Specialist Diploma in Network Security

Course Objective

Rapid advances in Internet technologies and applications, and subsequent proliferation of online economic activity, have ushered the new digital age in, prompting most organisations to virtually leverage its massive and ubiquitous public technology infrastructure. However, many still overlook the need for Cybersecurity. With online threats (e.g., Malware and Hackers) becoming more sophisticated in recent years, cyber risks now pose a significant challenge to them. Hence, demand for Cybersecurity-related skillsets rises, to support Singapore's Smart Nation vision, meaning an urgent need for trained Network Security personnel.

In the survey on Infocomm Media Manpower, conducted by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in 2018, Information Technology (IT) Security Operations Analysts/Engineers were identified critical emerging Tech specialist roles. Enterprises, consequently, have projected demand for such specialists will grow by 4,700 in the period of 2018 – 2020.

Cisco Consultant, Mr Wong Kwok Foong, has this to say about the importance of securing networks, “As we are entering an era of connecting the unconnected, utilising more data than ever for work, safety and play, the network has become an integral part of any emerging technology. However, these technologies will only work as designed when they are not compromised by security threats. Expertise in the areas of Networking and Security are very important in today’s Digital market to help enterprises gain competitive advantage through technology adoption, given the dynamic nature of the Cybersecurity landscape.”

The Specialist Diploma in Network Security offered by the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE) seeks to address industrial demand for such specialists. The course intends training and equipping students with the practical knowledge and skills of Network Security.

The course will cover the following areas:

• Network Security
• Firewall & Intrusion Prevention
• Wireless Network & Security
• Network Analysis & Forensics

Students will be enrolled into the Cisco Networking Academy and take modules in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) - Security course.

This course aims training participants in the areas of Network Security, Firewall & Intrusion Prevention, Wireless Network & Security, as well as Network Analysis & Forensics. They will learn fundamental concepts of Network Security, to identify threats and vulnerabilities of computer systems and networks, as well as recommend appropriate countermeasures, like Firewall and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).

The Wireless Network and Security module provides students with a complete foundational knowledge in Wireless Networking and the concepts of Wireless Security to prevent unauthorised access of wireless networks. Students will also be exposed to Network Analysis & Forensic skills to understand the nature of Network Security breaches and exploits.