Cybersecurity &amp; Digital Forensics

Do you know that computer hackers have exposed the personal information of 110 million Americans in the last 12 months? This program will teach you the ins and outs of computer security as well as how to keep information safe.

With millions of Americans having their personal information stolen each year, the need for Cybersecurity counter measures to keep information safe is needed more and more. Every day, there are new reports about the need for additional cyber security professionals in the news. The role of computers and portable media devices in criminal investigation activity has increased dramatically in recent years.

This program allows you to be part of cutting-edge technology in some of the fastest growing and emerging careers. Area of study for this program will include; basic computer safety, social engineering, essential security awareness, implementing countermeasures to keep data safe as well as the study of methods of deception.

Students will work both individually and as part of a team to understand data breaches and develop solutions to deter criminals from gaining access in the future. You will then use the skills you learn in class to problem solve weaknesses in a variety of electronic devices.

Career opportunities in this field are unlimited and the employment outlook remains strong.

Program Syllabus

Our mission is to provide students with the essential knowledge, skills, and work habits to excel in their careers and future learning.

Course Title

Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics
National Career Cluster: Information Technology
Michigan Career Pathway: Management, Marketing & Technology

Instructor

Mark Dodak
517.244.1300
Central Michigan University, M.A., B.A.

Instructional Assistant

Lori Langone
517.244.1335

Michigan State University, M.A.
Pennsylvania State University, B.A.

Types of Credit

See High School Credit Options

Note: Local districts award high school credit, not the WTC.

Course and Certification Exam Outline Year One

Cisco Networking Academy : Getting Started with Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco Networking Academy: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Cisco Networking Academy: Operating System Basics
Cisco Networking Academy: Computer Hardware Basics
Cisco Networking Academy: IT Support Essentials
Cisco Networking Academy: Exploring Internet of Things with Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco Networking Academy: Introduction to IoT and Digital Transformation
Cisco Networking Academy: Linux Unhatched
CompTIA: Tech+ CertMaster Learn 1.0
CompTIA: A+ Core 1 and Core 2 CertMaster Learn 15.0
CompTIA: Tech+ (V6) FC0-U71 – Fall, certification exam
Certiport: Cisco Certified Support Technician IT Support 100-140 – Spring, certification exam

Course and Certification Exam Outline Year Two

Cisco Networking Academy: Exploring Networking with Cisco Packet Tracer
Cisco Networking Academy: Networking Basics
Cisco Networking Academy: Networking Devices and Initial Configuration
Cisco Networking Academy: Network Addressing and Basic Troubleshooting
Cisco Networking Academy: Network Support and Security
CompTIA: Network+ CertMaster Learn 9.0
CompTIA: Network+ (V9) N10-009 – Spring, certification exam
Certiport: Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking 100-150 – Spring, certification exam
Certiport: Cisco Certified Support Technician Cybersecurity 100-160 – Spring, certification exam

Dress Code

Students in the Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics program are expected to follow the Wilson Talent Center (WTC) student handbook dress-code policy for everyday class. The dress code with input from the advisory board is designed to support a professional, focused, and respectful learning environment that mirrors expectations students will encounter in the IT industry.

In addition to the standard daily dress code, students will be asked to dress in business casual or business professional attire on designated days, including:

• Mock interviews, Mock Job Fair, and other career-preparation events with advisory members

• Site visits and field trips to local employers and college campuses

• The end-of-year Cybersecurity Showcase and any presentations to outside audiences

• Work-Based Learning placements (internships, co-op, virtual mentorship) per the employer’s
dress expectations

Advance notice will be given before any business-casual or business-professional day. Students who need assistance meeting these expectations should speak with the instructor or a WTC counselor; the program will work with students to ensure no one is excluded from an event because of attire.

Course and Certification Exam Descriptions Year One

Cisco: Introduction to Cybersecurity

This course explores cyber trends, threats, and staying safe in cyberspace, and protecting personal and company data.

Cisco: Operating System Basics

This course teaches the fundamentals of operating systems by covering the basic concepts and skills needed to explain the purpose and characteristics of operating systems, implement basic operating system security, and configure mobile device network connectivity.

Cisco: Computer Hardware Basics

This course teaches the fundamentals of computers and mobile devices by covering the basic concepts and skills needed to install components to build, repair, or upgrade personal computers.

Cisco: IT Support Essentials

This course covers fundamental computer and career skills for entry-level IT jobs. Students apply skills and procedures to install, configure, and troubleshoot computers, mobile devices, and software.

Cisco: Introduction to IoT and Digital Transformation

The course provides learners with an engaging, exploratory view of the internet of things and highlights how digital transformation impacts organizations, businesses, governments, industries, and our daily lives.

Cisco: Linux Unhatched

This course covers introductory back-end operating system knowledge by teaching basic installation and configuration of Linux and introducing the Linux command line.

CompTIA: Tech+ CertMaster Learn 1.0

This course prepares you for the CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71) certification exam and for a solid foundation as a tech-fluent technology user.

CompTIA: A+ Core 1 and Core 2 CertMaster Learn 15.0

This course prepares you for the CompTIA A+ (V15) Core 1 (220-1201) and Core 2 (220-1202) certification exams and covers a broad range of IT fundamentals for hardware, networking, software, and operational procedures.

Certification Exam: CompTIA Tech+ (V6) – Exam Code FC0-U71

CompTIA Tech+ is the cornerstone certification for those venturing into tech-related careers. It provides a wide spectrum of foundational tech knowledge and hands-on skills, helping you become confident and tech-savvy.

Certification Exam: Cisco Certified Support Technician IT Support – Exam Code 100-140

This (Certiport) exam validates work-ready skills and knowledge for entering and advancing in the IT Support field. Domains include IT support job tasks and responsibilities, hardware issues, connectivity and resource access issues, operating system and application issues, common threats and preventions, and job tools.

Course and Certification Exam Descriptions Year Two

Cisco: Exploring Networking with Cisco Packet Tracer

In this course, learners create and explore a small office network using Cisco Packet Tracer. They learn how to connect and configure devices in a network, including wireless devices, and how to manage and monitor a network.

Cisco: Networking Basics

This course covers the foundation of networking and network devices, media, and protocols. Learners observe data flowing through a network and basic device configuration to connect to networks.

Cisco: Networking Devices and Initial Configuration

This course teaches intermediate knowledge and skills for networking by covering basic concepts and skills needed to build a home office network and a small office network.

Cisco: Network Addressing and Basic Configuration

This course explores key concepts for Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and basic network troubleshooting.

Cisco: Network Support and Security

This course introduces the basics of network and user support, which are essential for a successful career in networking.

CompTIA: Network+ CertMaster Learn 9.0

In this course, students learn networking skills in an interactive, office environment for practice configuring and troubleshooting real-world challenges.

Certification Exam: CompTIA Network+ (V9) – Exam code N10-009

This exam validates the core skills necessary to establish, maintain, troubleshoot, and secure networks in any environment, preparing you for a rewarding career in networking and cybersecurity.

Certification Exam: Cisco Certified Support Technician Networking – Exam code 100-150

This (Certiport) exam validates work-ready skills and knowledge for entering and advancing in the networking field. Domains include networking standards and concepts, addressing and subnet formats, endpoints and media types, network infrastructures, diagnosing problems, and network security.

Certification Exam: Cisco Certified Support Technician Cybersecurity – Exam code 100-160

This (Certiport) exam validates work-ready skills and knowledge for entering and advancing in the cybersecurity field. Domains include essential security principles, basic network security concepts, endpoint security concepts, vulnerability assessment and risk management, and incident handling.