What You Will Learn

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Park's certificate program is designed for those professionals currently dealing with IT security issues, such as systems administrators, security analysts, IT consultants, security consultants or IT specialists.

Coursework focuses on such unique topics as risk evaluation, threat and protection techniques, cryptography, computer forensics, perimeter defense elements, and information warfare -- information assurance (IA).

Computer and Network Security Coursework

IS 605 Data Management and Applications Security (3 credits)

The concepts, principles, issues and techniques for managing corporate data resources and ensuring data integrity. Techniques for managing the design and development of large database systems including logical data models, concurrent processing, data distribution, database administration, data warehousing, data cleansing, and data mining. The basic SQL commands will be utilized.

IS 620 Computer Security, Risk Management and Control (3 credits)

Explore the threats and risks present in organizations due to the pervasive use of technology. Learn risk evaluation techniques and identify security and control techniques to minimize threats and risks to an organization. Prerequisite: IS 603 or comparable course (Park CS 365) or relevant work experience and IS 605 or concurrent enrollment.

CSS 624 Physical (Environmental) Security (3 credits)

This course focuses on securing physical information Technology Assets through both manual and automated methods. Manual methods include protecting assets using non automated methods, such as, infrastructure locks, keys, and fencing. Automated methods include using sensors, cameras, and technical surveillance countermeasures. Conducting and designing a physical security survey is discussed to identify physical security vulnerabilities and actions required to reduce or mitigate the risk to the organization. Prerequisite: IS 620

CSS 636 Advanced Network Architectures, Services, and Applications (3 credits)

This course focuses on next-generation networks, applications, and services including Voice over IP (VoIP), Instant Messaging (IM), streaming media (unicast, broadcast, and multicast), and peer-to-peer. This course provides an in-depth knowledge of new and emerging technologies and insight into security issues and how to address them. Students work in groups to design an end-to-end solution that is applicable and conducive to a "real world" environment. In addition, these groups will analyze these designs and identify security risks and resolutions. Prerequisite: IS 603 or comparable course (Park CS 365) or relevant work experience and IS 605, or concurrent enrollment.

CSS 656 Advanced Security Architectures, Services, and Applications (3 credits)

This course focuses on technologies that provide an end-to-end solution to securing your network perimeter. Topics include the design, deployment, and management of the defenses of your computer, network, and data environment. Perimeter defense elements such as firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), routers, switches, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are also covered. Students work in groups to design an end-to-end solution that is applicable and conducive to a "real world" environment. Prerequisite: IS 620 and CSS 636 or comparable course or relevant work experience.

CSS 675 Applied Cryptography (3 credits)

This course examines the technology and methodologies for protecting information to ensure its integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity. It will cover the foundations of cryptography; modern cryptographic protocols, algorithms, and techniques; and real-world implementations and issues. Course topics will include: private and public key cryptography, block ciphers, pseudorandom functions and generators, data encryption standards, symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, computational number theory, RSA and discrete log systems, message authentication, digital signatures, key distribution and key management. Prerequisite: IS 603 or comparable course (Park CS 365) or relevant work experience, College Algebra (MA131) or higher with a "B" or better, and IS 605 or concurrent enrollment.

CSS 677 Computer and Network Forensics (3 credits)

This course involves the analysis and investigation of cyber-crime and computer forensics including process, methodology, laws/regulations, and industry standards. This course focuses on an overall methodical process for identifying, analyzing, recreating, and addressing cyber based crimes. It also delves into the ethical issues associated with information systems security. Prerequisite: IS 603 or comparable course (Park CS 365) or relevant work experience and IS 605 or concurrent enrollment.

CSS 688 Information Warfare (3 credits)

This course provides an in-depth knowledge of information warfare principles, strategies, tactics, and technologies. Topics include information warfare concepts, offensive and defensive tactics, and analysis methodologies regarding vulnerability and risk. In addition, cyberspace security, physical security and ethics, as well as legal issues and concerns, are covered. Prerequisite: IS 620, CSS 636, and CSS 656 or comparable course or relevant work experience.

Program Completion Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 with no more than one grade of "C" in the CNS program
• An Application for Graduation is required before a completion statement is posted to the transcript. Students must return the completed form with the appropriate fee.

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