Become a cyber security professional safeguarding networks and data from existing and potential threats.

The Cyber Security Analysis (CSA) Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed to prepare you to meet the market demand for cyber security professionals in the public and private sector.

Throughout the program, you focus analytically on key cyber security principles including threat and vulnerability management, event analysis, laws and ethics relating to security compliance and implementation, cryptographic solutions for data confidentiality and communication protection, cyber incident response, digital forensics processes, disaster recovery and business continuity following cyber incidents and related tools and security appliances. You develop the skills and knowledge necessary to select and deploy the optimal tools and security solutions given unique scenarios.

Graduates possess the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills to assess, recommend, implement and troubleshoot various advanced security solutions and countermeasures. Utilizing IT concepts and tools, you evaluate the technical aspects and risk levels of security solutions, security and penetration tests and vulnerability assessments. You also examine the legal process and proper evidence gathering procedures, effective design of corporate security policies, analysis and management of risks or threats as well as ethical and social implications related to security, Canadian and International laws, privacy laws and compliance. Algonquin College`s state-of-the-art computing facilities, running the latest Windows and Linux/UNIX-based operating system (O/S) platforms and supporting a wide variety of pre-installed software applications, support you to be well-prepared for entry into the field of cyber security. You gain exposure to real-world technologies currently used within industry including specialized networking, Cisco and hardware labs along with several network-based O/S servers. The Cyber Security Analysis curriculum has been designed to closely align with the Canadian Center for Cyber Security`s (CCCS) curriculum guidelines and also assists in preparing graduates to achieve a number of industry certifications. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to attain certifications including:

• ISC2 SSCP and CISSP 
• SANS GSEC and other GIAC certifications 
• EC-Council`s CEH and CHFI\CompTia CySA+ and CASP

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to the co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates may find employment in a variety of security related domains in the private, corporate, industrial, governmental or service sectors. Employment opportunities may be available in private security firms, security consulting firms, security vendors and their value-added resellers (VARs), law enforcement agencies, cyber incident response groups, security and intelligence organizations or agencies, information technology consulting firms, communications carriers, information service providers or in government, business and public organizations in multiple fields outside IT/IS requiring security practitioners.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Possess sound judgement and a strong moral compass;
• Are able to focus attention for long periods in stressful, high-pressure, rapidly changing environments;
• Enjoy solving complex problems, with an ability to think outside-the-box;
• Possess inquisitive, well-organized and analytical natures;
• Work well independently and with others in a team environment.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in a variety of security related domains in the private, corporate, industrial, governmental or service sectors in a variety of roles including Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Specialist/Technician, Cyber Crime Analyst, Cyber Security Consultant, Cyber Security Developer, Cyber Security Design Specialist, Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Advisor, Embedded Cyber Security Specialist, Cyber Security Solutions Architect, Cyber Security Business Development Leader, Cyber Security Threat Assessor, Cyber Vulnerability Assessor, Cyber Defence Operator, Cyber Forensics Analyst, Cyber Security Project Manager, Cyber Security Protection and Planning Consultant, Cyber Security Compliance Specialist, Cyber Incident Response Specialist, Disaster Recovery Planner, Penetration Tester, Cyber Security Tester and Evaluator, Cyber Security Researcher, Cyber Security Cloud Architect, Cyber Security Policy Analyst.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop and implement cyber security solutions to protect network systems and data. 
2. Plan and implement security assessment methodologies, vulnerability management strategies and incident response procedures to generate and communicate security analysis reports and recommendations to the proper level of the organization. 
3. Recommend processes and procedures for maintenance and deployment of cyber security solutions. 
4. Select and deploy optimal security appliances and technologies to safeguard an organization`s network. 
5. Comply with existing industry policies, regulations, and ethics for information systems and information technology security solutions to ensure industry expectations and standards are met or exceeded. 
6. Analyze security risks to organizations and business processes to mitigate risk in compliance with industry standards. 
7. Plan and conduct disaster recovery, forensic investigations and incident responses to support Business Continuity of an organization. 
8. Implement and conduct penetration testing to identify and exploit an organizations` network system vulnerability. 
9. Perform various types of cyber analysis to detect actual security incidents and suggest solutions. 
10. Identify and apply discipline-specific factors that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Application Information

CYBER SECURITY ANALYSIS
Program Code 1530X01FWO

Applications to full-time day programs 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 are available online www.ontariocolleges.ca.

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.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the

International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.

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  

Program Resources

CO-OP INFORMATION

All applicants apply directly to the co-op version of this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Applicants not wishing to pursue the co-op version will have the opportunity to opt-out after being admitted to the program but prior to the first co-op work term.

Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit algonquincollege.com/coop.

Certifications

Graduates of this program may be well positioned in preparation to write certain industry certifications such as:

• ISC2 SSCP and CISSP
• SANS GSEC and other GIAC certifications 
• EC-Council`s CEH and CHFI 
• CompTia CySA+ and CASP