The course is designed for those Service leavers wishing to enter into the ever expanding and diverse IT sector.
The course has been developed to provide Service leavers with the skills needed to install, configure and maintain IT networks, secure networks using best practices and conduct forensic investigations of IT security incidents.
The course will cover the syllabus required to undertake the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ exams, with an additional in-house certificate provided for the forensics element of the course.
CompTIA: Network+
- Networking Fundamentals
- The OSI Model
- Major Networking Operating Systems
- TCP/IP Fundamentals
- Network Remote Access
- Network Administration and Security
- Network Troubleshooting
CompTIA: Security+
- General IT Security Concepts
- Access Control and Authentication
- Security Topologies and Business Concerns
- Footprinting and Information Gathering
- Attack Types and Methods
- TCP/IP and Scanning
- Specific TCP/IP Attacks
- Malicious Code
- Firewalls
- Securing Network Devices and Remote Access
- Web Technologies and Vulnerabilities
- Transmission and Removable Media
- Common Protocols and Intrusion Detection Systems
- Wireless Systems
- OS/Device and Application Hardening
- Directory Services and Databases
- Physical Security
- Cryptography (Symmetric/Asymmetric) Uses and Attacks
- PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and Key Management
- Business Continuity, Redundancy and Fault Tolerance
- Policies and Procedures
- Security Management
- Computer Forensics
In-house: Forensics
- Gathering evidence
- Protecting evidence
- Incident analysis
- UK legislation and forensics.
More information on the syllabus of the Network+ and Security+ Certifications can be found at CompTIA’s website: www.comptia.org
Subject to successfully completing the course and examination, the following certificates are awarded to the student:
- CompTIA Network+ Certification
- CompTIA Security+ Certification
- In-house Forensics Certification
Employment prospects are good in the UK, subject to regional variances. The technology community identifies CompTIA Network+ and Security+ as the perfect entry into a networking or security career. Top technology companies including Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, Compaq, Lotus and 3Com recognise CompTIA Network+ and Security+ as part of their certification track. Many other corporations recommend or require the CompTIA Network+ and Security+ certification for their IT employees.
Earning a CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates that a candidate can describe the features and functions of networking components, and possesses the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols and services. The exam tests technical ability in the areas of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support. The exam also covers new technologies such as wireless networking and gigabit Ethernet.
The CompTIA Security+ certification tests for security knowledge mastery of an individual with two years on-the-job networking experience, with emphasis on security. The exam covers industry-wide topics, including communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack and operational and organisation security. There are approximately 25,000 CompTIA Security+ certified professionals worldwide, CompTIA Security+ is an elective or prerequisite to advanced security certifications.
The forensics part of the course provides a sound initial grounding for those who will investigate incidents in the field of forensic computing. The practical includes using industry-standard forensic computing tools. The course covers the latest changes in both the law and forensic computing methodologies. When security measures have failed, or where alleged malicious activity has occurred, the course covers these scenarios involving computing equipment. Bringing together an understanding of networking, security and forensics, the course introduces the key legislation applicable in England and Wales (the majority of which also applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
More information on Network+ and Security+ Certification can be found at CompTIA’s website: www.comptia.org