Cybersecurity Syllabus Checklist
☐ Computer networking basics (TCP/IP, ports, DNS)
☐ Linux command line and file permissions
☐ Windows basics and Active Directory overview
☐ Security fundamentals (CIA triad, threats, risk)
☐ Cryptography basics (hashing, encryption, certificates)
☐ Web application security basics (OWASP Top 10)
☐ Network scanning and packet analysis
☐ Security monitoring / SOC basics
☐ Legal and ethical rules for testing
☐ Capstone or lab-based assessment

# Example of a safe lab exercise — scan only machines you own
# or lab targets the course provides
nmap -sV 192.168.56.101
# -sV detects service versions on open ports

# Ask the institute: will I run commands like this
# in an isolated lab, and how many hours per week?

Questions to ask in the demo class
1. How many hours per week are spent in the lab?
2. Can I access the lab outside class time?
3. What practical work has the trainer done in security?
4. How are doubts handled after class?
5. Is there a project or assessment at the end?
6. What happens if I miss a class?

Good institutes teach rules before tools:
☐ Test only systems you own or have written permission for
☐ Use lab VMs and practice platforms for exercises
☐ Never run scans against college or office networks without approval
☐ Learn the relevant law (for India, the IT Act, 2000)

If the trainer skips this, treat it as a red flag.

Fee questions to ask
☐ What is the total fee, including taxes?
☐ Are instalments available?
☐ Is any certification exam fee included or separate?
☐ What is the refund policy, in writing?
☐ Are lab or tool access charges extra?
☐ Can I repeat a batch if I fall behind?

Commute reality check
Home to centre: ____ km, ____ minutes
Classes per week: ____
Weekly travel time: ____ hours
Online option available? Yes / No

If weekly travel time is more than your weekly lab time,
consider an online or hybrid batch.

Institute Scorecard (score 1-5)
                     Inst. A   Inst. B   Inst. C
Syllabus depth        ___       ___       ___
Lab hours             ___       ___       ___
Trainer in demo       ___       ___       ___
Batch fit             ___       ___       ___
Career support        ___       ___       ___
Fee clarity           ___       ___       ___
TOTAL                 ___       ___       ___

Visit Notes
Institute: ____________
Date: ________
Trainer met: ____________
Lab seen? Yes / No
Syllabus received? Yes / No
Three things I liked:
1.
2.
3.
Three concerns:
1.
2.
3.

Final Decision
Chosen institute: ____________
Batch: ____________  Start date: ________
Fee agreed: ________ (in writing: ☐)
Why this one:
1.
2.
First-month goal: Linux + networking basics done