Cyber Defense Certificate: Concepts And Hands-On Training
The Cyber Defense Certificate Provides Concepts And Hands On Skills To
The Cyber Defense certificate provides concepts and hands-on skills to identify cybersecurity threats and implement procedures to protect cyber assets. It aims to enhance students' prospects of pursuing a professional career in cybersecurity by offering preparation for industry-recognized certifications such as A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, and CCNA. To earn the certificate, students must complete the required courses with a minimum grade of "C" and ensure that at least 50% of all coursework is completed at Cypress College.
Core requirements for obtaining the Cyber Defense Certificate include completing the Core Cybersecurity Certificate along with one area of emphasis: Cisco Networking, Virtualization & Cloud Computing, System Administration & Technical Support, or DevSecOps Engineering. The specific courses and units for each emphasis are outlined as follows:
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The rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity necessitates a comprehensive educational approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The Cyber Defense Certificate program at Cypress College is designed to equip students with the essential concepts and hands-on experience required to combat modern cyber threats. The curriculum emphasizes both foundational cybersecurity principles and industry-recognized certifications, preparing graduates for employment or further professional development.
Fundamentally, the program covers vital areas such as threat identification, security protocols, network defense mechanisms, and the management of cybersecurity tools. The coursework aligns with certifications like A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, and CCNA, which are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry. These certifications serve as benchmarks for competency, and the program’s structure is tailored to facilitate students’ success in achieving them.
The core courses include CIS 190 (IT & Cybersecurity Fundamentals) and CIS 230 (Cisco Networking 1), which lay the groundwork for understanding cybersecurity concepts and networking fundamentals. Additional courses such as CIS 195 (Network Security), CIS 196 (Ethical Hacking), CIS 247 (Python Programming), CIS 277 (Digital Forensics), and CIS 281 (IT Capstone Project) allow students to specialize based on their career interests. Each course emphasizes practical application, including configuring networks, implementing security measures, conducting forensic analysis, and developing automation scripts.
Students can choose from several emphasis options to tailor their education to specific career paths. The Cisco Networking Emphasis focuses on advanced networking skills through courses like CIS 231, CIS 232, and CIS 233, culminating in certification preparation for CCNA and Cyber Ops exams. The Virtualization & Cloud Computing Emphasis includes courses such as CIS 201 and CIS 202, preparing students for cloud deployment and virtualization management. Similarly, the System Administration & Technical Support Emphasis emphasizes server management and support skills via courses like CIS 164 and CIS 185.
The DevSecOps Engineering Emphasis integrates cybersecurity with software development and cloud deployment, preparing students for roles in secure software operations and cloud infrastructure. Courses such as CIS 226 or CIS 275 (Java or Python Programming), along with data analytics, Linux administration, cloud implementation, and project management, form the core of this specialization. The curriculum prepares students for certifications like DevSecOps Engineering, Cloud+, Project+, and Linux+.
Moreover, the program offers dedicated certificates in Cisco Networking, DevSecOps Engineering, System Administration & Technical Support, Virtualization & Cloud Computing, each with specific course sequences and certification goals. For example, the Cisco Networking Certificate involves courses CIS 230, CIS 231, and CIS 232, preparing students for Cisco’s industry-recognized exams. The DevSecOps Engineering Certificate combines networking, security, programming, and cloud courses to develop a comprehensive skill set for emerging cybersecurity roles.
Overall, the Cypress College Cyber Defense Certificate program emphasizes a balanced mix of theory and application, industry certification preparation, and specialization options. It aims to produce well-rounded cybersecurity professionals capable of defending digital assets, managing complex networks, and implementing secure infrastructures in various organizational contexts. The program's curriculum is aligned with current industry standards and technological advancements to ensure graduates are workforce-ready and competitive in the job market.
References
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