Introduction to cybersecurity

Overview

This microcredential introduces the basic principles of cybersecurity, digital identity, and networks, addressing the historical evolution of security from traditional computing to Information Security, defined by the dimensions of confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and non-repudiation. Students will learn to identify the most common attacks, understand their propagation techniques, and distinguish between intentional threats, accidents, and negligence, as well as learn about the main preventative measures. Finally, the regulatory and reference framework of the sector is presented, including the NIS Directive, the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the National Security Framework.

Goals

Learn the basic principles of cybersecurity, digital identity, and networks. Understand the evolution of security, from computing to the comprehensive concept of information security. The core of security is defined by five key dimensions: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Authentication, and Non-Repudiation.
Identify the most common types of attacks and preventative measures. Classify threats as intentional attacks, accidents, and negligence. Study the spread and techniques of attacks.
Understand industry standards. Understand the context of the NIS Directive, the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the National Security Framework.

Access requirements

If you do not hold a bachelor's degree, students enrolled in undergraduate or master's degree programs will be accepted, preferably those in the fields of Engineering and Architecture and Science, as these provide the necessary technical and analytical foundation for understanding the course content. Undergraduate degrees at the University of La Laguna considered particularly relevant include:

Engineering and Architecture Branch

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Chemical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Degree in Technical Architecture
Bachelor's Degree in Marine Technologies
Degree in Nautical Studies and Maritime Transport

Branch of Sciences

Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Physics
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Biology
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences

Students and graduates from other fields of knowledge, such as Social Sciences and Law, Health Sciences or Arts and Humanities, may also be admitted, provided they demonstrate interest or experience in areas related to technology, data analysis, programming or digital innovation.

Academic program

Contents

1. Introduction and definitions: Basic principles of Cybersecurity, Digital Identity and basic notions of cryptography.

2. The most common threats: Identifying the most common types of attacks. Propagation, functionality and origin; prevention measures and the importance of the human factor.

3. Standards and Legal Framework + Management Tools

Methodology and activities

Regarding the way to organize the teaching to achieve the objectives set out in the micro-credential, the organizational modality summarized below will be followed:

Lectures/expository method: presentation or explanation by the teaching staff.

Individual work: individual preparation of assignments/projects/reports, portfolio…

Personal study: preparation for tests, exams, etc.

Tutoring: instruction period in which teachers and students interact with the aim of reviewing and discussing materials and topics presented in class.

Evaluation criteria

The microcredential will have an evaluation system (ES) based on the following assessment tests:

Objective tests (true/false, multiple choice, test-type, fill-in-the-blank, ordering, etc.): These are measurement instruments that allow for the evaluation of knowledge, skills, performance, aptitudes, etc. The answers are closed-ended, thus promoting objectivity during the scoring process.

Short answer tests: a type of objective test in which students do not elaborate on their answers and must respond to the specific information requested.

General information

Credits: 2 ECTS

Duration: 27/01/2026-10/02/2026

Teaching modality: On-line

Location: Virtual Classroom/Higher School of Engineering and Technology

Registration

More information

Flexibility

Short courses available in various formats (in-person, online, or hybrid). Ideal for learning without interrupting your professional life.

Employability

Content created and delivered by professionals and experts in the field, designed for immediate application.

Certification

Endorsed by the University of La Laguna. You will receive an official ECTS certificate, valid in the European Higher Education Area.

Teaching staff

Javier Padilla Pío

Carlos Benjamín Rosa Remedios

Tuition

Registration link

Registration

Registration fee with or without discount

Tuition fees subsidized by the Cybersecurity Chair of the University of La Laguna C065/23, financed by the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) and funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – Next Generation EU funds

Introduction to cybersecurity