Computer Systems Technology - Security - Pathway for Computer Systems Technician
Further your studies to specialize your IT career in the advancing field of Security.
- This program prepares students to secure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business-critical data, transactions, and network infrastructure.
- Develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement, and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures.
- Learn how to deploy modern security countermeasures against threats to IT infrastructure and how to validate and evaluate security controls.
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician Ontario College Diploma program may be interested in furthering their knowledge and skills with this third year of study.
This third-year Computer Systems Technology - Security Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to perform a critical role in securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business-critical data, transactions and network infrastructure....(read more)
Overview
Further your studies to specialize your IT career in the advancing field of Security.
Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician Ontario College Diploma program may be interested in furthering their knowledge and skills with this third year of study.
This third-year Computer Systems Technology - Security Ontario College Advanced Diploma program prepares you to perform a critical role in securing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of business-critical data, transactions and network infrastructure.
In this program you develop the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement, and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures. Throughout the program, you have access to modern computing facilities that run Windows and Linux/UNIX-based operating systems that support a variety of pre-installed software applications. Algonquin College also offers specialized networking and hardware labs.
Learn how to deploy modern security countermeasures against threats to IT infrastructure and how to validate and evaluate security controls.
Discover common techniques used in digital forensics and investigations, and how to participate in the investigation and incident response process. Learn how to design effective corporate policies and IT forensic concepts and tools, and study the legal process and proper evidence gathering procedures.
Graduates of this program may find careers in:
- private, industrial, government, and service sectors
- security firms
- security audit/penetration consulting firms
- law enforcement agencies and security agencies
There may also be opportunities as a/an:
- security specialist
- IT network security consultant
- corporate information security manager and officer
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
CST8601
Course Name:
Network Security Architecture
Course Description:
Securing networks is essential for protecting sensitive information, preventing data breaches, ensuring business continuity, complying with ... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
CST8602
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Penetration Testing
Course Description:
Penetration testing, also known as pentesting or ethical hacking, is a crucial practice for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and ava... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
CST8603
Course Name:
Security Law and Compliance
Course Description:
Studying security law and compliance is essential for ensuring legal adherence, managing risks, protecting sensitive information, maintainin... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CST8604
Course Name:
Information Security Risk Management
Course Description:
Information security (InfoSec) risk management is essential for organizations to protect their assets, comply with regulatory requirements, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
CST8605
Course Name:
Advanced Security Appliances
Course Description:
Advanced security appliances are essential to equip cybersecurity professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to defend against evolv... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
CST8606
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Digital Forensics and Discovery
Course Description:
When a cybersecurity incident is discovered, a forensic investigation uncovers the facts, understand the nature of the attack, preserve evid... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
CST8607
Course Name:
Applied Cryptography
Course Description:
Cryptography plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information, securing digital transactions, and ensuring the trustworthiness of ... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
CST8608
Course Name:
Fundamentals of Cyber Incident Response
Course Description:
Cybersecurity incident response provides students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively respond to cybersecurity threats. By un... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
CST8609
Course Name:
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Course Description:
Business continuity and disaster recovery planning is crucial for organizations to ensure their operations can continue despite unexpected d... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment in a variety of private and public organizations such as privately managed security firms, security audit/penetration consulting firms, law enforcement agencies (RCMP, OPP, local police forces), associated security agencies (CSIS, CSE), information technology consulting firms, primary communications carriers and information service providers.
Positions in the Information Technology environment may include:
- corporate information security or security administrator (junior to intermediate level)
- corporate information security manager/officer (junior to intermediate level)
- network security specialist (junior to intermediate level)
- IT/network security consultant (junior to intermediate level)
- IT/network security architect/designer (junior to intermediate level)
- security auditor/penetration tester (junior to intermediate level)
- digital forensic analyst/consultant/investigator (junior to intermediate level)
- IT/network security and compliance analyst/investigator (junior to intermediate level)
- technical support specialist - security (intermediate level)
- technical integration sales representative and support (intermediate level).
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
- Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
- Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
- Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
- Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
- Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
- Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
- Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
- Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
- Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
- Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
- Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
- Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
- Design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
- Implement defence line using security control to effectively detect and respond to various cyber attacks and threats.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2025/2026 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies cost approximately $260 in Level 05 and $150 in Level 06 and can be purchased at the campus store.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
Program Eligibility
- Successful completion of Computer Systems Technician Ontario College Diploma, and completion of a pre-admission assessment with a minimum grade of 70% is required.
- Self-directed Cisco CCNA modules are available to assist students in preparation of the assessment.
- Students are required to apply through www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Application Information
COMPUTER SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY - SECURITY
Program Code 0156A01FWO
Algonquin College Computer Systems Technician - Networking students that have graduated 2 or more years ago must apply to the program through ontariocolleges.ca.
Computer Systems Technician students are required to apply through ontariocolleges.ca.
For those applicants required to apply through Ontario Colleges, applications must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Curriculum is reviewed annually to reflect evolving industry standards in the information technology field.