Cyber Security Course

Modules

The unit structure will run as follows:

Unit 1: Tech+ (CertMaster LearnV6)

• Understand notational systems, computing basics, the value of data, and troubleshooting methodology.
• Learn to set up and install common peripheral devices, configure wireless networks, and understand virtualisation and cloud technologies.
• Gain knowledge of operating systems, application software, web browser features, and artificial intelligence tools like chatbots and generative AI.
• Apply programming language categories, organisational techniques, logic concepts, and foundational programming principles in software development.
• Understand database concepts, structures, and uses, as well as backup methods and the value of data in decision-making.
• Learn best practices for securing devices, managing passwords, and using encryption to protect data at rest and in transit.

Unit 2: Cloud+

• Analyse cloud models and design solutions to meet business requirements for effective cloud architecture.
• Execute workload migrations, implement infrastructure as code (IaC), and provision cloud resources to support deployment.
• Manage and optimise cloud environments by scaling, performing backups, and ensuring recovery operations.
• Implement security measures, address vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance with standards like PCI DSS and ISO 27001.
• Apply DevOps fundamentals, including source control, CI/CD pipelines, automation, system integration, and DevOps tools.
• Diagnose and resolve deployment, network, and security issues to troubleshoot cloud environments effectively.

Unit 3: Networki+

CompTIA Network+ is the premier certification for validating your knowledge of essential networking tools and concepts.

You will be assessed on your abilities in network connectivity, documentation, service configuration, data centres, cloud, virtual networking, monitoring, troubleshooting, and security hardening. This certification prepares you for jobs in technical support, network operation, and system administration.

• Deploy wired and wireless devices, covering IP addressing, ports, protocols, and network architecture for network deployment.
• Understand documentation, life-cycle, change, and configuration management processes and procedures.
• Grasp virtualisation, cloud service models, elasticity, and scalability to apply cloud concepts.
• Monitor networks for high availability and resolve connectivity issues to maintain network performance.
• Establish secure networks and mitigate vulnerabilities to strengthen security.
• Diagnose and resolve network issues using appropriate tools for effective troubleshooting.

This learning is mapped to CompTIA Network+ Learn V9.

Unit 4: Security+

• Identify various types of threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities, including malware, social engineering, and application attacks.
• Utilise security technologies and tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security, to protect systems.
• Design secure network architectures, implement secure systems, and apply secure protocols for architecture and design.
• Manage identity and access concepts, including authentication, authorisation, and accounting, to ensure secure access control.
• Assess and manage risk through risk analysis, mitigation strategies, and business continuity planning.
• Apply cryptography concepts, including encryption algorithms, public key infrastructure (PKI), and digital signatures, to secure data.
• Implement compliance and operational security measures, including security policies, procedures, and best practices.

Completing Your Learning

You will have 24 months to complete all 4 modules of the course. You will be enrolled onto one course unit at a time. You must complete and pass each unit before accessing the next unit in the course. Each unit is valid for up to 12 months from accessing.

Entry Requirements

You don’t need any specific background knowledge or qualifications to get started on this course, just an interest and desire to learn more about technology. However, you’ll need to meet certain technology requirements to ensure you have everything you need to be successful.

Technology Prerequisites

To complete the course, you will need a PC (Personal Computer) like a laptop or a desktop computer.

You cannot complete the learning on a tablet, phone, IPAD etc. Whilst you could use these for some learning activities your main learning has to be on a laptop or desktop computer.

The key requirements will be:

• A Laptop or Desktop computer - With a decent-sized screen (15+ inches as a minimum if you are using a laptop)
• Good speed on your computer - While you don’t need a high-spec gaming computer, you will still need to ensure your computer is fast enough to load up the operating system and web browser and cope with general usage. Remember, the speed of your computer is different from the speed of the Internet (discussed below)
• Having a second monitor – This is beneficial as opposed to essential. A second monitor will allow more screen space to support a much better learning experience. You can alternatively have a single large monitor, but we strongly recommend a second monitor as it makes a significant improvement to ease of learning
• A stable Internet connection - You should ideally have at least a 10Mbps Internet connection
• A stable Wi-Fi connection - If you are using Wi-Fi at home, the quality of your internet can also depend on how far you are from the router and how many people are using the connection
• Test whether you can access and run a lab. Use this link. We will provide you with access to labs as part of the course, this test just establishes that you can access a similar system. Please note that if you use your employers laptop, it is possible that you will need Admin access to the device for the first lab for installation to complete successfully
• A good-quality headset - This will allow you to work with fewer distractions, hear more clearly
• A good desk setup – Ideally if you have a second monitor and if using a laptop, a laptop stand and an external keyboard and mouse, then you will have a good setup to use. Think about the fact that you will be spending lots of hours every day completing this learning and you should ensure you have a setup that will be comfortable. Think carefully about the chair you sit on, the table/desk height, your posture when you use it and also how you feel after several hours of using this setup

A Note About Internet Connections

Your Internet connection speed and your Wi-Fi connection speed are different. Also, if other people are using the Internet in your home at the same time, then it could affect the performance of the Internet on your computer. Please do consider this. If you can stream high-quality YouTube or other HD videos without interruption, then you should be fine in terms of your speed.

Assessment

Please note, your exam is included, and you will be able to complete this once you meet the requirements. You will have up to 6 months from completing the course, to sit the exam.

Your exam voucher is valid for 12 months from issuing.

Qualifications

This course leads to internationally recognised, industry-leading vendor certifications including:

• CompTIA IT Fundamentals +
• CompTIA Cloud Essentials +
• CompTIA Network +
• CompTIA Security +

This Cyber Security Course has been designed to help you build skills that are needed for you to get employed in a cyber security/technology role. This is because the programme provides both the technical and behavioural skills that are crucial to working in this space, as outlined in the UK Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis for 2023.

There is a big gap and need for businesses to take on cyber security candidates. By completing this course, you have a great opportunity to build these skills and land your first role.

Jobs you can apply for once qualified

This programme can support you in getting many entry-level and intermediate roles in the UK.

Examples of these roles are:

• IT Support Technician - This role involves providing technical assistance to computer users, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and performing computer maintenance
• Network Administrator - These professionals are responsible for managing and supporting an organisation's network infrastructure. This includes troubleshooting network issues, maintaining network equipment, and implementing network security measures
• Systems Administrator - This role typically involves managing an organisation's servers and desktop and mobile equipment. They ensure that system hardware, operating systems, software systems, and related procedures adhere to organisational values
• Security Analyst - In this role, professionals monitor their organisation's networks for security breaches and investigate when a violation occurs. They also conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments
• Cybersecurity Specialist - This role requires professionals to protect computer systems and networks from threats. They identify security flaws, develop security policies, and respond to security incidents
• Cloud Solutions Associate - This role would involve helping businesses transition to cloud technology. This could involve managing and supporting cloud applications, ensuring data security on the cloud, and assisting with cloud migration
• Network Security Specialist - These professionals are responsible for protecting an organisation's network from threats. This can include implementing security measures, monitoring for security breaches, and responding to incidents
• Security Consultant - A Security Consultant helps businesses protect their data by understanding the company's needs, identifying its vulnerabilities, and creating a security plan
• Junior Penetration Tester - This role involves testing computer systems, networks, and applications for security vulnerabilities. They simulate attacks to identify potential weaknesses that need to be addressed

Remember you could also start in a more generic IT role and then quickly move into a security role. If you keep your options open, there are many routes to get to the cyber security role you are aspiring for.