Cybersecurity Essentials Certificate

This curriculum prepares students with necessary knowledge and skills to setup and configure software and systems to secure data, applications, networks, and end devices; monitor system, network and application logs for security breaches and respond to incidences; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation technique, check for vulnerabilities, and perform risk assessment. It will also enhance students’ chances to pursue a professional career in information security by preparing them for industry-recognized certificates such as CompTIA ITF+ and Security+, Cisco CCST Cybersecurity and Cisco CCST Networking. To earn a certificate, complete the required courses as listed with a grade of C or better. At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College. This certificate is the first level of the Cybersecurity certificate and requires a total of 11 units.                    

70 students will be earning the certificate

Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for workforce preparation in the field of information security, including protecting sensitive information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction to provide integrity, confidentiality, and availability; setup and maintain security software, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, reconnaissance,  vulnerability assessment and data protection and encryption technologies, tools and programs.

This curriculum prepares students with necessary knowledge and skills to setup and configure software and systems to secure data, applications, networks, and end devices; monitor system, network and application logs for security breaches and respond to incidences; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation technique, check for vulnerabilities, and perform risk assessment. It will also enhance students’ chances to pursue a professional career in information security by preparing them for industry-recognized certificates such as CompTIA ITF+ and Security+, Cisco CCST Cybersecurity and Cisco CCST Networking. To earn a certificate, complete the required courses as listed with a grade of C or better. At least 50% of all course work must be completed at Cypress College. This certificate is the first level of the Cybersecurity certificate and requires a total of 11 units.                     

Currently, Cypress College does not offer a certificate that focuses solely on these core foundational cybersecurity courses. This proposed certificate fills a critical gap by offering an entry-level, stackable credential. It serves as the first tier in a pathway that leads into more advanced certificates and associate degree programs in Cyber Defense. By completing this program, students will gain essential knowledge and skills that prepare them for further study or entry-level roles in cybersecurity.

Other community colleges have mid-level certificates, our proposed certificate is for entry level and is Stackbale

Other similar certificates at mid level are:

1. Fullerton College Cybersecurity Technician

2. Santa Ana College, Cybersecurity Ops

At least 100 students will enroll into the program