College: Graduate Programs Institute

The Cybersecurity specialization focuses on protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access. Students develop skills in network security, encryption, ethical hacking, and incident response. Graduates are prepared for careers in cybersecurity roles across various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and government.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity and network defense.
• Develop skills in network security, encryption, and secure coding.
• Learn techniques for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating cyber threats.
• Explore principles of ethical hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments.
• Analyze and interpret cybersecurity data and incident response strategies.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills for effective cybersecurity practice.

Main Outline:

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity
   • An overview of key concepts, principles, and practices in cybersecurity.
   • Basics of cyber threats, attack vectors, and defense mechanisms.
2. Network Security
   • Principles of network security, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and secure network design.
   • Techniques for protecting and securing computer networks.
3. Encryption
   • Principles of encryption, including cryptographic algorithms, key management, and secure communication protocols.
   • Techniques for implementing cryptographic solutions to protect data.
4. Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
   • Principles of ethical hacking and penetration testing, including reconnaissance, exploitation, and reporting.
   • Techniques for conducting ethical hacking and penetration testing to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
5. Incident Response
   • Principles of incident response, including detection, containment, eradication, and recovery.
   • Techniques for developing and executing effective incident response plans.
6. Secure Coding
   • Principles of secure coding, including secure software development practices and code auditing.
   • Techniques for writing secure, resilient code to prevent security vulnerabilities.
7. Cybersecurity Law and Ethics
   • Principles of cybersecurity law and ethics, including data protection regulations, compliance, and ethical decision-making.
   • Techniques for ensuring legal and ethical practices in cybersecurity.
8. Hands-on Training
   • Practical experiences in cybersecurity settings, including internships at technology companies, cybersecurity firms, or government agencies.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical cybersecurity scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Cybersecurity
   • A comprehensive project applying skills in network security, encryption, or incident response.
   • Presentation of a polished cybersecurity project, security analysis report, or research presentation.

Assessment Methods:

• Network security projects, encryption implementations, ethical hacking reports, incident response plans, secure coding assignments, legal and ethical analyses, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Cybersecurity" by various authors.
• "Network Security" by various authors.
• "Encryption" by various authors.
• "Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing" by various authors.
• "Incident Response" by various authors.
• "Secure Coding" by various authors.
• "Cybersecurity Law and Ethics" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of computer science and networking with an interest in cybersecurity and information protection.

Duration:

The duration for obtaining a bachelor's degree is typically 4 years, including coursework, internship, and capstone projects. For advanced practice, a master's degree in cybersecurity can be pursued, typically taking an additional one or two years.

Certification:

Graduates can earn a degree in cybersecurity and pursue additional education or professional certifications, such as those offered by Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or CompTIA Security+.

Target Audience:

Aspiring cybersecurity professionals, network security analysts, ethical hackers, incident response managers, and professionals seeking careers in technology, finance, healthcare, government, and various cybersecurity-related roles.

This specialization equips students with the technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in cybersecurity, supporting careers in roles focused on protecting and securing digital information and systems.