Cyber Security

In Year 1, learners develop a grounding in computers, systems and networks, particularly in relation to identifying and preventing security breaches.

An independent work-based project underpins classroom content, so apprentices are applying their learning in the workplace from day one.

Computers and Security
This module introduces the core concepts of computers and security by considering the design and operation of computers and computer networks, the implications of security and how computers may be programmed.

Principles of Programming
This introduces the principles of programming and develops an understanding of problem solving techniques for software development using a programming language.

Maths for Data Science
The module aims to introduce basic topics in data analysis, probability, statistics and hypothesis testing. This module will provide students with a range of processes and techniques to address data science and its theoretical foundation.

Systems Design
This introduces software engineering principles and practices necessary to developing quality software-intensive systems for business use. Learners will be introduced to working in teams to identify business requirements and turn these into practical, workable solutions.

Web Development
This module covers the business rationale for using the web as a solution to a business problem, together with the core technologies required to create such solutions. Learners will create structured websites using both scripts (eg HTML, CSS; JavaScript, PHP, MySql) and industry-standard software (eg Adobe DreamWeaver).

Independent Work-Based Project
This project applies theories and principles integrated from modules studied already. Learners identify an issue/problem that needs solving and produce a piece of work that demonstrates understanding and application of theories and principles.

Managing the Security of Information
This module looks at the security of information and how it can be managed to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability. It encompasses the role of the Information Security Officer, security policies, standards and managing user activities.

Supervised Professional Work Experience
For this module learners undertake a supervised work-based activity focussing on the application of learnt theories to their place of work as well as how learning has impacted their employment. They identify a workplace issue/project collaboratively with their employer, in which they will apply theory to the workplace and evaluate this application.

Operating Systems
This module investigates underlying architecture and operation of operating systems, from installation, essentials of system administration, command line, processes, file system concepts and use, to configuration and security of modern systems.

It covers Windows, Unix, Linux, and Mac OS.

Ethical Hacking and Security
This module introduces the technical and non-technical components of ethical hacking. Apprentices will learn:

• how to recognise and analyse the required stages for an ethical hacker to compromise a Target of Evaluation
• how to critically evaluate networks and systems to identify vulnerabilities
• about security standards, policies and legislation

Network Design and Configuration

This module provides an understanding of the principles of networking, network design and network architecture and infrastructures.

A number of core networking topics will be delivered, which include:

• networking principles
• network architecture and design
• network standards
• configuration of network devices
• routers and switches
• network trouble-shooting
• maintenance
• support and the provision of network redundancy
• fault-tolerance
• load balancing.

Cryptography & Security
This module will aim to provide an introduction to the fundamental concepts, theory and application of cryptography. A number of cryptographic techniques and encryption algorithms will be studied and examined. The primary objective for students is to understand and synthesize the practical application of modern cryptography.

Cyber Security Management
This module reviews the management of cyber security within an organisation. Learners will:

• develop an information security plan
• evaluate the key concepts around applying an information security management system
• identify and apply appropriate governance
• understand security roles and procedures, risks and threat analysis, and organisational security policies.

Big Data Analytics
This module introduces advanced concepts in the applications of Data Analytics. It focuses on the applications of different techniques to extract meaningful patterns from both structured and unstructured datasets in both machine-based and container-based virtualisation environments.

Apprentices will learn to leverage different real-time Big Data Analytics frameworks in extracting and analysing data collected from various sensors, devices, networks, intrusion detection system (IDS) log files, web, social media etc. The analysis will be performed through different techniques including classification, clustering, regression as well as other machine learning algorithms.

Advanced Networking & Security
This module builds on the network design and implementation principles from the year 2 module ‘Network Design and Configuration’.

The objective is to defend and protect the network infrastructure, architecture, protocols and applications in order to deliver secured protocols, applications, services and data. The cyber security framework of identifying, protecting, detecting, responding and recovery in relation to network security will be evaluated and critically analysed.

• Learners will become capable of analysing, designing and managing the requirements of a secure network architecture based on risk analysis and operational requirements in accordance with regulations and standards.

Malware Analysis
This module enables apprentices to practice their technical skills on malware detection and attack technologies in both local and remote network environments. They will learn:

• about the creation of modern malware
• the techniques used to exploit system and network weaknesses
• the tools and skills needed to defend and recover from malicious attacks.

Secure Coding
This module explores a range of recognised software security problems using motivational examples. It looks at the fundamental sources of vulnerabilities arising at a programming level including:

• inadequate handling of exceptional situations
• poor understanding of the details of programming language
• incomplete descriptions of the interface between components
• insufficient care in the treatment of concurrency and threading issues

Learners will look at how these relate to evolving threat models.

Dissertation
Apprentices self-manage an academic in-depth investigation of a cyber security topic with support from an adviser. The chosen dissertation project will provide substantive evidence from a business-related project to demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge.