and Scope Management

• Asset discovery and inventory management.

• Vulnerability Scanning Tools: Selection criteria, licensing, and deployment models.

• Setting scan scopes, credentials, and schedules.

• Avoiding disruptions in production environments.

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3.2 Scanning Techniques and Results

• Active vs passive scanning.

• Authenticated vs unauthenticated scans.

• Common vulnerability scanning challenges.

• Interpreting Scan Results (Understanding the output from scanning tools).

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🎯 Module 4: Prioritization and Remediation

This module covers how to move from a list of vulnerabilities to effective mitigation and repair.

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4.1 Prioritization Strategies

• How to map findings to asset criticality.

• Prioritization Strategies: Using CVSS, threat intelligence, and business context.

• Risk-Based Vulnerability Management (RBVM).

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4.2 Remediation and Mitigation

• Vulnerability Remediation & Mitigation Techniques (Patching, configuration changes, workarounds).

• Setting vulnerability remediation SLAs (Service Level Agreements) based on severity and risk levels.

• Patch Management Best Practices:

  • Patch lifecycle.

  • Testing and deployment.

  • Rollback procedures.

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📈 Module 5: Program Management and Integration

The final module focuses on building, maintaining, and integrating a formal Vulnerability Management program.

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5.1 Reporting and Metrics

• Vulnerability remediation Reporting & Metrics (e.g., Time to Remediate, Coverage %).

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5.2 Building the Program

• Building a Vulnerability Management Program (Strategy and governance).

• Drafting a Vulnerability Management policy.

• Creating process flow diagrams and escalation paths.

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• Integrating VM with Other Security Processes:

  • Ties to Incident Response.

  • Integration with SOC operations.

  • Use of Threat Intelligence.