Harvard VPAL
Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age
Study the cybersecurity fundamentals and develop a cyber risk mitigation strategy that protects your customers and your business.
Start date
10 September 2025
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
8–11 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The course provides an excellent basis for taking a holistic view of cybersecurity and developing a keen eye for critical details. Especially valuable was the exchange with experienced tutors, assessors, and participants, which not only broadened my horizons but was also a lot of fun.
Andreas F. | CEO, e2 Security
I was thoroughly impressed with the content provided in this course. It was [...] informative and engaging, covering a range of topics that deepened my understanding significantly. My understanding of the subject matter has been greatly enhanced through a combination of the comprehensive coursework and the interactive elements of the program.
Kyle S. | IT Systems Administrator, BWX Technologies
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
News of large-scale cybersecurity threats and cyberattacks frequently dominate the headlines: hackers exploiting vulnerabilities of retail giants, foreign influence in elections, and new forms of ransomware underscore the importance of preparing for these threats.
Cyber risk management has become a fundamental component of business operations, and understanding and mitigating risk has become an essential skill for business leaders, analysts, as well as security and technology specialists.
The Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age online short course from Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX, equips you with a comprehensive understanding of how to identify and manage operational, litigation, and reputational risk. Over eight weeks, you’ll learn how to conduct a vulnerability assessment and mitigate web and network security vulnerabilities within an organization’s networks, systems, and data, and explore strategies for responding to a cyberattack. Develop the knowledge and skills to protect the integrity and confidentiality of digital assets with this cybersecurity course.
Is the Harvard VPAL cybersecurity online short course for you?
This online short course offers an in-depth exploration of cybersecurity that is valuable for executives and specialist roles such as cybersecurity analyst, security administration, or information security manager. Business leaders will gain the knowledge needed to lead their organizations through the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, and develop the know-how to set appropriate budget guides for this task. This web security-focused online course will also allow cybersecurity professionals, risk analysts, technology specialists, and information security professionals the opportunity to build confidence and understanding in a key area of importance for their roles. Other professionals will benefit from gaining an up-to-date overview and understanding of cybersecurity and risk.
Learn cybersecurity fundamentals of systems and network security
Explore cybersecurity fundamentals of systems and network security and how to protect an organization’s digital assets from cyberattacks. A cybersecurity course teaches business leaders how to lead their organizations through the intricacy of the cybersecurity landscape and improve cybersecurity skills.
Grow your confidence and understanding
With cybersecurity threats on the rise, so too is awareness around these threats and attacks. As a business leader, executive, or specialist, it is essential to have an understanding of cybersecurity to protect your organization from a potential cyberattack and its associated risks. The Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age online short course from Harvard's VPAL provides you with the knowledge and skills to confidently lead your organization through the cybersecurity landscape.
What are common types of cyberattacks?
Data breaches and cyberattacks come in many forms, and there are many common types of attacks that you should be aware of. One common type of cyberattack is phishing, a technique used to obtain digital information such as passwords or credit card details by pretending to be a trustworthy entity by using electronic communication. Cybercriminals often use phishing emails as the initial entry point into a network to steal data or install malware. Malware is another common type of cyberattack and refers to software designed to disrupt or gain unauthorized access to a computer. A cybersecurity course is a great way to gain an understanding of cyberattacks and improve cybersecurity skills.
Protect networks and computer systems
It's important that business leaders and cybersecurity professionals, such as a cybersecurity engineer and security architect, protect networks and computer systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Data breaches and cyberattacks can have a devastating effect on individuals, businesses, and governments, making data integrity a key issue for organizations.
Ensure data integrity
Data integrity is the assurance that data has not been changed or corrupted in any way, accidental or intentional. This cybersecurity course can equip you with cybersecurity awareness, understanding, and skills to develop and lead your organization's cybersecurity plan.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
News of large-scale cybersecurity threats and cyberattacks frequently dominate the headlines: hackers exploiting vulnerabilities of retail giants, foreign influence in elections, and new forms of ransomware underscore the importance of preparing for these threats.
Cyber risk management has become a fundamental component of business operations, and understanding and mitigating risk has become an essential skill for business leaders, analysts, as well as security and technology specialists.
The Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age online short course from Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX, equips you with a comprehensive understanding of how to identify and manage operational, litigation, and reputational risk. Over eight weeks, you’ll learn how to conduct a vulnerability assessment and mitigate web and network security vulnerabilities within an organization’s networks, systems, and data, and explore strategies for responding to a cyberattack. Develop the knowledge and skills to protect the integrity and confidentiality of digital assets with this cybersecurity course.
Is the Harvard VPAL cybersecurity online short course for you?
This online short course offers an in-depth exploration of cybersecurity that is valuable for executives and specialist roles such as cybersecurity analyst, security administration, or information security manager. Business leaders will gain the knowledge needed to lead their organizations through the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, and develop the know-how to set appropriate budget guides for this task. This web security-focused online course will also allow cybersecurity professionals, risk analysts, technology specialists, and information security professionals the opportunity to build confidence and understanding in a key area of importance for their roles. Other professionals will benefit from gaining an up-to-date overview and understanding of cybersecurity and risk.
Learn cybersecurity fundamentals of systems and network security
Explore cybersecurity fundamentals of systems and network security and how to protect an organization’s digital assets from cyberattacks. A cybersecurity course teaches business leaders how to lead their organizations through the intricacy of the cybersecurity landscape and improve cybersecurity skills.
Grow your confidence and understanding
With cybersecurity threats on the rise, so too is awareness around these threats and attacks. As a business leader, executive, or specialist, it is essential to have an understanding of cybersecurity to protect your organization from a potential cyberattack and its associated risks. The Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age online short course from Harvard's VPAL provides you with the knowledge and skills to confidently lead your organization through the cybersecurity landscape.
What are common types of cyberattacks?
Data breaches and cyberattacks come in many forms, and there are many common types of attacks that you should be aware of. One common type of cyberattack is phishing, a technique used to obtain digital information such as passwords or credit card details by pretending to be a trustworthy entity by using electronic communication. Cybercriminals often use phishing emails as the initial entry point into a network to steal data or install malware. Malware is another common type of cyberattack and refers to software designed to disrupt or gain unauthorized access to a computer. A cybersecurity course is a great way to gain an understanding of cyberattacks and improve cybersecurity skills.
Protect networks and computer systems
It's important that business leaders and cybersecurity professionals, such as a cybersecurity engineer and security architect, protect networks and computer systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats. Data breaches and cyberattacks can have a devastating effect on individuals, businesses, and governments, making data integrity a key issue for organizations.
Ensure data integrity
Data integrity is the assurance that data has not been changed or corrupted in any way, accidental or intentional. This cybersecurity course can equip you with cybersecurity awareness, understanding, and skills to develop and lead your organization's cybersecurity plan.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
The ability to recommend a cybersecurity leadership plan.
The skills needed to develop a cyber risk mitigation strategy.
A practical, holistic understanding of cybersecurity and its value.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Cybersecurity risk is business risk
Module 2
Identifying cyber threats
Module 3
Identifying important business systems and assets
Module 4
The role of leadership in managing cyber risk
Module 5
Understanding your technology
Module 6
Cyber risk and the law
Module 7
Incident response and accountability
Module 8
Designing and implementing a mitigation strategy
What past students
think
Bob Fabien Zinga
Head of Security and IT, Directly; Information Warfare Officer, US Navy Reserve
This is one of the most challenging and yet rewarding courses I have ever completed. This is an excellent program for individuals who are thinking about starting a career in cybersecurity. It is equally great for those, like me, who have been in this field for quite a while. The course is well designed to evoke deep thoughts and discussions about the application of cybersecurity principles in real life to reduce or mitigate risk in a complex and interconnected world. Besides, the course provided an avenue for increased networking with like-minded cybersecurity professionals around the world.
Course Convener
Eric Rosenbach
Co-Director, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
About the certificate
Learn cybersecurity best practices online and earn a premier certificate from Harvard’s Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL), in association with HarvardX.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
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Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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