AP Cybersecurity

What Students Learn

Students examine vulnerabilities and attacks across systems, use layered defenses to reduce risk, and identify threats through digital evidence. Authentication and access control are studied alongside firewalls and cryptography, emphasizing risk analysis and justified selection of safeguards.

Course Units

The units and learning focuses below follow the official AP course framework.

Unit 1: Introduction to security

Unit 2: Securing spaces

Unit 3: Securing networks

Unit 4: Securing devices

Unit 5: Securing applications and data

AP Assessment

The digital AP exam includes 60 multiple-choice questions in 80 minutes, worth 70%, and one free-response question in 50 minutes, worth 30%. Multiple choice uses scenarios to assess vulnerability identification and protective recommendations. Free response combines firewall rules and system logs with file permissions and device policy, requiring students to identify security issues and signs of attacks and explain or adjust configurations.

References (2026–2027): College Board course framework; assessment information