Cyber Security & Networking - Study Programs

Cybersecurity & Networking – Study Programs

Types of Security

Network Security: Protecting the infrastructure of a network from unauthorized access, misuse, or theft.
Information Security: Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Application Security: Protecting software applications from vulnerabilities and attacks.
Physical Security: Protecting hardware and physical facilities from physical threats.

Network Types

LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, or office building.
WAN (Wide Area Network): A network that extends over a large geographical area.
PAN (Personal Area Network): A network for interconnecting devices centered around an individual person’s workspace.

Security Principles

Confidentiality: Ensuring that information is not accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Integrity: Ensuring that information is not altered by unauthorized individuals.
Availability: Ensuring that information and resources are available to authorized users when needed.

Common Threats

Malware: Software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to systems.
Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.
Denial of Service (DoS): Attacks that aim to make a machine or network resource unavailable to its intended users.
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Attacks where the attacker intercepts and potentially alters communication between two parties.

Security Measures

Firewalls: Systems designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.
Encryption: The process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Devices or software that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Using two or more verification methods to gain access to a resource.

1. Cyber Security Fundamentals:

Definition: Cybersecurity involves protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyberattacks.
Importance: Safeguards sensitive information, maintains privacy, and ensures the integrity and availability of data.

2. Key Concepts in Cyber Security:

Threats and Vulnerabilities:
- Malware: Software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device or network.
  - Types include viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
- Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity.
- Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information.
- Denial of Service (DoS): Attacks that overwhelm systems, making services unavailable to users.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Eavesdropping attacks where the attacker intercepts and relays messages between two parties.

Security Measures:
- Firewalls: Network security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Antivirus Software: Programs designed to detect and destroy malware.
- Encryption: The process of converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requires two or more verification methods to gain access to a resource.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and issues alerts.
- Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Identifies and blocks potential threats in real-time.
Best Practices:
- Regular software updates and patch management.
- Strong, unique passwords and regular password changes.
- Educating users on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
- Backing up data regularly.

Network Topologies

Star: All nodes are connected to a central hub.
Bus: All nodes are connected to a single central cable.
Ring: Each node is connected to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway.

Protocols

TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): The fundamental suite of protocols for internet communication.
HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol/Secure): Protocols for transferring web pages.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Protocol for transferring files between systems.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Protocol for sending emails.

Network Devices

Router: A device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
Switch: A device that connects devices within a network and uses packet switching to forward data to its destination.
Hub: A basic networking device that connects multiple computers in a network but does not manage traffic.

Wireless Networking

Wi-Fi: A technology for wireless local area networking with devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.
Bluetooth: A technology for exchanging data over short distances.

Network Security Practices

VPN (Virtual Private Network): Extends a private network across a public network and enables users to send and receive data as if their devices were directly connected to the private network.
Network Segmentation: Dividing a network into multiple segments or subnets to improve security and performance.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS): Protocols for encrypting information over the internet.

1. Networking Fundamentals:

Definition: Networking refers to the interconnection of computing devices to share data and resources.
Components:
- Devices: Routers, switches, hubs, modems, and network interface cards (NICs).
- Media: Physical cables (e.g., Ethernet) and wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
- Protocols: Rules and conventions for communication between network devices.
  - TCP/IP: The fundamental suite of protocols for the internet, includes protocols like HTTP, FTP, and SMTP.
  - DNS: Domain Name System, translates domain names to IP addresses.
  - DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, assigns IP addresses to devices on a network.
  - HTTP/HTTPS: Protocols for transferring web pages. HTTPS includes encryption for security.

2. Network Types:

Local Area Network (LAN): A network that spans a small geographic area, like a home or office.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that covers a large geographic area, such as a city, country, or global connections.
Personal Area Network (PAN): A network for personal devices, usually within a range of a few meters.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A network that spans a city or large campus.

3. Network Topologies:

Star Topology: All devices connect to a central hub. If the hub fails, the network is inoperable.
Bus Topology: All devices share a common communication line. A failure in the line disrupts the entire network.
Ring Topology: Devices are connected in a circular format. Data travels in one direction.
Mesh Topology: Devices are interconnected, providing multiple pathways for data to travel.

4. Key Network Concepts:

IP Addressing: Unique identifiers for devices on a network.
- IPv4: Uses 32-bit addresses, e.g., 192.168.1.1.
- IPv6: Uses 128-bit addresses, designed to accommodate the growing number of devices, e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334.
Subnets: Divisions of an IP network, improving efficiency and security.
Routing: The process of forwarding data packets from one network to another using routers.
Switching: The process of moving data within a network using switches.

5. Securing Networks:

Firewalls: Both hardware and software firewalls monitor and control network traffic based on security rules.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Secure connections over the internet, providing privacy and security.
Network Access Control (NAC): Policies to control which devices can connect to the network.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Tools that provide real-time analysis of security alerts.

Key Concepts

1. Zero Trust Security Model

A security concept centered on the belief that organizations should not automatically trust anything inside or outside its perimeters and instead verify anything and everything trying to connect to its systems before granting access.

2. Incident Response

A set of procedures an organization uses to detect, respond to, and recover from network security incidents.

3. Network Monitoring

The use of tools and technologies to continuously observe a network for performance issues, failures, and security breaches.

Emerging Trends

IoT Security: With the proliferation of Internet of Things devices, securing these devices has become critical.
Cloud Security: As more organizations move to cloud-based services, ensuring the security of data and applications in the cloud is vital.
AI and Machine Learning in Security: Leveraging AI and ML to detect anomalies and potential threats more effectively.

Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity and Networking:

Cloud Security: Protecting data and systems in cloud environments.
Internet of Things (IoT) Security: Addressing vulnerabilities in interconnected devices.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Security: Using AI for threat detection and response.
5G Networks: Addressing security challenges and opportunities with next-generation wireless technology.

Summary

Cybersecurity and networking are foundational elements in modern technology. Cybersecurity protects systems and data from threats, while networking enables the connectivity and communication essential for the functioning of IT systems. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for maintaining secure and efficient technological environments.

Awareness Lane

Below are the study programs and courses under this skill track. To proceed, tap on a study program below to apply to study at DevWorld Tech Academy.
1 session in DWTA is equal to 3 months.

Information Technology & Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Academic Certificate
1 session

Information Technology Fundamentals

This area covers the basic principles and concepts underlying information technology, including hardware, software, networks, and the internet.

Key Areas:

Hardware: Understanding the physical components of computers and other digital devices (e.g., CPU, memory, storage, peripherals).
Software: Knowledge of different types of software (system software, application software), and how they interact with hardware.
Networks: Basics of networking, including types of networks (LAN, WAN), protocols (TCP/IP), and internet infrastructure.
Cybersecurity: Understanding threats (e.g., viruses, malware), and protection methods (e.g., firewalls, encryption).

This is a comprehensive Information Technology and Cybersecurity course designed for a beginner student, spread over 3 months with classes 3 days per week for 2 hours each time.

The course is structured to cover fundamental concepts and practical skills necessary for an academic certificate.

Course Outline: Information Technology and Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Total Duration: 3 months
Weekly Schedule: 3 days per week
Class Duration: 2 hours per session

Week 1-2: Introduction to Information Technology

Day 1:
- Introduction to IT
- Overview of computer hardware and software
Day 2:
- Operating Systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Basic computer maintenance and troubleshooting
Day 3:
- Networking basics: LAN, WAN, and internet
- Introduction to IP addresses and DNS

Week 3-4: Introduction to Cybersecurity

Day 1:
- What is Cybersecurity?
- Importance of cybersecurity in today’s world
Day 2:
- Common cyber threats: viruses, malware, phishing, and ransomware
- Case studies of major cybersecurity breaches
Day 3:
- Basic cybersecurity practices: creating strong passwords, using antivirus software
- Overview of cybersecurity tools

Week 5-6: Computer Networks and Security

Day 1:
- Understanding network protocols and models (TCP/IP, OSI)
- Network devices: routers, switches, firewalls
Day 2:
- Network security concepts: firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS
- Hands-on lab: setting up a simple network and configuring a firewall
Day 3:
- Wireless network security
- Securing home and small business networks

Week 7-8: Operating System Security

Day 1:
- Securing Windows OS: User accounts, permissions, and updates
Day 2:
- Securing Linux OS: File permissions, user management, and updates
- Introduction to shell scripting for security automation
Day 3:
- Securing Mac OS: System preferences, updates, and backups
- Hands-on lab: Configuring security settings on different OS

Week 9-10: Web Security

Day 1:
- Understanding web application security: OWASP Top 10
- Introduction to HTTPS and SSL/TLS
Day 2:
- Common web vulnerabilities: SQL injection, XSS, CSRF
- Basic web security practices for users and developers
Day 3:
- Hands-on lab: Analyzing web traffic with tools like Wireshark
- Implementing basic web security measures

Week 11-12: Data Protection and Privacy

Day 1:
- Importance of data protection and privacy
- Introduction to data encryption
Day 2:
- Data backup and recovery strategies
- Hands-on lab: Implementing data encryption and backups
Day 3:
- Overview of privacy laws and regulations (GDPR, CCPA)
- Best practices for ensuring data privacy

Week 13-14: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

Day 1:
- Introduction to ethical hacking
- Phases of penetration testing
Day 2:
- Tools of the trade: Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite
- Hands-on lab: Conducting a simple penetration test
Day 3:
- Reporting and mitigating vulnerabilities
- Ethical considerations and legal implications

Week 15-16: Capstone Project and Review

Day 1:
- Introduction to the capstone project
- Defining the project scope and objectives
Day 2:
- Work on the capstone project (e.g., setting up a secure network, conducting a security audit)
Day 3:
- Completing and presenting the capstone project
- Review of key concepts and preparation for the final assessment

Course Materials

Textbooks:
- “CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) Certification All-in-One Exam Guide”
- “The Basics of Cyber Safety: Computer and Mobile Device Safety Made Easy”
Online Resources:
- Cybersecurity courses on platforms like DWTA Online course platform.
- Documentation and tutorials from Cisco, Microsoft, and Linux distributions

Assessment and Certification

Quizzes: Weekly quizzes to reinforce learning
Assignments: Hands-on labs and practical assignments
Capstone Project: Final project to apply the learned skills
Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering all course topics

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive an academic certificate in Information Technology and Cybersecurity.

This course structure ensures a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for beginners in the field of IT and cybersecurity.

1 session in DWTA is equal to 3 months.

Tuition & Guidance Fees (billed per session)

– Premium Plan: Ghc 1500 per session (offline & online)
– Core Plan: Ghc 1500 per session (online only)

Tuition & Guidance Fees (billed per month)

– Premium Plan: Ghc 600 per month (offline & online)
– Core Plan: Ghc 600 per month (online only)

Information Technology and Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Class Duration: 2 hours per day
Total Duration: 3 months
Weekly Schedule: 3 days per week

Monday > 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Tuesday > 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Wednesday > 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Thursday > 3:10 pm – 5:10 pm
Friday > 3:10 pm – 5:10 pm
Saturday > 3:10 pm – 5:10 pm