Online for the 2025-2026 School Year
Teacher: Emily Harnish
Email: emilyharnish49@gmail.com
Details:
Tuition: $350
Application: There is no separate application process for this course; by paying the tuition you will be enrolled.
Registration Deadline: The last day to register is September 8th.
Course Description:
This course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to protect themselves and their households in today’s digital world. By exploring topics such as account security, network protection, phishing prevention, and ethical online habits, students will develop the confidence to navigate the online landscape safely. Through hands-on lessons and real-world technical projects, this course prepares participants to safeguard their personal data, strengthen their digital security, and maintain a healthy online presence.
Expectations:
This course is designed to be a 12-week, half-credit course with an estimated workload of five hours per week. It will begin on September 15th, 2025, and end on December 14th, 2025, with a one-week break for Thanksgiving. This is a self-guided course delivered with Google Classroom. Assignments will be graded within one week of submission, and questions emailed to your teacher will be answered within 48 business hours. Virtual office hours will be offered twice a week, which any student may schedule to receive assistance with the course.
Student Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and implement strong password practices to secure personal accounts.
- Safely navigate public Wi-Fi networks and protect home networks against unauthorized access.
- Secure smart devices and IoT systems against potential vulnerabilities.
- Understand mobile-specific threats and implement strategies to protect mobile devices.
- Detect and prevent phishing attempts in emails, messages, and social media interactions.
- Minimize their digital footprint and manage their online reputation responsibly.
- Safeguard personal data privacy by reading privacy policies and limiting unnecessary sharing.
- Evaluate AI-generated content to avoid misinformation and use such tools responsibly.
- Responsibly interact with individuals online and secure systems against malicious software programs.
- Explore cybersecurity career paths and opportunities for continued growth in the field.
Required Technology:
Students must have a reliable internet connection and a working computer from which to complete and submit assignments. No specialized applications are required.
Course Outline:
|
Lesson Number: |
Topic: |
Assignments: |
|
Week 1: Cybersecurity Foundations |
Discover the importance of cybersecurity in today’s world and learn how foundational models like the CIA Triad and Defense in Depth guide secure practices. |
Week 1 Reading Week 1 Project Week 1 Discussion Week 1 Test |
|
Week 2: Password and Account Security |
Learn how to create strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and recover hacked accounts effectively. |
Week 2 Reading Week 2 Project Week 2 Discussion Week 2 Test |
|
Week 3: Network Security |
Understand the basics of internet communication, secure your home network, and protect yourself on public Wi-Fi with VPNs and firewalls. |
Week 3 Reading Week 3 Project Week 3 Discussion Week 3 Test |
|
Week 4: Internet of Things (IoT) Security |
Explore the risks associated with smart devices and learn practical tips to keep your IoT devices secure and your data safe. |
Week 4 Reading Week 4 Project Week 4 Discussion Week 4 Test |
|
Week 5: Mobile Device Security |
Discover strategies for safeguarding mobile devices, from securing apps and permissions to avoiding public Wi-Fi threats. |
Week 5 Reading Week 5 Project Week 5 Discussion Week 5 Test |
|
Week 6: Social Media Safety |
Learn how to protect your online reputation, recognize social engineering attacks, and create healthier digital habits. |
Week 6 Reading Week 6 Project Week 6 Discussion Week 6 Test |
|
Week 7: Phishing |
Understand how phishing works, recognize red flags, and learn practical techniques to avoid becoming a victim of online scams. |
Week 7 Reading Week 7 Project Week 7 Discussion Week 7 Test |
|
Week 8: Data Privacy |
Explore the importance of personal data privacy, how companies use your information, and strategies to limit your digital footprint. |
Week 8 Reading Week 8 Project Week 8 Discussion Week 8 Test |
|
Week 9: AI and Cybersecurity |
Dive into the role of AI in cybersecurity, including risks like deepfakes and AI-generated scams, and learn how to use AI responsibly. |
Week 9 Reading Week 9 Project Week 9 Discussion Week 9 Test |
|
Week 10: Ethical Hacking |
Discover the difference between ethical and illegal hacking and learn the importance of respecting privacy and ethical behavior in cybersecurity. |
Week 10 Reading Week 10 Project Week 10 Discussion Week 10 Test |
|
Week 11: Dangers of Malware |
Explore various types of malicious software, how they spread, and the steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim. |
Week 11 Reading Week 11 Project Week 11 Discussion Week 11 Test |
|
Week 12: Your Future in Cybersecurity |
Learn about cybersecurity career paths, certifications, and how to continue developing your skills for the future. |
Week 12 Reading Week 12 Project Week 12 Discussion Week 12 Test |
Assignments:
- Discussions: A weekly research assignment tasking students with exploring a current cybersecurity news event and posting their thoughts on a discussion board, worth 15% of the total course grade.
- Tests: A weekly, multiple-choice test evaluating a student’s comprehension of the material, worth 15% of the total course grade.
- Technical Projects: A practical application of the weekly reading, enabling students to improve their own personal cybersecurity, worth 55% of the total course grade.
- Final Project: A culminating assignment showcasing the skills acquired through the course, worth 15% of the total course grade.
About Your Teacher:
Emily Harnish is a former PA Homeschoolers student with three years of experience teaching cybersecurity. She is a CompTIA Security+ certified professional with a passion for making cybersecurity accessible and practical for everyone, especially high school students.
With the speed at which technology is changing, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and underequipped to manage your personal online cybersecurity. This course leverages practical learning content, assessments, and technical projects to enable students to take control of their online safety and even consider cybersecurity as a potential career path.
Beyond the classroom, Emily enjoys reading classical literature, playing card games with her family, and crocheting.
One last note: this 12-week foundational course offers an introduction to essential cybersecurity concepts and practices, making it an excellent first step for students interested in advancing to the College Board AP Cybersecurity Career KickStart courses, which we're hoping to offer next school year.
Please email me at emilyharnish49@gmail.com to request a full copy of the syllabus or if you have additional questions.