Cybersecurity & Privacy
Boston Campus—July 12-24 or July 26-August 7, 2026
Applications for Summer 2026 programs will open in December. For information on future programs, complete our inquiry form.
Cybersecurity & Privacy: How to hack-proof your summer
From laptops to smart toys, nothing is off-limits in today’s hackable world. This immersive, two-week course empowers you to understand and defend against the threats of the cyber age. Through a combination of interactive lectures, hands-on challenges, team competitions, and expert guest talks, you’ll explore the essential principles of cybersecurity and privacy.
Dive deep into system and network security, online privacy, and foundations of trust in the modern technological landscape. You will engage in exciting Capture the Flag (CTF) style exercises that simulate real-world hacking scenarios, challenging you to solve security puzzles and defend systems from attacks. By the end of the program, you’ll be able to classify different types of cyberattacks, understand core security goals, and develop strategies to protect the digital systems we rely on daily.
Program Prerequisite: Students should have a working knowledge of coding basic computer programs.
An inside look at Cybersecurity & Privacy
Learning Outcomes
Computing System Fundamentals
Gain hands-on experience with the Linux operating system, including file systems, user permissions, shell scripting, and key system utilities. Understand how processes, memory, and access control mechanisms work in practice.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Cybersecurity foundational principles of confidentiality, availability, and integrity. Explore modern cryptography, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Practice secure message signing, encryption, and verification using tools like GPG.
Networking Fundamentals
Basic understanding of wired and wireless networks. We will also learn how the Internet works and how to keep ourselves secure and protected. We will also learn to use tools like Wireshark to better understand the network flows.
Real-world Security and Privacy
Understand and explore building secure communication and networking technologies through the study of popular systems such as GPS and Wi-Fi. We will also look at the “Internet of Things” ecosystem and understand its security and privacy implications.
Lab-based Learning
Apply skills in progressive hands-on labs and a culminating Capture The Flag (CTF) event that challenges teams to solve security puzzles, exploit and defend mock systems, and demonstrate everything they’ve learned.
Sample Schedule
For an in-depth look at your day to day activities during the two-week Cybersecurity and Privacy program, click the link below to download our full sample schedule.
This is for informational purposes only and is subject to change.
“Accelerate Pre-College Programs provide prospective students with a fun, educational, and rewarding preliminary college experience. In the Cybersecurity and Privacy program, I expanded my knowledge of encryption/decryption, network protocols, and historical viruses/worms while completing hands-on hacking and frequency interception exercises with experienced and helpful NU faculty.“
Oliver G.
Boston Student Life
Learn about the Northeastern campus, housing, dining, and social activities for Accelerate students.
Want to learn more?
To keep up to date with the latest program announcements, complete our inquiry form.
Program Tuition
The program tuition is $7,095. This includes: program tuition, course materials, housing, meals, and social activities. We strive to make our programs financially accessible. All admitted students will be considered for need-based aid, and our financial aid awards are typically in the form of scholarships or program discounts.
About Northeastern
Northeastern is a top ranking experiential research university that prides itself on academic rigor, a diverse and talented population of students and faculty, and a powerful learning model that combines the classroom experience with hands-on work experience.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact us at 617.373.2200 or precollegeprograms@northeastern.edu