This introductory course in Cyber Security will provide you with base knowledge and skills in data security, digital forensics and ethical hacking – preparing you for further study and future employment in this sector.
You will explore current practices in corporate data security. You will consider the creation of a data security policy for a professional organisation. Taking ethical, legal and professional considerations into account, you’ll be able to justify policy decisions based on best practice.
You will determine what constitutes a digital forensics examination. You will investigate how to identify and secure evidence from digital devices and media. You will use this evidence to analyse, reconstruct and interpret data, evaluate the relevancy to an investigation, and report that information.
You will examine the tools and techniques used by both ethical and malicious hackers. You will develop a detailed understanding of the potential threats, factors and mechanisms that can be leveraged by malicious hackers to target individuals and organisations. You will explore how ethical hacking can help identify and mitigate these threats, and try out some of the techniques and technologies used to defend systems from attack.
This course aims to produce knowledgeable and skilled individuals who are aware of the potential misuses of, and unauthorised access to, computer systems but who use these competencies for legal and ethical purposes and who can fill the current skills gap in this field.
Entry Requirements
This course would suit inquisitive, systematic and computer-savvy students who are keen to develop their problem-solving skills. Applicants are expected to have English and Computing Science at National 5 (or National 5 Mathematics\ Physics).
Progression Pathways
Following successful completion of the NPA you can progress through HNC & HND to degree level qualifications in Universities across Scotland. Technical Apprenticeships in Information Security are also available.
Employment Prospects
The Cyber Security sector continues to grow with increasing digitisation, and this is forecast to continue. This course could be your first step towards a career in a dynamic and expanding sector working in roles such as Cyber Intelligence Analyst, Security Software Developer or Cyber Security Engineer.