Cyber Security (Defensive Threat Detection) (Top up)

Students develop an in-depth, theoretical understanding of network security principles and penetration techniques. The course emphasises the practical application of skills needed to design, implement, and support network security.

This course provides students with knowledge and hands-on experience of penetration testing using current testing tools and techniques. It will enable the students to conduct penetration testing on a secure network using Adaptive Security Appliances, including planning, testing and report writing. It will give the students an understanding of common vulnerabilities, allow them to explain their implications and give recommendations for mitigation techniques. Providing students with a comprehensive, theoretical and practical approach to the principles of Penetration testing, this will contextualise an in-depth understanding of Penetration testing methodology.

In addition will further allow learner to evaluate network security through inherent vulnerabilities within systems.
Hands-on labs help students develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. Hands on activities promote the exploration of network security concepts. Thus, allowing student to experiment with network behaviour and ask "what if" questions.

The aim of this course is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of managing secure communication across a large-scale network using industry standard equipment and best practice. Students will develop the ability to undertake individual research to contextualise their specialist subject in the broader security management environment as a final project.

The use of Cisco CyberOps Associate will be utilised to allow learners to achieve a CCNA Cyberops at a later stage, in their studies or career.

Examples of current modules-

Negotiate Research (60 credits)
This unit will enable students to further develop general and discipline specific knowledge and skills through extended research activity. After consultation and agreement with the tutors, the students will be required to undertake a Literature Review in the area of their choosing within the context of the programme studied; formulate a research proposal with research question/s and carry out the research as proposed.

Penetration testing (30 Credits)
This unit provides students with knowledge and hands-on experience of penetration testing using current testing tools and techniques. It will enable the students to conduct penetration testing on a secure network using Adaptive Security Appliances, including planning, testing and report writing. It will give the students an understanding of common vulnerabilities, allow them to explain their implications and give recommendation for mitigation techniques. Providing students with a comprehensive, theoretical and practical approach to the principles of Penetration testing, this will contextualise an in-depth understanding of Penetration testing methodology. In addition will further allow learner to evaluate network security through inherent vulnerabilities within systems.

Securing Information Systems (30 credits)
The aim of this unit is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of managing secure communication across a large-scale internet work using industry standard equipment. Students will develop the ability to undertake individual research to contextualise their specialist subject in the broader security management environment. Cybersecurity Operations is a hands-on, career-oriented course with an emphasis on practical experience to help students develop specialised skills to successfully handle the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of an associate-level Security Analyst working in a Security Operations Centre (SOC).

A range of assessment methods are used and could be in the form of the following:

• Proposal presentation
• Literature review
• Dissertation
• Poster presentation
• Written report
• Hands on skills assessment