Communications

Communications in a Connected World
Online Connections
Building Simple Networks
Communication Principles
Network Design and the Access Layer
Routing Between Networks
The Internet Protocol: IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing
Transport Layer Services
Application Layer Services
Building Home Networks
Security Considerations
Configuring Networks and Device Security
Configuring Switches and Routers via the command line
Building Small Organisation Networks
Troubleshooting Common Network Problems



Cyber Security

Explaining the need for and importance of cybersecurity
Explaining the characteristics and value of personal data, and data within an organization
Attacks, Concepts and Techniques
Recognize the characteristics and operation of a cyber-attack
Interpret the trends in the cyber threat landscape
Protecting Data and Privacy
Understand how to protect devices from threats
Safeguarding and privacy
Protecting an organization
Techniques to protect organizations from cyber-attacks
Recognize the behaviour-based approach to cybersecurity
Cisco’s approach to cybersecurity
Future Cybersecurity
Legal and ethical issues in cybersecurity
Opportunities for pursuing an education and a career in cybersecurity

Class-test - The practical class-test will test the skills gained from the practical sessions of the module and will assess knowledge and understanding gained in this area. This will culminate with doing a set of practical network administration tasks on a variety of devices in order to configure them for a cohesive network (Learning Outcome 2).


Multiple Choice Question Class-test - The MCQ Class Test will assess a student's knowledge and learning in the indicative content below, primarily focusing on the theory behind the module and reflecting on presented scenarios (Learning Outcomes 1,3, and 4).

1. Be able to describe the use of protocols in a networked environment

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Be able to design and create small scale networks utilising switching, routing and wireless technologies

Enquiry
Problem solving



3. Be able to identify the need for cybersecurity and defined attacks, concepts and techniques

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

4. Develop understanding of the need to protect data/privacy and an organisations infrastructure

Understanding
Problem Solving

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. Students will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers, industry stories and simulated environments. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative practice exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

Cisco Networking essentials (Cisco netacad)
Cisco Introduction to Cybersecurity (Cisco netacad)
VMWare Workstation
Kali Linux
ParrotOS – Security Edition

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.



Ozkaya, E. (2019) Cybersecurity: The Beginner’s Guide. 1st edn. Packt Publishing Ltd

The National Cyber Security Centre (2019) CyBOK: The Cyber Security Body of Knowledge. Version 1.0. The National Cyber Security Centre

Trusler, C, (2021), An Introduction To Cyber Security: The Complete Guidance For Beginners: Conclusion Of Cyber Security, Independently published

Shinde, A, (2021), Introduction to Cyber Security: Guide to the World of Cyber Security, Notion Press

Fitgerald, G, et. al. (2021), Business Data Communications and Networking, 14th Edition, Wiley

This module will prepare students to understand communications principles and implement a small network using industry grade equipment. Once this is completed you will be able to define the term Cybersecurity, identify attacks and threat attackers allowing you to understand data privacy and how to protect the user and organisation. This module will contain Theory and Practical implementations ensuring you have a well-rounded knowledge.