Diploma in Cybersecurity Specialist Co-op

You will have 480 hours guided learning hours followed by 240 hours practicum hours in an established business. The work placement will help you apply the theories you learn to practical business situations. We will help you secure your work placement by sending you for interviews.

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity

This module is designed to give you basic knowledge of the cyber world. This module will enable you to understand the principles of cyberattacks, the darknet, hackers’ motivations and various advanced technologies.

2. Computer Networks

This module will review the structure of personal computer basic concepts in data communications, the 7 layers model, working with SERVER 2016, remote and direct access as well as Virtual Private Network (VPN).

3. Communications, Operating Systems and Data Management

This module focuses on advanced computer communications topics such as monitoring and analyzing network traffic, operating systems (with an emphasis on Linux and Windows), data archives and management development (including Structured Query Language (SQL) and mobile cybersecurity).

4. Programming Languages for Cybersecurity

This module covers web technologies and basic HTML development. In addition, you will learn Python code development and basic programming with Python.

5. Concepts and Practical Implication of Encryption

This module will focus on the technology of cryptography and the techniques, limitations and problems commonly encountered. It covers the theory and application of methods available to secure information, computers and networks, as well as legal issues to do with cryptography.

6. Information Security in the Cyber World

In this module, you will learn several topics. First, you will become familiar with various types of scans such as networks, sites, computers and vulnerabilities for attacks. The second part of this module will cover weaknesses in information security (hardware, software and infrastructure) and data and cyber protection technologies, tools and leading companies.

7. Penetration Testing

This module is designed to provide you with the basic skills to conduct and build penetration testing infrastructure that includes all the equipment needed such as hardware, software, network infrastructure and tools.

8. Hackathon

This module will cover tactics for managing and synchronizing a multiplayer cyber event: SOC, NOC, ISP, MSSP and using communication strategies as a tool to manage and prevent a crisis during cyberattacks.

9. Work Placement

Once the program is complete, you are required to complete 240 hours of a work placement in a suitable business environment.  Appropriate business sectors for a placement include cybersecurity services, banking, financial services and insurance offices, not-for-profits, communications services, government entities and more. Activities performed will vary depending on the placement site, however, your key responsibilities will include:

• Learning to build secure software systems, networks and data centers
• Assisting in the search for vulnerabilities and risks in hardware and software
• Building firewalls into network infrastructures

• Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be at least 18 years of age and pass the Wonderlic test.

For non-native English speakers:

• Successful completion of TSoM EAP Level 4 or
• Have the required IELTS 5.5 score or equivalent or
• Pass the TSoM English Assessment (Written onsite or online with exam proctor)

Computer Use Expectation

In order to successfully progress through studies at Toronto School of Management (TSoM), it is required that you have access to a personal computer or laptop, with minimum configurations:

• CPU: 64-bit x86 Intel or AMD Processor from 2011 or later with full virtualization support with minimum 2GHz or faster core speed. Intel i5 or higher with 4 cores or more is recommended.  Ensure that it fully supports VMware and VirtualBox.
• RAM: 6GB or more is recommended.
• Storage: Minimum 256GB HDD/SSD or higher
• USB3 support
• Wireless Adapter with N or AC standard

Additionally, TSoM offers access to computer labs on campus, but availability cannot be guaranteed and some program software may not be available on all open access computers.

You must successfully complete and pass all five modules to be awarded the TSoM Diploma.

The assessment of each module consists of:

If you do not pass the module, you can re-take the module when it is offered next by paying a fee.

Upon completion of this program, you will be awarded the Diploma. If you do not pass, you can re-enroll in the course and re-take at the next available sitting.

Graduates of this diploma can consider career opportunities under NOC 2171 which includes positions such as:

• Informatics security analyst
• Systems security analyst
• Security administrator
• Security software developer
• Cryptographer