Cyber Security

This module will critically evaluate and apply cyber threat intelligence and digital forensics methodologies and principles to reduce organisational risk. This will include developing skills to apply appropriate tools to mitigate adversary tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and effectively conduct digital forensics investigations.

You’ll study topics such as:

• The Mitre Att&ck framework and common TTPs
• Threat actors and operating methods
• Threat intelligence life cycle
• Tracking adversaries
• Common CTI platforms and feeds
• Data analysis for CTI
• Legal and ethical considerations in forensics
• Evidence acquisition and analysis
• Digital storage and network artefacts
• Digital forensics frameworks and techniques
• Incident Response
• Managing investigations and chain of evidence

This module develops a critical understanding and application of appropriate information security management methodologies and principles to reduce organisational risk, and to protect networks from security threats.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and network assets
• Authentication, authorization and access control
• Cryptography
• Cloud security
• Malware detection and analysis
• Network security countermeasures (Security information and event Management, Security orchestration, automation and response, Intrusion Detection Systems, etc.)
• Developing and monitoring secure network infrastructures
• Business continuity planning
• Information security principles, standards and guidelines
• Developing an Information Security Management System (ISMS)
• Information security risk management
• Incident management and response

This module covers research and effective presentation skills. It will develop a robust foundation for critically identifying and evaluating research materials and publications and an understanding of the methods, techniques, and tools used in conducting impactful research projects in cybersecurity, digital forensic, computer networks and network security based on their degree.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Research Definitions and Types
• The Research Process - Stages of a Research Study
• The Research Question, Aims and Goals
• Planning Your Research
• Searching and Evaluating Literature
• Research Methods
• Research Tools and Techniques
• Research Analysis, Validity and Evaluation
• Writing and Presenting Your Research

This module enables you to identify a cyber security and computer network research problem, investigate the requirements and/or background work, analyse results of research undertaken and design, develop and evaluate a solution to that problem, within the parameters of an individual project scenario, using appropriate tools, techniques, and methodologies.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Information gathering and literature reviews
• Appropriate selection of tools, techniques, and methods
• Testing and user evaluation
• Critical reflection – evaluating the project deliverables and project success/failure
• Structuring presentations and academic papers, including referencing and citation techniques
• Legal, social, and ethical considerations in the design and development of computer networks and cybersecurity-based projects
• Security, confidentiality, and sustainability

This module develops proficiency in evaluating the repercussions of computer security vulnerabilities on an organisation to enhance preparedness and responsiveness. This includes systematically reviewing, assessing, and scrutinizing diverse categories of computer incidents to enable the design and implementation of countermeasures. The module also covers penetration testing and advanced techniques and tools utilised by hackers to compromise computer systems.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Reconnaissance
• Scanning
• Vulnerability assessment
• Network-level attacks
• Application and Operating systems-level attacks
• Antivirus evasion
• Password security
• Privilege escalation
• Covering tracks

This module develops a critical analysis and review of Information Security management Systems (ISMS) against security-based standards. This includes BS 7799-2, IS27001 and related ISO standards and guidelines for the protection of information. The module also develops skills to undertake the role of an ISMS auditor in accordance with the governing standards.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Assessing security threats and vulnerabilities
• Management of security risks
• Selecting security controls
• Building an Information Security Management System (ISMS)
• Auditing to BS 7799
• Managing and leading a BS 7799 audit team
• Interview techniques
• Audit reporting