Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC130
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- UNE Sydney Campus
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Cyber threats and security breaches are on the rise globally, for individuals and businesses alike.
This fundamental unit covers cybersecurity concepts, terminology, attacks and vulnerabilities, and provides practical advice on what individuals can do to keep their computer and data secure. It also looks at cybersecurity threats from an organisation’s point of view and introduces cybersecurity topics covered in detail in further advanced cybersecurity units.
Covering ethical theories and frameworks, you will discuss the impact that ethical, legal, privacy and cultural issues have on IT and cybersecurity professionals, organisations and individuals.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, UNE Sydney Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)


Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- understand the cybersecurity concepts and how they interrelate with each other, and analyse security breaches to identify services, mechanisms, threats and vulnerabilities that play a part in the breach;
- understand, interpret and discuss legal, ethical, cultural and privacy theories, issues and/or guidelines relevant to IT and cybersecurity, including Australian Privacy Principles, and their impact on individuals, professionals and organisations in the modern world;
- understand cybersecurity threats faced by individuals and suggest strategies to alleviate these threats; and
- understand cybersecurity threats and risks faced by organisations and conceptually design solutions to protect data and other resources.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Theory Assignment |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Theory Assignment |
| Assignment 3 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Theory Assignment |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. |
| Quizzes | Yes | 15% | All offerings | 3 quizzes at 5% each. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Introduction to Cybersecurity - A Multidisciplinary Challange
ISBN: 9783031414626
Robin Sharp, Springer Cham 1st ed. 2023
Text refers to: All offerings
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