Cybersecurity & 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.

View the Articulated Credit Sheet for Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics .

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

Cyber Security 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

Fourth year math credit
Elective Credit: Recommended by WTC; awarded by sending school

Course Outline

Year One

Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials
TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro
Cisco IT Essentials
TestOut PC Pro
Cisco Introduction to IoT (Internet of Things)
Cisco NDG Linux Essentials

Year Two

Cisco Networking Essentials
TestOut Network Pro
TestOut Ethical Hacker Pro

Year One Course Description

Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials

In this course, students will learn how to understand security controls for networks, servers, and applications; learn valuable security principles and how to develop compliant policies; learn how to implement proper procedures for data confidentiality and availability; and develop critical thinking skills and problem solving skills using real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer.

TestOut IT Fundamentals Pro

This course prepares students for the TestOutIT Fundamentals Pro and Comp TIA IT Fundamentals (FCO-U61) certification exams. Students considering careers in information technology will use multiple learning formats to acquire foundational concepts, knowledge and skills.

Cisco IT Essentials

In this course, students will learn how to install, configure, and troubleshoot computers and mobile devices; identify common security threats like phishing and spoofing; develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using both real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer, and prepare for CompTIA A+ Certification.

TestOut PC Pro

This course prepares students for the TestOut PC Pro and CompTIA A+ 220-1001 (Core 1) and 220-1002 (Core 2) certification exams. Students use multiple learning formats to learn how to install, manage, and secure computer hardware and master home and corporate OS environments.

Cisco Introduction to IoT (Internet of Things)

In this course, students will learn how the current digital transformation is creating unprecedented economic opportunity; understand how the IoT is bridging the gap between operational and information technology systems; discover how standard business processes are being transformed; and learn about the security concerns that must be considered when implementing IoT solutions.

Cisco NDG Linux Essentials

In this course, students will acquire open source concepts and progressively master Linux commands; understand how Linux is used and the basics of its command line; become skilled at using the Linux virtual machine for experiments; and prepare for LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate (PDC). (Students will also learn to use the command line through Raspberry Pi projects and resources.)

Year Two Course Description

CIsco Network Essentials

In this course students will learn how to plan and install a home or small business network using wireless technology, then connect it to the Internet; develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using Cisco Packet Tracer; practice verifying and troubleshooting network and Internet connectivity; and recognize and mitigate security threats to a home network.

TestOut Network Pro

This course prepares students for the TestOut Network Pro certification exam and CompTIA's N10-007 certification exam. Students gain the knowledge and skills they need to install, configure, and maintain a network for a small business.

TestOut Ethical Hacker Pro

This course teaches students to be aware of network attack strategies and common countermeasures. It prepares students to use various penetration testing tools to analyze networks for vulnerabilities. Knowledge of these vulnerabilities also helps students to understand how to counter these vulnerabilities and improve network security.

Additional Learning Opportunities

Raspberry Pi programming projects; building and programming Parallax cyber:bots; CyberStart America gaming; guest speakers; and field trips to college campuses and businesses.

Grading Policy
Item	Percentage
Formatives	15%
Packet Tracer & Labs	15%
Projects	10%
Work Habits (includes attendance)	35%
Tests/Quiz	25%
Total	100%

Grading Scale
Grade	Percentage
A	93-100%
A-	90-92%
B+	87-89%
B	83-86%
B-	80-82%
C+	77-79%
C	73-76%
C-	70-72%
D+	67-69%
D	63-66%
D-	60-62%
E	59% or below

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