The Curriculum | 12 Credits
Designed for students who need to refresh their knowledge or who have no prior technical experience, this sequence of 3 courses introduces you to the fundamental technologies and skills that serve as the baseline for all professionals in cybersecurity.
CSF 2395: Applied Mathematics for Information Security Professionals | 3 Credits
This course covers the most important mathematics foundations that apply to computer science and information security, namely the fundamentals of cryptography and the notions of sets and closed systems. You'll gain an understanding of how these tools are used in real problems that you will face in the field. At the conclusion of this course, you will be able to reason on and apply fundamental mathematics as they interface with computer science and cybersecurity topics.
- Course focus: Fill in mathematical knowledge gaps relevant to cybersecurity and information technology.
Engaging content: Videos and animations illustrate mathematical concepts.
No extensive proofs: Focus is not on becoming a mathematician, but on providing foundational understanding for practical application.
Preparation for real-world scenarios: Gain the tools and understanding to tackle technical problems in SANS courses or in professional work environments.
CSF 2473: Introductory Python | 3 Credits
In this hands-on course, you'll actively write Python code, so you can see successful results and learn by doing. You'll learn how to install and maintain Python programs and modules, and utilize basic Python programming concepts such as functions, Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), modules, lists, and basic file input / output.
- Popularity and Versatility: Python is the most popular programming language globally, with extensive usage in various domains such as web development, data science, artificial intelligence, automation, and scripting.
Understanding Tools: Reading and understanding code is crucial for security professionals to ensure the safety of their networks, as many security tools are distributed as Python source code.
- Enhancing Tool Effectiveness: Learning to code allows professionals to create custom tools tailored to their organization's needs.
- Facilitating Career Advancement: Coding skills are highly beneficial for technical professionals, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and potential promotions.
CSF 2275: Foundations: Computers, Technology, & Security | 6 Credits
This course provides you with fundamental skills and knowledge in key IT subject areas, preparing you for more advanced cybersecurity coursework. More than 60 hands-on labs and exercises build and test your skills in a real-life environment, and you'll gain a level of theoretical understanding and applied practical skills that will enable you to speak the same language as industry professionals. At the end of the class, you’ll take an exam to earn the globally recognized GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies (GFACT) certification as validation of the skills you’ve gained.
- The course covers the foundations of cybersecurity in 12 modules:
- Computer Components and Concepts
- Linux
- The Web
- Networking Fundamentals
- Servers and Services
- Practical Programming and Concepts
- SQL
- Windows Foundations
- Advanced Computer Hardware
- Security Concepts
- Offensive Security Concepts
- Network and Computer Infiltration
