1. Explain and critically evaluate computing operating systems, network attacks and SOC (Security Operation Centre) functionality.

2. Explain and critically evaluate security threats, the securing of network devices, AAA, VPN, IPS, firewalls and cryptographic systems.

3. Install, configure and test firewall and VPN technologies according to industry standards using commercial equipment.

4. Discuss critically legal, social and ethical issues relating to network security and SOC functionality and be able to make decisions on different scenarios.

PRACTICAL: A practical assessment that focuses on the installation of security protection and the testing of a devised solution. Within the student presentation students will need to discuss Operating Systems and Security Operation Centre issues that are related (Learning Outcomes 1 and 3).
CLASS-TEST: The class-test will be practically based where students’ complete exercises and equally need to record the rationale as to the decisions they make in relation to live scenarios (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 4).

This module addresses the following topics:

Theory & Knowledge Exchange
Cybersecurity principles and theory
Security Operations Centres
Principles of network attacks
Endpoint security, monitoring, data analysis and incident response handling
Legal, social and ethical issues relating to network security

Technology & Resources
PC operating systems

Practical Content
Types of threat, securing access to devices, AAA, implementing firewall and intrusion protection technologies, layer 2 security features, cryptographic systems, VPN's and how to manage a secure network

Today's organizations are challenged with rapidly detecting cybersecurity breaches and effectively responding to security incidents. Teams of people in Security Operations Centers (SOC’s) keep a vigilant eye on security systems, protecting their organizations by detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. This module also looks at the CCNA Cyber Ops certification which will help prepare students in beginning a career working with associate-level cybersecurity analysts within security operations.

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 and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

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.

Core Text/Resource:
Lammle, T. (2020), Cisco CCNA Certification: Exam 200–301 2 Volume Set, Sybex; 1st edition, ISBN-10:1119677610
Johnson, A, and Cisco Networking Academy. (2020), Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation Labs and Study Guide (CCNAv7) (Lab Companion), Cisco Press; 1st edition, ISBN-10:0136634699
Cunningham, C. (2020), Cyber Warfare – Truth, Tactics, and Strategies: Strategic concepts and truths to help you and your organization survive on the battleground of cyber warfare, Packt Publishing, ISBN-10:1839216999

Optional Text/Resource:
McNab, C. (2016). Network Security Assessment: Know Your Network 3rd Edition, O’Reilly. ISBN-10: 149191095X, ISBN-13: 978-1491910955
McMillan, T. (2018), CCNA Security Study Guide: Exam 210-260 2nd ed. Edition, Sybex. ISBN-10: 1119409934, ISBN-13: 978-1119409939
Santos, O and Muniz, J (2017), CCNA Cyber Ops (SECFND #210-250 and SECOPS #210-255) Official Cert Guide Library, 1/e, ISBN-10: 1587145006, ISBN-13: 978-1587145001

Specialist networking laboratory with Cisco equipment

This module is suited to students who have previously studied the HND in Computing (Networking). Other students may take this module, but they must discuss their enrolment on it with the Course Leader firstly to determine its suitability.