About Computer Systems Technology - Security in Algonquin College

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 interesting in furthering their knowledge and skills with this third year of study.

This three-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, Cisco 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
• privately managed security firms
• security audit/penetration consulting firms
• law enforcement agencies and security agencies

There may also be opportunities as:

• a network security specialist
• an IT network security consultant
• a corporate information security manager and officer

SUCCESS FACTORS

In preparation for careers in information technology, applicants should be aware that success in this program requires a high level of commitment and dedication, as well as a willingness to go beyond the materials presented in class and in lab.

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy solving problems and challenging their minds.
• Have an inquisitive, well-organized and analytical nature.
• Can work effectively independently and with others in a corporate team environment.
• Enjoy analyzing problems of a complex nature and providing solutions.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in a variety of domains in the private, industrial, governmental and service sectors such as: privately managed security firms; security audit/penetration consulting firms; law enforcement agencies (RCMP, OPP, local police forces) and associated security agencies (CSIS, CSE); information technology consulting firms; primary communications carriers and information service providers; and users of information networks, including government organizations; small, medium-sized and large business enterprises; public organizations (financial, healthcare).

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).

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify, analyze, design, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
2. Diagnose, troubleshoot, document and monitor technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
3. Analyze, design, implement and maintain secure computing environments.
4. Analyze, develop and maintain robust computing system solutions through validation testing and industry best practices.
5. Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationship.
6. Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
7. Apply project management principles and tools when responding to requirements and monitoring projects within a computing environment.
8. Adhere to ethical, social media, legal, regulatory and economic requirements and/or principles in the development and management of the computing solutions and systems.
9. Investigate emerging trends to respond to technical challenges.
10. Analyze, plan, design, implement and administer computer systems and cloud solutions.
11. Research, design, deploy, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade, and decommission computing system infrastructures.
12. Select and apply scripting tools and programming languages to automate routine tasks.
13. Install, monitor, optimize and administer a database management system in response to specified requirements.
14. Design, implement, and administer technical support processes for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• Successful completion of Algonquin`s Computer Systems Technician (0150X01FWO) program requirements. For direct flow through students, a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher is required.

• Applicants who are not flowing directly from the Computer Systems Technician (0150X01FWO) program to the Computer Systems Technology - Security program OR applicants who have not completed a qualifying version of Algonquin`s Computer Systems Technician (0150X01FWO) program but with similar or equivalent knowledge/experience, will be assessed on an individual basis through an Advanced Standing application to the program`s Level 05.
• Applicants should have basic computer skills such as keyboard proficiency, Internet browsing and searching, and the use of an office software suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) prior to the start of the program. The Mobile Learning Center Coach (C102) offers training in these skills if needed.

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