Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title COMP 2049: Cybersecurity Systems

Catalog Description

Credits 4
Hours/Week 4 (4 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) MATH 0099, COMP 2048
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This class examines the basic principles of cybersecurity systems and analysis, involving developing knowledge of current trends affecting security analysts within on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments. Additionally, this class will develop knowledge related to proactive monitoring, threat detection, SIEM tooling, EDR, XDR, threat intelligence, and how to respond to threats. Students will leave equipped with with the practical skills needed for real-world applications and preparation for the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) exam.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Introduction to Cybersecurity Analyst
  2. CySA+ Exam Objectives
  3. Roles and Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Analyst
  4. Introduction to Cybersecurity Operational Processes
  5. Vulnerability and Risk Management
  6. Incident Response and Reporting
  7. Threat Vectors and Threat Hunting
  8. Understanding Threat Vectors
  9. Basics of Threat Hunting
  10. Threat Intelligence and SIEM Tooling
  11. What is Threat Intelligence?
  12. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  13. Endpoint Detection and Extended Detection (EDR and XDR)
  14. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
  15. Extended Detection and Response (XDR)
  16. Malicious Activity Identification Tools
  17. Commonly Used Tools
  18. Identifying Signs of Malicious Activity
  19. Implementing Vulnerability Assessments
  20. Prioritizing Vulnerabilities
  21. Risk Management in Vulnerability Assessments
  22. Incident Response and Management
  23. Incident Response Efforts
  24. Incident Management Lifecycle
  25. Reporting and Communication Best Practices
  26. Executive Reporting
  27. Escalation Points and Security Metrics
  28. Real-world Applications of Cybersecurity Analysis
  29. Case Studies in Threat Detection
  30. Proactive Monitoring Techniques
  31. Cloud and Hybrid Environment Security
  32. Cloud Security Challenges and Solutions
  33. Hybrid Environment Considerations
  34. Forensic Analysis in Cybersecurity
  35. Digital Forensics Tools and Techniques
  36. Legal and Ethical Considerations in Forensics

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Apply security processes to improve the security posture of the organization.
  2. Distinguish between threat intelligence and threat hunting, applying each technique appropriately.
  3. Develop vulnerability assessments with recommendations for mitigating attacks.
  4. Apply attack method frameworks for incident response.
  5. Develop reports related to security metrics for executive management consumption.
  6. Identity and analyze attacks and malicious activity using various security tools.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

None