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Accessibility statement
While internet-connected digital systems make our lives easier, they bring challenges, including security. This module covers four key knowledge areas prescribed by the Cyber Security Body of Knowledge (CyBOK), including systems and infrastructure security, attacks and defences, and human aspects of cyber security. In addition, the module introduces concepts of digital forensics. Essential topics include cryptography, operating systems security, application security, and incidence management. You'll develop knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and tools relevant to the technical and human factors of cyber security.
The module has five blocks: 
Block 1: Concepts of cybersecurity
This block serves as an introduction to the module and covers risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, including threats, threat landscapes and attack vectors. In addition, the block covers aspects of human factors in security, including social engineering and security usability.
Block 2: Systems security
This block focuses on systems security concepts, covering operating systems security, cryptographic methods, and attacks. It also covers systems hardening and defence methods. This block extends the discussion of operating systems and cryptography from earlier modules and introduces advanced aspects of the topics.
Block 3: Infrastructure, host and application security
This block concerns physical and infrastructure security measures to defend against attacks and threats. It discusses defence mechanisms, host and application security, and considers human factors when securing networks and applications. The block also addresses aspects of mobile and cloud security.
Block 4: Security operations and incident management
This block is concerned with day-to-day security. Responding to incidents, including ensuring business continuity and addressing resilience issues.
Block 5: Fundamentals of digital forensics
This block introduces digital forensic concepts and practices in the context of the UK legal framework. It provides a high-level overview of topics, including the investigation process, data collection, and analysis.
You must have passed or started studying the following module:
Suggested previous study to revise includes:
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM256 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Cyber security (TM256) starts once a year – in February.
It will next start in February 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in February 2030.
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