CYBERSECURITY ANALYST, CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

The Cybersecurity Analyst certificate of achievement program is a one-year program that prepares students for an entry level position in the field of computer internetwork systems security. The curriculum includes courses that prepare students to configure, analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud networks. The courses are also designed to teach students assessment procedures of system security vulnerabilities, implementing hardening the systems, risk mitigation strategies, and prevention strategies against cybersecurity attacks. Possible job opportunities include Computer Network Support Specialist, IT Consultant, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, Systems Specialist, Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Technology Security Analyst, Network Security Analyst, and Systems Analyst, and Penetration Testers.

• Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply security concepts to mitigate risk and utilize wireless and cloud assessment tools to assess vulnerabilities of a system.

2. Set up a virtual private cloud including IAM user accounts using one of the major cloud service providers.

3. Install, set up, and configure a network based on the Microsoft Windows operating systems on a virtual computer.

4. Configure a sniffer (e.g. Wireshark, AirSnort) and analyze data collected from multiple target systems and perform a session hijack between a target and a server.

5. Access a vulnerable virtual private network (VPN) and patch the vulnerability.

We currently offer CIS 111 in our schedule rotation.  The class has strong enrollment and averages 30-40 students every semester it is offered.  Given our strong enrollment numbers in CIS 111 as well as the introductory CIS 101 courses and the overall demand and market data, we expect to have 10-20 completion certificates annually. 

The Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate is designed to provide students with a broad introduction to the field of computer technologies, such as operating systems, networking media and protocols, cloud computing, and computer systems security with a focus on cybersecurity. This certificate will allow students to obtain high-demand labor market skills in the technology industry and other areas such as healthcare, education, and government agencies.

The students will also learn theory and practical skills in configuration and troubleshooting of communication networks. The courses offered in the Cybersecurity Analyst Certificate also prepare students for various industry certification exams, such as the CompTIA CySA+, Security+, and Network+.  At the end of the program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in the field of computer information systems and technology that include various occupations such as:

Penetration Testers 

Penetration testers evaluate internet facing enterprise-wide applications and network system security vulnerabilities by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using common adversary selected tools and techniques. They attempt to breach and exploit critical systems or internet facing applications, such as browsers to gain access to sensitive information.  Their tasks include assessment of the physical security of servers, systems, or network devices to identify vulnerability to temperature, vandalism, or natural disasters; collecting stakeholder data to evaluate risk and to develop mitigation strategies; conducting network and security system audits using established criteria; recommending security solutions to address known device vulnerabilities; they often also negotiate the scope of specific Pen Test cases that will be executed during the test event(s) with their customer before testing begins; and writing audit reports to communicate technical and procedural findings and recommend solutions.

Computer Network Support Specialists 

Computer support specialists analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. They perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption. Their tasks include configuring wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment, configuring security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals, analyzing and reporting computer network security breaches or attempted breaches, identifying the causes of networking problems using diagnostic testing software and equipment, configuring wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment, performing routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment, and training users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems. Reported job titles also include Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant (Information Technology Consultant), Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, and Systems Specialist.

Information Security Analysts 

Information security analysts plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. They assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. They ensure appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. They respond to computer security breaches and viruses. Their tasks include developing plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs, encrypting data transmissions and setting firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers, performing risk assessments and reviewing violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated, coordinating implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors, and training users and promoting security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency. Reported job titles also include Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), Information Technology Security Analyst (IT Security Analyst), Network Security Analyst, Security Analyst, and Systems Analyst.

The Cybersecurity Analyst certificate of achievement is an 18-unit sequence where students will ideally take 3 courses per semester.   Students will be required to take six of the following courses below:

CIS 111:  Supporting Windows Desktop

This course provides an introduction to operating systems concepts including installation, configuration, file systems, directory structures, memory and storage management, utilities, and maintenance using a variety of operating systems. It covers PC architecture,

preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. It covers operating system installation, configuration, administration and performance optimization. This course also gives students a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computer security like access control, file and folder permission, auditing and encryption.  Students will learn how to harden operating systems to repel attacks. This course prepares students to perform operating system support tasks including operating system batch and Windows script file programming.

CIS 191:  Cloud+ Certification Preparation

Students learn technology of cloud computing and learn the basics of the implementation and support of systems offered by cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The students will be prepared to take the CompTIA Cloud+ certification exam.

CIS 210:  Introduction to Computer Networking

This course covers the fundamental principles and concepts of networks and data communications. It explores the fundamentals of telecommunications, data

and voice transmission, transmission media, network equipment and devices, networking software, topologies, architecture, protocols and standards, the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), and network security. The first in a four course sequence that qualifies the student to take the CISCO CCNA Certification Test.

CIS 162:  Cybersecurity I

This course introduces the fundamental concepts and skills required to pursue a career in Cyber Security, Information Security and Risk Management, at an organizational level. Topics covered include hardware, software, processes, communications, applications,

policies, and procedures with respect to organizational Cyber Security and Risk Management best practices. This course also assists in the preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification exams.

CIS 170:  Introduction to Ethical Hacking

This course introduces the concept of ethical hacking and systems defense. Topics covered include security concepts, tools, and procedures in evaluating environments to identify, exploit, report and recommend corrective actions to be taken in respect to threats and vulnerabilities. This course is designed for students who wish to pursue certifications in the certified systems defense fields, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).

CIS 211:  Security+ Certification Preparation

Upon completion of the course, students acquire a comprehensive understanding of computer and network security principles, as well as the essential abilities to effectively utilize security concepts, tools, and procedures in response to security incidents and mitigate potential risks. The course adequately prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification examination.

Harbor College does not possess any directly similar programs to cybersecurity.  We have a related certificate in cloud computing.  There is already established classes that will be used as a part of the certificate program and this will add further options for students who wish to pursue a career in the IT Industry. 

Coastline Community College, El Camino Community College, and Long Beach City College offer similar programs to our proposed cybersecurity analyst certificate.  Within the LACCD, City College, LA Mission College, and West LA College offers similar program(s).  Although program offerings, courses, and certificates are similar, we will be emphasizing a robust mentorship program between students and established industry professionals/experts.

We currently offer CIS 111 in our schedule rotation.  The class has strong enrollment and averages 30-40 students every semester it is offered.  Given our strong enrollment numbers in CIS 111 as well as the introductory CIS 101 courses and the overall demand and market data, we expect to have 10-20 completion certificates annually. 

No, it is a new program.