CYBER SECURITY PROGRAM

The Cyber Security Program is designed for IT and non-IT professionals who are interested in transitioning their careers into cyber security. The program includes practical training, industry certification and job placement support to help professionals secure a job in the cyber security industry.

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Overview

The Cyber Security Program can be taken 24 weeks part time and is designed for career-driven professionals to transition into the cyber security industry. The program includes pre-work, intensive practical training, industry certification and a job outcomes program in collaboration with industry partners. The course content has been tailored to give you the skills that are demanded by businesses in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Remote learning is available for this program. The interactive remote format enabled by video conferencing technology is a rich and connected experience featuring virtual break-out rooms, shared screens, digital whiteboards, peer to peer collaboration and instructor support.

Discuss with a Career Consultant

You can schedule a call with a Career Consultant to discuss this course.

THE DEMAND FOR TECH TALENT

The opportunity is massive in the United States and around the world. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), information security analyst jobs are among the fastest-growing careers nationally.


The BLS predicts information security analyst jobs will grow 35% from 2021 to 2031, over seven times faster than the national average job growth of 5%. 

What is Practical Cyber Security Training?

Practical cyber security training is an essential requirement to practice as a cyber security professional. Learn from industry experts on how to defend from cyber-attacks and develop business solutions for businesses and government organizations including consulting techniques and simulating commercial projects. This means you will be ready to work as a cyber security professional.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) & Institute of Data

Welcome to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Institute of Data's leading cyber security training program.

Learn in-demand skills to protect and secure businesses and government with education from the best cyber industry trainers.

The Cyber Security Program is a structured training course designed to help you develop the practical skills you will need, allowing you to progress into roles such as a Cyber Security Analyst, Penetration Tester or SOC (Security Operations Consultant). After completing the program, you will receive a Cyber Security Certificate of Completion from VCU and an Institute of Data® Industry Certification.

Hundreds of professionals choose the Institute of Data every year to prepare them for their future career after careful consideration of their desired career progression and to attain maximum return on investment for their education. Leading the future of the profession, the Institute of Data offers a collaborative and successful program, driven to ensure you have the best start to your career.

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Cyber Security Program

The next program starts

January 27, 2025 (Part-time)

With the practical training program you will...

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Be ready to practice cyber security

The program is designed to prepare students for real commercial work in the area of cyber security. It is focused on practical in-class training, labs and real-life projects.

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Receive the best training and the latest curriculum

The program trainers are actively working in the industry and will teach you how to practice cyber security in the real world. The curriculum is developed by the Institute of Data's Academic Committee with decades of experience working in cyber security.

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Be more attractive to employers

The program results in a VCU Cyber Security Certificate of Completion and an Institute of Data® Industry Certification which signals to employers that you are ready to join the industry. Your resume and profile will be reviewed by your Job Outcomes team to give you the best possible chance of success.

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Get more support and guidance

Join a valuable industry network with peers and mentors from your cohort. Our dedicated career coaches will guide you on how to effectively connect with employers through targeted industry engagement, job applications, and by participating in industry networking events.

Program structure

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Pre-work

Students complete curated pre-work as an interactive online learning experience designed to prepare every student with the required skills and knowledge to complete all coursework and training.

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Remote or In Class Training

Students undertake a professional in-classroom course from a team of expert industry trainers from leading consultancies and enterprises to acquire the most sought-after practical training in the country.

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Job outcomes

You will undergo a Job Outcomes Program through which will help position you for the best chance of a new job opportunity and/or internal promotion. Land a job in one of the most sought after fields in tech with the guidance of professional career coaches and access to our hiring network.

How will I be assessed?

The Cyber Security Program uses competency based assessment through the completion of labs and a final capstone project. There is no formal exam. The capstone project is a real-life project and is assessed against the competency based assessment standards set by the Academic Board.

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Industry Partners & Contacts


Post course

We'll help you transition into the cyber security industry. We have a 93% job outcome success rate within 180 days of graduation for active job seekers.

Syllabus Breakdown

Introduction to Cyber Security
  • Foundational Concepts and Language
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Top Risks Businesses Face Today
  • In-depth Case Studies
  • Real-world Cyber Security Issues
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Foundational Networking
  • Networks and Network Protocols
  • Authentication, Systems, Encryption
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Consulting and Interpersonal Skills
  • Business Consulting
  • Critical Thinking, Documentation, Presentation Skills
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
The Attacker’s View
  • The Attacker’s Mindset
  • Technical Attacks
  • Software and Tools
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
The Defensive Mindset
  • Economics of Defense
  • Defensive Architecture
  • Assets and Perimeters
  • Logs and Monitoring
  • Threat Intelligence
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Incident Response
  • Security vs ITIL
  • Incident Playbooks
  • Incident Management
  • Crisis Communication
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Performing Risk Reviews
  • Threat Risk Assessment
  • Economic Measurement
  • Effectiveness of Controls
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Security and Compliance Frameworks
  • Compliance Frameworks Introduction
  • Common Frameworks: Overview & Scope
  • Pitfalls and Common Mistakes
  • Balancing Security Outcomes and Compliance Requirements
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
  • Capstone Project (ongoing)
Higher Order Impacts of Realised Cyber Risk
  • Trust and Confidence
  • Administrative Functions
  • Supply Chain
  • Control Systems and Operational Technology: Introduction
  • Capstone Project (ongoing)
  • Cyber Security Practice (ongoing)
Ongoing Modules
  • Additional Topics: determined by students and Lead Trainer
  • Job Outcomes Program
  • Consultation and Presentation training
  • Cyber Security Practice
  • Capstone Project

FAQs

Fees and Payment
Speak to a career consultant about fee and fee support details.
Program Entry Requirements
  • Completion of a bachelor degree in any field of studies
  • Completion of any previous qualification undertaken in English or obtained IELTS 5.5
  • Completion of assigned online pre-work provided to you when you enroll
Time Commitment: Part Time Program
24 weeks intensive remote or in-class training | 2 night classes per week + 1 Saturday class every other week
Time Commitment: Full Time Program
12 weeks intensive remote or in-class training | Monday-Friday
Location
Remote
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Richmond, VA 23284
(804) 828-0100

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