Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals in Networking (WS 2025/26)

Details

Kind of event Lecture (2 SWS) with exercises (3 SWS)
ECTS Credits 5
Language English
Lecture Thursday, 10:15 – 11:45, Room 11501.00.156campo
Exercises Tuesday, 10:15 – 11:45, Room 04.158 Stud. Rechner-/Arbeitsraumcampo
Thursday, 12:15 – 13:45, Room 04.158 Stud. Rechner-/Arbeitsraum
Thursday, 16:15 – 17:45, Room 04.158 Stud. Rechner-/Arbeitsraum

 

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity plays a critical role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital assets. The “Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals in Networking” course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles, concepts, and practices of cybersecurity within the context of networking environments. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, hands-on lab exercises, and real-world case studies, students will explore key topics including security principles, risk management, access controls, cryptography, network security protocols, and emerging technologies. The course also covers the importance of cybersecurity for businesses and individuals, emphasizing the identification and mitigation of common security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors. Additionally, students will learn about compliance with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, and explore emerging trends in network security, including blockchain and IoT. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to address the evolving challenges of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape.

Course Objectives:
  • Understand fundamental principles and concepts of cybersecurity.
  • Identify common security threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors in network
    environments.
  • Explain the importance of network security for businesses and individuals.
  • Explain the principles and applications of cryptography.
  • Learn about network security protocols, technologies, and best practices for protecting
    network infrastructure.
  • Develop skills in securing network devices, implementing access controls, enforcing
    security policies, and best practices.
  • Explore emerging trends and technologies in network security, including blockchain
    and IoT.
  • Gain practical experience through hands-on lab exercises and case studies.

Competencies Gained:

  • Knowledge of fundamental principles and concepts of cybersecurity.
  • Ability to identify and mitigate common security threats and vulnerabilities in network
    environments.
  • Knowledge of cryptographic techniques and their applications in network security.
  • Familiarity with various network security protocols, technologies, and best practices.
  • Skills in securing network devices, implementing access controls, and enforcing
    security policies.
  • Familiarity with emerging trends and technologies in network security.
  • Practical experience in conducting hands-on lab exercises and analyzing security incidents.

  • “Computer Security: Principles and Practice” by William Stallings and Lawrie Brown
  • “Cybersecurity for Beginners” by Raef Meeuwisse
  • “Network Security Essentials” by William Stallings
  • “Introduction to Computer Security” by Michael Goodrich and Roberto Tamassia
  • “Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice” by William Stallings
  • “Network Security Bible” by Eric Cole and Ronald Krutz
  • “Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World” by Charlie Kaufman, Radia Perlman and Mike Speciner

We are excited to announce an engaging guest lecture as part of the “Introduction to Cybersecurity Fundamentals in Networking” series. This session offers a rare opportunity to gain first-hand insights into how a global industrial leader like Siemens approaches cybersecurity at scale.

Talk Details

Title: A Look into Siemens’ Cybersecurity and Cyber Defense

Speaker: Stefan Schmidt, Cybersecurity Expert, Siemens AG

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Time: 10:15 AM

Location: Room 11501.00.156 (H16), Cauerstraße 7-9, 91058 Erlangen

About the Speaker

Stefan Schmidt is an experienced IT and cybersecurity professional with over 25 years in operational and managerial roles. His expertise spans security awareness training, governance, endpoint protection, business continuity, and cyber defense.

He played a key role in planning and building Siemens’ Cyber Defense Center, which has strengthened the company’s security posture for more than a decade by continuously detecting, analyzing, and responding to cyberattack traces across Siemens’ global systems and networks.

About the Talk

This talk provides an inside look at Siemens’ cybersecurity and cyber defense practices, shaped by decades of hands-on operational experience and continuous threat analysis. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and systems become more complex, Siemens’ approach demonstrates how resilience is built through the integration of practical defense mechanisms and mature governance. Stefan Schmidt will discuss how Siemens protects its global infrastructure by combining:

  • Data-driven strategies and automation for resilience.
  • Governance models that enhance security in complex landscapes.
  • Practical use cases that showcase effective solutions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a leading expert in cybersecurity.

We look forward to seeing you there!