Cyber security
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.
Modules count towards OU qualifications
OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.
Module
- Module code
- TM256
- Credits
- 30
- Study level
| OU | SCQF | FHEQ |
| 2 | 8 | 5 |
What you will study
The module has five blocks:
Block 1: Concepts of cyber security
As well as serving as an introduction to the module, this block covers areas of risks, threats and vulnerabilities. This includes threats, threat landscape and attack vectors. In addition, the block covers aspects of human factors in security, including social engineering and security usability.
Block 2: Systems security
The focus of this block is concepts of systems security, covering operating systems security, cryptographic methods, and attacks. It also covers concepts of systems hardening and defence methods. It extends operating systems and cryptography discussion from earlier modules, and introduces advanced aspects of the topics.
Block 3: Infrastructure, host and application security
This block is concerned with physical and infrastructure security measures to defend against attacks and threats. It discusses defence mechanisms, host and application security, as well as the importance of considering 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. Plus, responding to incidents, including ensuring business continuity and 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’s a high-level overview of topics, including the investigation process, data collection and analysis.
You will learn
This module will enable you to:
- demonstrate techniques and processes involved in assessment of security infrastructure and related hardware and software controls
- demonstrate an understanding of the theory and practice of systems security that includes identifying associated threats, controls and policies
- describe the governing principles of cyber operations, incident response and management
- discuss the role of digital forensics within the larger discipline of forensic science and the appropriate use of scientific methods, including the legal requirements.
Vocational relevance
The module gives you a thorough understanding of socio-technical systems and skills to prevent or respond to cyber security incidents. The module develops your ability to critically analyse and apply digital solutions to security examination and digital forensic investigations. This includes an appreciation of tools, techniques and legal requirements. You’ll be able to pursue a wide array of career pathways within the public, private and charity sectors.
Teaching and assessment
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
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Course work includes:
- 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- Examination
Future availability
Cyber security (TM256) starts once a year – in February.
This page describes the module that will start in February 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in February 2027.
Entry requirements
You must have passed or started studying the following module:
- Technologies in practice (TM129).
Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure you’re ready.
TM256 begins in February. If you’re still studying TM129 (i.e. you started last October), you can register on TM256 before you finish, and partially overlap studying the two modules.
Preparatory work
Suggested previous study to revise includes:
- Networking block from TM129
- Operating Systems block from TM129
- weeks 14–20 content from TM112
- Block 3: Network technologies from TM111.
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access.
You will need
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this 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.
Accessibility statement for Cyber security (TM256)
Mode of study
All of this module’s study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; interactive media; and multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
Tuition strategy
This module provides a range of learning events, including online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
Practical work
Online practical work forms a required component of the module and assessment.
This module extends your knowledge of the use of an online laboratory through the use of the Netlabs environment. We’ve prepared advice on accessing Netlabs to enable students to complete the module. A week of learning is dedicated to introducing Netlabs and becoming familiar with the included tools.
Diagrams and other visual content
The study materials contain a considerable number of diagrams/graphs/photographs. Reading and interpreting these is an important part of the study of this module. We provide descriptions for all essential figures.
Finding information
You’ll need to search for, and make use of, third-party material online and you’ll be assessed on this. A number of activities have been designed to teach aspects of information literacy, including finding information in the Open University Library, as well as summarising information and developing note-taking skills.
Specialist reading material
In this module, you’ll be working with specialist reading material such as the documents relating to the CyBoK knowledge areas. We’ll present these and guidance to access these documents online. You’ll also need to access and read material through the Open University Library as well as other online repositories.
Assessment
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) that you must submit via the online TMA service, interactive quizzes completed online and a remote exam.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
Schedule
We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you’ll need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We’ll support you in developing these skills. The module website will include a suggested study calendar. A number of weeks have been set aside to allow you to catch-up with your studies, to work on your assignments and to revise key skills.