Knowledge

• Has a broad knowledge of cyber defence and attack techniques, technologies and tools in order to implement appropriate technical and non-technical solutions to prepare for, defend against and recover from cyber intrusion.
• Is familiar with appropriate and current procedures and standards for managing cyber risks and threats, undertaking penetration testing and ensuring network security.
• Has knowledge of the legal and ethical issues and responsibilities pertaining to cyber security activities with regard to the impact of the cyber intrusion on society, industry, national infrastructure and national security.
• Is familiar with current and emerging research and development in the field of Cyber Security and related disciplines.
• Is able to update their knowledge in the area of cyber security through academic study, research and professional development.
• Is familiar with the current and developing state of cyber criminality and cyber warfare threats, vulnerabilities and defensive tools and techniques.
• Has knowledge of the history and development of cyber security, cybercrime and cyber warfare, its impact on safety and security of digital environments and infrastructures, alongside the resulting effects on society.
• Is familiar with various computational tools, techniques and practices that underpin secure computing.

Skills

• Is able to critically assess the threat level to a digital environment and select and apply appropriate computer system security and penetration tools and techniques in order to secure a computer network.
• Can critically select and apply a range of analytical and methodological problem solving and investigative techniques including system profiling and vulnerability analysis, based on research and to be able to interpret the solutions and present results appropriately.
• Is able to reflect on their own academic practice and development as a security professional, identify areas for improvement and adapt to future cyber security tools, techniques, technology and threats.
• Is able to find, distil and evaluate relevant academic, commercial and non-commercial information assets then apply this information in resolving digital security problems.
• Is able to identify stakeholders of cyber security and defence-related issues and communicate, network and collaborate with these stakeholders according to their individual requirements.
• Can apply mathematical and software development theories, tools and techniques to computational challenges.
   

General Competence

• Is able to identify and appropriately act on complex ethical and social issues arising within academic and professional practice as a cyber security professional, whilst being aware of the greater implications of their actions and decisions.
• Is able to plan, execute and manage a variety of activities and cyber security-related projects over time, alone or as part of a collaborative team to successful conclusion and in accordance with relevant legal and ethical requirements and principles.
• Can distil and communicate cyber security-related theories, concepts, problems and solutions, with a variety of relevant stakeholders, through the selection and application of appropriate methods of communication.
• Can exchange opinions, experiences and ideas with others with background and/or experience in cyber security and defence, through the selection and application of appropriate methods of communication, thereby contributing to the development of good practice within the cyber security community of practice.
• Is familiar with, and can critically evaluate, current and evolving processes and disruptive technologies within the field of cyber security.
• Is able to identify appropriate stakeholders and communicate, network and collaborate with these stakeholders at an appropriate level while considering security and confidentiality.
• Is able to engage in critical self-reflection, and reflect upon relevant ethical and professional issues, as part of the lifelong learning strategy required of a cyber security professional.

As an online student you are required to purchase the required equipment and software. As a Campus student the required equipment and software is available for use.

Required Equipment

• A reliable internet connection
• Headphones or headset – with a microphone.
• Webcam.
• 2 USB Drives with 8-16 GB storage.
• PC/Laptop with the following specifications:
  • Microsoft® Windows® 10 or 11.
  • CPU: Intel i5 (64-bit Intel® or AMD® multi-core processor is recommended)
  • GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX (GeForce RTX 3070 is recommended)
  • RAM: 16 GB (32 GB recommended)
  • Storage: 500 GB (SSD/NVMe is highly recommended)
  • You must have full administrative privileges to install and manipulate all aspects of your computer. The minimum requirements apply to all who purchase/use their own machine. This may not be an Apple Mac, as these systems are not compatible with the required software.

Recommended Equipment

• 1-2 additional USB Drive with 1-4 GB storage
• 2 monitors, or 1 ultrawide screen
• 1 additional storage drive (Minimum 1 TB is recommended)
• Required Software
  • As a student you will be provided student licences, until then you should explore the software.
  • Microsoft Office
  • VMware Workstation
  • Many students find that the use of Windows is a good starting point to allow them to develop the skills to configure alternative operating systems. Several tutorials will require access to a Windows operating system (either as a host or as a virtual machine).