National CAE Designated Institution
  • Classroom

This course offers advanced knowledge and skillsets on cyberinfrastructure security and contemporary issues in cybersecurity. Students will form teams to build their cyber defense systems and perimeters (as blue teams), and then conduct penetration testing to discover systems and networking vulnerabilities (as red teams) in simulated live networks. We will adopt a practical hands-on approach to applying fundamental security technologies—e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems, operating systems security, monitoring and vulnerability assessment scanners—in team-based exercises. The class further discusses topics such as cloud and IoT security, multi-level security management, risk assessment, IT controls, security auditing, along with networking and cyberinfrastructure security. It examines the legal and ethical aspects of penetration testing and hacking. Interactive cyber defense will advance students’ critical thinking and troubleshooting skills in a sandbox environment while addressing current cyber threat issues.

Learning Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and terminology of information security management and risk assessment.
  2. State the importance of information security controls, plans and procedures in modern socio-technical systems.
  3. Define and explain the basic types of physical and cyberinfrastructure security.
  4. Evaluate human resources security and security auditing, employing user-centered design and configuration in security systems.
  5. Articulate and communicate legal and ethical aspects of organizational cybersecurity practices.
  6. Demonstrate troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills using tools and techniques to secure network-based communication systems.
  7. Define career opportunities, and apply innovative approaches to address cyber threats as information security professionals/entrepreneurs in the information security industry.

Framework Connections

The materials within this course focus on the NICE Framework Task, Knowledge, and Skill statements identified within the indicated NICE Framework component(s):