CMSC 100 at the University of Maryland Global Campus is a hands-on introduction to current social networking applications and to protecting yourself against cyber attacks.
Formerly CMIS 111, the course aims to help you collaborate through personal and professional social networks while developing and using computer security best practices. It also discusses the impact of social computing on individuals and society, and UMGC notes that projects include creating and maintaining accounts on selected social networking sites.
It is an entry-level course with no prerequisite listed, so many students take it early. The challenge is not technical depth but reflection: assignments typically ask you to explain why a practice matters, not just to switch on a setting.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | CMSC 100 (3 credits), formerly CMIS 111 |
| Level | Undergraduate, introductory |
| Credit note | Credit for only one of CMIS 111 or CMSC 100 |
| Subject area | Social computing and personal cybersecurity |
| Typical work | Account-based projects, discussions, short reflective and analytical writing |
What CMSC 100 Covers
- Social networking applications: using platforms for personal and professional collaboration.
- Personal cybersecurity: passwords, multi-factor authentication, updates and safe browsing.
- Privacy: settings, data sharing and what platforms collect.
- Common attacks: phishing, account takeover and social engineering.
- Social impact: how social computing affects individuals, work and society.
Key Concepts Explained
Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA requires something beyond a password, such as a code from an app or a security key. A stolen password alone then no longer opens the account.
Example: An attacker obtains your password from a breach of another site. Because your professional networking account requires an authenticator code, the login attempt fails and you receive an alert, prompting you to change the password.
Social Engineering
Many attacks target people rather than systems. Details you post publicly can make a scam message far more convincing.
Example: A post announces a new job and names your manager. Days later a message "from your manager" asks you to buy gift cards urgently. Recognizing the pressure and verifying through another channel defeats the scam.
Your Digital Footprint
Posts, likes and profile details build a lasting record that employers and attackers alike can see. Managing it is part of both professional presence and security.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Account projects | Setting up and securing profiles | Show settings chosen and explain why |
| Discussions | Engaging with peers on issues | Make a clear point, give an example, respond with substance |
| Security practice reports | Applying best practices | Describe the risk, the control and its limits |
| Social impact essays | Critical thinking | Weigh benefits and harms with evidence |
Protecting Privacy During Account Projects
Because the course asks you to create and maintain social accounts, think about what you share. You can usually complete projects without exposing personal details: use professional information you are comfortable making public, and review each platform's privacy settings first.
When screenshots are required, crop or blur contact details and other people's information. If a project raises a privacy concern, ask your instructor about alternatives before you start.
Building a Professional Online Presence
The course pairs personal security with professional networking, and the two support each other. A clean, accurate professional profile helps your career, while careful settings stop it from becoming a source of information for scammers.
Useful habits include separating personal and professional accounts, reviewing what is visible to the public, checking tagged photos and posts, and thinking before accepting connection requests from strangers. Assignments that ask you to evaluate a profile reward students who weigh visibility against risk rather than recommending that everything be hidden.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Description without reasoning. Say why a setting or habit reduces risk.
- Thin discussion posts. Add examples and engage with classmates' points.
- Unsupported opinions. Back claims about social impact with credible sources.
- Oversharing in screenshots. Hide personal data before submitting.
Study Tips for CMSC 100
- Turn on MFA for your own accounts as you study it; real practice helps you explain it.
- Keep a short log of each account task and what you learned.
- Follow a reliable security news source to find current examples.
- Plan discussion posts in a document before posting.
How We Help with CMSC 100
Send the assignment prompt, any readings and the rubric. A writer can explain security concepts, help you plan essays and reflections, and edit your drafts for clarity. Our discussion post guide may help with weekly discussions. We never log in to your social media or UMGC accounts.
GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. Our help is tutoring, editing and model material within UMGC's academic integrity policy, with free revisions within the scope of your original request.
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Frequently Asked Questions
CMSC 100 was formerly CMIS 111, and UMGC allows credit for only one of the two.
UMGC's course description lists no prerequisite.
UMGC states that projects include creating and maintaining accounts on selected social networking sites.
No. It focuses on social networking, personal cybersecurity and the social impact of computing.
Strong unique passwords, multi-factor authentication, updates, privacy settings and spotting phishing and social engineering.
No. We never log in to your accounts. We explain, plan and edit so you can complete your own work.