Call us: +44 (0)1227 789 649 - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Cyber Security
Cyber Security 100 Hours Certificate Course
Contact us
PayPal Pay Later
Pay in 3 interest-free payments
-
Choose PayPal at checkout to pay later with Pay in 3.
-
Complete your purchase with the first payment today.
-
Remaining payments are taken automatically.
Pay in 3 is a form of credit, so carefully consider whether the purchase is affordable and how you will make the repayments. Be aware of the possible impact of using Pay in 3 and of missing payments, including making other borrowing more difficult or more expensive. Pay in 3 eligibility is subject to status and approval. 18+ UK residents only. Available for purchases of £30 to £2,000. Terms and conditions apply. PayPal Pay in 3 is a trading name of PayPal (Europe) S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A. 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg.
Learn About Cyber Security
Cyber Security Online Course
Learn about cyber security, the different potential threats to be aware of, plus the available mechanisms you can use to protect your digital privacy.
Every day now it seems, we hear of cyber attacks on banks, businesses and people, with some cyber threats being more sophisticated than others. Gain the skills to take the steps possible to help prevent yourself and your loved ones being victims of cyber criminals, with this level 4 rated certificate course.
Defend your business against cyber crime, or enhance your professional development with a solid understanding of cyber security, to offer something that little bit more to an employer. Remember, not all companies are big enough to employ professionals, so anyone with skills in helping to prevent cyber attacks should be very warmly welcomed.
Just look at the learning goals, lesson structure and practical set tasks you will undertake below, and you will see that this is no ordinary cyber security course. As with all ADL distance learning programmes, it has been developed by experts in the field, with real life application very much in mind.
Course Information
Other Categories
Lessons
Lesson Structure: Cyber Security VIT103
There are 11 Lessons:
1 Introduction to Cyber Security and Cyber Attacks/Defenses
- The Importance of Cyber Security
- Threats to cyber security
- Common types of attacks
- A Layered Approach to Defense Mechanisms
- Data Centre Network
- Physical Security
- Software and Operating System Security
- Network Security
2 Vulnerability Assessment
- Introduction
- Assessing Vulnerabilities
- Security Posture
- Performing a Vulnerability Assessment
- Identifying Assets and classifying them
- Threats and Risk Assessment
- Baseline Reporting
- Penetration Testing
- Techniques
- Penetration Testing vs Vulnerability Assessment
3 Securing Facilities and Networks
- Securing a Data Centre
- Securing the Network
- Hardware – modem/router Level
- Software PC and Device level
4 Securing Your Online Digital Footprint
- Introduction
- What are Digital Footprints?
- Social Media
- Web browsing history and online shopping
- Devices used
- The importance of managing a digital footprint
- Protecting the user’s reputation
- Deciding where and how personal information is shared
- Preserving freedoms
- Preventing financial losses
- How to manage a digital footprint
- Understand the privacy risks of online identities
- Developing better online habits
- Investigate default settings for online tools and services
- Using privacy-enhancing tools
5 Internet Security and Digital Certificates
- Introduction
- Digital Certificates
- Digital Signatures
- DRM (Digital Rights Management) and IRM (Information Rights Management
- IRM/EDRM
- Generating a Digital Certificate
- Exchanging a Digital Certificate
- Verifying a Digital Certificate
- Web browsing
- Security Issues
- Secure Web Browsing using https
6 Wireless Network Vulnerabilities, Attacks and Security
- Introduction
- Types of Wireless Dara Networks
- NFC and Bluetooth Networks Attacks
- WLAN (Wireless LAN) attacks
- Introduction to network “blurred edges”
- Wireless data replay attacks
- Wireless DOS (Denial Of Service) attacks
- Rogue Access Point
- Attacks on Home WLANs – War Driving and War Chalking
- Wireless security vulnerability and solutions
- IEEE Wireless Security Vulnerabilities
7 Firewalls, IDS, and IPS
- Introduction
- Types of Firewall Protection
- Packet Filtering Firewall
- Application/Proxy Firewall
- Hybrid Firewall
- Firewall Limitations
- Formats of Firewalls
- UTM appliance
- Intrusion Detection Systems
- Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDS)
- Host-Based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS)
- Intrusion Prevention Systems
- Common Detection Methodologies: Anomaly Based IDPS, Signature-Based IDPS
8 Cryptography
- Introduction
- What is Cryptography? Definition, Terminology and Characteristics
- Common cipher attacks
- Ciphertext Only Attacks (COA)
- Known Plaintext Attack (KPA)
- Dictionary Attack
- Brute Force Attack (BFA)
- Power Analysis Attack
- Fault Analysis Attack
- Cryptographic Algorithms
- Symmetric Encryption
- Asymmetric Encryption
9 Access Control and Authentication
- Introduction
- What is Access Control?
- Definition and Terminology
- Access Control Models
- Implementing Access Control
- Group Policies
- ACL (Access Control Lists)
- DACL (Discretionary Access Control List)
- SACL (System Access Control List)
- What is Authenticication and Authorisation?
- Securing and protecting passwords
- Multi-Factor Authentication
10 Cyber-Attack Disaster Recovery Strategies
- Introduction
- Cyber Attack Recovery Planning and Preparation
- Backup procedures
- Monitoring and logging of events
- Containment of attack
- Assessing Damage/Loss Caused
- Recovery procedures
- Authorities and Tracking Down Attackers
- Data and Security Policies
11 Ongoing Security Management
- Introduction
- Managing Security Events
- Centralized vs Distributed data collection
- Being Organised
- Understanding the Workplace
- Networking
- Attitude
- Products and Services
- The Law
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Cyber Security VIT103
- Define cyber security.
- Explain the goals and importance of cyber security.
- Understand important terminology relating to cyber security and list some attacks and defence mechanisms.
- Explain how to perform a vulnerability assessment.
- Understand the tools and techniques available.
- Compare and contrast vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
- Explain how to secure physical data storage, data centre security, data warehouse and networks.
- Discuss implementation of key methods.
- Understand the effects of leaving a wide online digital footprint.
- Understand the options available for users to manage their online digital footprint.
- Explain how digital signatures are used, and how to generate, exchange and verify Digital Certificates.
- Understand web browsing security issues using the http protocol, and how to use certificates to secure web browsing using the https protocol.
- List the various types of wireless data communications networks and understand types of vulnerabilities and attacks against each of them.
- Explain wireless network security standards available to protect wireless networks.
- Understand what a firewall, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) represent in the world of cyber security.
- Explain the importance and functions of firewalls, IDS and IPS systems, and the benefits and protection they offer in protecting computers as well as computer networks.
- Understand the concept of cryptography and the importance of encrypting and decrypting data.
- Explain components of cryptographic protocols and common standards used in encryption and decryption.
- Define Access Control and become familiar with its terminology.
- Understand the importance of implementing access control models.
- Define authentication and understand the importance of creating and securing strong passwords and implementing double-factor or multi-factor authentication using the various means of authentication presented in this lesson.
- Explain how to recover from a cyber-attack.
- Discuss best procedures for setting up redundancy and quick recovery methods prior to an attack.
- Discuss best practices after an attack has occurred and minimizing impacts to systems and networks involved.
- Understand how to better manage the network in order to strengthen network control, through managing security events, implementing better network auditing strategies, and managing an intrusion detection and prevention system.
Practical (Set Tasks)
Set Practical Tasks: Cyber Security VIT103
- Research layered defence concepts and in particular the idea of defence in depth.
- Research and explain a type of cyber-attack that is not listed in this lesson. Spend no more than 1 hour on this
- activity.
- Undertake research online and report on good vulnerability scanners currently available in the market. Compare and contrast them. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Undertake research online and report on good penetration testing tools currently available in the market. Compare and contrast them. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research a recent cyber attack. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research a method of Network security that is not listed in the lesson.
- Research a method of Data centre security that is not listed in the lesson.
- Research 4 privacy enhancing tools online, such as VPNs, password managers, and other encryption software. Take notes; you may wish to create a table to contrast options. Spend no more than 1 hours on this task.
- Research digital certificates and digital certificate issuers online. Compare different types of certificates and issuers. You may wish to use a table for this. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research hash values and hash functions. Clearly define the difference between the two, and think when they’re required, why, and how they work. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Undertake research into the IEEE WLAN standards and summarize your findings into a table showing the standards name, the year it was introduced, frequency, maximum data rates, as well as indoor and outdoor range. Briefly explain the differences. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research the latest firewall solutions in the market. Read about their features, advantages, disadvantages and their application in the world of cyber security. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research the latest NIDS and HIDS solutions in the market. Pick the 2 most used/popular solutions for NIDS and the 2 most used/popular solutions for HIDS and read about how they work, their advantages, any licensing costs involved, and more. Spend no more than 2 hours on this task.
- Undertake research into the various encryption algorithms, the size of the keys being used, and how long it would take to crack them using a brute force attack using today’s computer powers.
- Research other types of Access control models that are available. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research different types of access control devices. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Research other forms of multi factor authentication and devices that are used. Specifically, research 2FA: what it is and how it is used.
- Undertake research into the current uses of the AES encryption algorithm (think about mobile data encryption, WIFI data transmissions, etc.)
- Research SOE and image third-party software online. Take notes on the potential positives and negatives of using third-party software for this. Spend no more than 1 hour on this task.
- Think about companies with a high potential of loss due to cyberattack. Create an at-risk profile, an at moderate risk profile, and a low-risk profile for such firms. Include the type of potential costs incurred with each, along with a plan to make the at-risk and at moderate risk firms less vulnerable. Research as necessary. Spend no more than 2 hours on this task.
- Research what a security policy is and how they are written within a business to help ensure that employees and customers are aware at all times of what constitutes acceptable behaviour.
- Research and report 1 page on two different types of software that is used to manage or automate tasks on computers.
- From set task 1 investigate 5 alternative software applications that do the same as you found and compare their differences and how they operate.
- Research 5 different methods or tools (software or hardware) that can be used in recovery or defence of a cyber-attack.
Each lesson is completed with a written assignment, based on the reading and set tasks. Assignments are marked and graded by personally assigned tutors, and returned with helpful comments and suggestions.
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit. - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
What your tuition fees include
- All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
- Assignments Marked
- Professional Tutor Feedback
- Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
- Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
- Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
- Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
- All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
- Qualification Certificate
- Official Transcript with assignment grades
- Student Manual
Plus FREE
- Academic Writing course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Critical Thinking course (optional - 10 hours only)
- Job Seekers Careers Guide
- Study Tips on How To Study Better
- Career Counselling by ADL Staff
- CV Writing Help, Tips and Advice
There are no hidden extras
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERAL
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.
Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,