Systems Management and Cybersecurity

This course introduces students to the functions of the hardware involved with modern PC, laptop and mobile devices found in a small or home office. Students will learn Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading of computer hardware. Systems Management and Cybersecurity students will diagnose and troubleshoot problematic components and perform preventive maintenance in a simulated work environment. This module, in combination with A+ Software (SMC 101) and self-directed study, is designed to help prepare students who wish to challenge CompTIA’s A+ certification exams (220-1101 and 220-1102).

This module introduces students to the world of computer operating systems found in modern workplace environments. Students will learn how to install, configure, and manage computer operating systems across multiple platforms. In a simulated work environment, System Management and Cybersecurity students will work on tickets as an entry-level helpdesk technician while learning how to secure data and maintain a secure working environment. This module, in combination with the Introduction to Hardware module (SMC 100) and self-directed study, is designed to help prepare students who wish to challenge CompTIA’s A+ certification exams (220-1101 and 220-1102).

This module provides students with in-depth coverage of fundamental network concepts that are used for the remainder of the program. Students will cover network devices, protocols and applications, and be able to describe how they relate to industry models such as the ISO and TCP models. Students will be able to design, diagram and accurately configure IPv4 and IPv6 addressing within a local area network, and be able to explain the purpose and function of the host and network ID, the subnet mask and how to work with DHCP to automate configuration.

System Management and Cybersecurity Students will work directly with a variety of hardware and be able to describe their purpose and their functions (and limitations) including switches, hubs and routers, as well as a variety of network media types including cabling and wireless hardware. Students will work to understand the basics of network security encryption, standards, and protocols. This module, in combination with self-study and guided focus will help prepare students who choose to do so to write their CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

This course prepares students to install and configure Windows Server 2019 and 2022 in an enterprise network environment and become qualified as network administrators using Active Directory. They will become familiar with configuring Windows Server 2022 to host network services and administering a Windows server/client infrastructure, along with the basics of configuring a hybrid environment on-premise/cloud environment using Microsoft Azure. Students will demonstrate understanding of various topics through completion of in-class lab work, hands-on projects and computer-based testing. Content will be delivered using a combination of computer-based training, in class lectures, self-guided reading and study.

This course focuses on basic workplace skills. In addition to learning how to conduct a job search, System Management and Cybersecurity students will learn how to prepare a proper resume and cover letter, as well as to succeed at job interviews. In addition, they will be exploring the general concepts of communication, management and the role IT / technology plays within an organization. The student will learn to apply practical skills such as soft skills and will have a greater understanding of team dynamics through practical project and presentation.

This module introduces students to cloud computing and the services that can be delivered using cloud hosted technologies. We will cover the concepts, terminology, and characteristics of public clouds; Installing, configuring, and maintaining cloud solutions; Hosted virtual machines; the infrastructure of cloud services; Resource management and monitoring. System Management and Cybersecurity students will learn Microsoft Azure services and study Amazon AWS to explore secure cloud solutions and learn to integrate them in a mock enterprise environment.

This course is designed to build on the fundamental concepts covered in previous modules and expose students to the commands and utilities used in future modules so that they are familiar with the usage and syntax of command line utilities used in the Cybersecurity and other courses. Students learn the basic system architecture, installation, and management; Understand commands, devices, and file systems; Utilize shells, scripting, and data management
techniques; Navigate user interfaces, desktops, and essential system services.

This course will introduce System Management and Cybersecurity students to the basics of object-oriented programming using the Python language. Students will work through modules and create real-world applications using python that applies the knowledge they learn in class.

The Cybersecurity course develops a foundational understanding of cybersecurity and how it relates to information and network security. The course introduces students to characteristics of cyber-crime, security principles, technologies, and procedures to defend networks. Through interactive, multimedia content, lab activities, and multi-industry case studies, students build technical and professional skills to pursue careers in cybersecurity. This course will build on the security concepts that have been introduced through the program.

System Management and Cybersecurity students will focus on the security aspects of networking protocols, networking device types, network security devices and cloud services, access control models, security management concepts and techniques, fundamentals of cryptography and PKI and the essentials of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) before moving into more advanced topics of OS analysis, endpoint security and monitoring. Students will be introduced to attack types and security evasion techniques as part of the PenTest+ curriculum and learn penetration testing with Kali Linux and a vast array of other tools.

This course will also cover material related to Incident Response and Digital Forensics topics, including relevant legal principles, for use in an investigatory/law enforcement context. This module specifically addresses the content of the CompTIA Security+ and PenTest+ exams, as well as the Certified Ethical Hacker exam from EC-Council.

This course explores the key concepts of mobile computing and the emerging internet of things, the most rapidly expanding technical environment in both social and business environments. The course will allow students to explore their creative side by using the methodologies taught in the course to create their own IoT device in a team environment.  Systems Management and Cybersecurity students will apply their learned skills from previous courses to design and implement their IoT projects.

System Management and Cybersecurity students will use this time to work on a project that combines all knowledge they have learned in their program. They will build a functioning secure enterprise environment and protect it against attack, including implementing hacking tools and techniques. This course also provides additional training respecting aspects of working in a major corporate environment such as Project Management, Business Controls and Metrics, Continuous Improvement, Business Continuity and Audits.

At the conclusion of the coursework, qualifying System Management and Cybersecurity students will have the opportunity to undertake a 4-week practicum on-the-job training placement with a business in the community. They will be able to apply the skills learned in class and put valuable experience on their resumes.