Network Security Specialist | Centre for Arts and Technology

NETWORK
SECURITY SPECIALIST

Overview

NETWORK SECURITY SPECIALIST DIPLOMA PROGRAM

CAT Partners with BCIT to offer Degree Pathway Programs

Virtually every system, database, social network, email network, and Internet server is run through information systems that are stored digitally. The problem with digital information is that it’s bendable, breakable, hackable and open to theft, and because of this, the need for security professionals is expected to continue to increase exponentially. If you are a tech-minded person who loves computers, networks, and problem-solving, come and apply your talents to train for one of the fastest-growing professions in one of our industry-driven network security training programs.

Our Network Security programs address multiple certification options for students upon graduation, including Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) on Server Admin, Enterprise Admin, and Messaging, CCNA, Network+, Security+, Linux+, LPI, CEH, and CPT.

The first 12 months of our 18-month Network Security Specialist program is comprised of our Network Security Administrator Certificate program, followed by advanced network security training including perimeter security, operating systems, data communications and networks, computer forensics, encryption, and hands-on network exploits, vulnerabilities, and penetration testing.

Centre for Arts and Technology provides vouchers to Network Security Administrator students for the MCTS, MCITP on Server Admin, MCITP on Enterprise Admin, and CCNA certifications.

Study for a career as a:

LAN Manager
Network Administrator
Network Engineer
Network Analyst
Computer and Network Operator
User Support Analyst
Mail Administrator

System Analyst
Information Systems Security Professional
Systems Operations Analyst
LAN Technician
Hardware Installation Coordinator
Network Security Architect
Computer Forensic Investigator

Below is just a small sample of the local companies our graduates have worked with.

NETWORK SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION DIPLOMA

This short program allows you to start your career as a Network Systems Administrator in just 12 months. It covers the foundations of network security such as hardware and networking, system administration, desktop support, network infrastructure, network systems, system automation, computing and network Architecture. Should you choose, this program is transferrable into our more advanced Network Security Specialist program.

Centre for Arts and Technology provides vouchers to Network Security Administrator students for the MCTS, MCITP on Server Admin, and MCITP on Enterprise Admin certifications.

* Notice * – This program requires students to have a laptop. Please inquire with a Program Advisor for complete details.

Campus

Kelowna

Program Length

18 Months

Delivery Type

On-Campus + Online

Course Flow

Tab 1

Quarter 1 focuses on introducing students to the Microsoft platform for network administration. Students will be challenged to set up domain-based environments aimed at small businesses while building a foundation in automated administration using Windows PowerShell. This quarter will also cover Microsoft Active Directory, aimed at expanding student knowledge to network administration for larger business enterprises. Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Desktop Support Administration; Network Scripting Essentials; Active Directory and Network Infrastructure Administration; Application Infrastructure and Enterprise Administration

Tab 2

Quarter 2 focuses on introducing the students to the concepts of wireless technologies and security. Student will learn wireless technologies and implementation, leaving them with the foundations for CWNA certification. In project-based learning, students will explore LANs, WANs, and VLANs in the context of a typical commercial enterprise, constructed with Cisco IOS-based equipment. Added into the mix is an understanding of common languages, best practice, and design decisions for CompTIA Security + certification. Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Networking with Cisco Technologies; Wireless Technology Networks; Computing Security Architecture

Tab 3

Quarter 3 starts with an introduction to Linux, including usage and operation. Upon this foundation, students will progress into an intermediate understanding of Linux, covering DNS, mail servers, DHCP, FTP, NFS and NIS. It is at this intermediate level that students will be challenged to use Linux scripting in their networks. In addition to Linux content, student will learn the basics of IT project management methodologies and application. Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Linux Operating Systems; IT Project Management; Data Communication and Networks

Tab 4

Quarter 4 will focus on communications systems. Students will learn how to set-up and configure Microsoft Exchange, while also learning Active Directory and basic network infrastructure. Simultaneously, students will be introduced to the concepts of hardware virtualization, and challenged to design, implement, and maintain a full virtualization environment using OpenStack. To complete their new skills, students will learn the foundations of the IT Information Library and its framework and methodology for IT/business integration. Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Virtualization and Cloud Computing; ITIL Foundations; Enterprise Messaging and Collaboration Services

Tab 5

Quarter 5 starts to focus on issues of network security, building foundational knowledge. Students will pursue advanced level Linux administration techniques, as well as integration between differing platforms. Student will delve into recent versions of server software, including Apache, Samba, and MySQL. This quarter also focuses on network monitoring and optimization, using industry standard tools. An introduction to computer forensics is also made, discovering the rules of engagement, intrusion management, and privacy. Courses vary between lectures, discussions, and hand-on practical application in a virtual environment.

Courses Include: Advanced Network Systems; Computer Forensics for the First Responder; Network Optimized Monitoring

Tab 6

Quarter 6, the final quarter of the program is the culmination of everything the students have learned. Students learn about encryption technology, including a conceptual knowledge of cryptographic algorithms, authentication, non-repudiation, and access control. Students are also introduced to the concepts of ethical hacking, including malicious software, security attacks, OS vulnerabilities and network protection. The quarter culminates in a capstone project, the scope of which challenges students to use their accumulated knowledge on a large-scale hypothetical industry standard project.

Courses Include: Encryption, Public Key Infrastructure Architecture and Administration; Hands-on Network Exploits, Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing; Industry Capstone Project

Faculty

JOHN VU | PROGRAM MANAGER

John Vu is a passionate and experienced IT professional who has built his international career through positions with German, US, and Canadian based companies. He is a solution-driven technical leader with years of success transforming IT infrastructures, processes, and integrating new technologies to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost savings. Throughout his career, he has been involved with IT infrastructure from start-ups to top Fortunes 500 companies . His experience covers a variety of domains including telecommunication, IT networks and infrastructure, Cloud computing, systems hardware and software, and Network Security

With his broad experience in technology along with the dedication to projects, John has helped many companies deliver excellent value to their customers, internal as well as external. John thrives on creating new solutions with the basics, and thinking out of the box.

A few of his hobbies are soccer, tennis, hiking, music, photography and volunteering.

IAN MCLAUGHLIN | INSTRUCTOR

Ian’s interest in electronics led to him building his first computer from scratch in 1979. His hobby of bulletin board systems and ARPAnet led to an opportunity in 1994 to open the first independent dial-up ISP in the BC Interior by forming Okanagan Internet Junction. He sold the business after expanding to serving 14 communities in three provinces, and transitioned to providing co-location and data centre services for Canadian businesses.

He is currently a partner in Provision Data Systems, providing data centre, co-location, ISP, fiber, wireless, and consulting services to Kelowna and Western Canada.

His hobbies include amateur radio, and collecting and restoring antique computers.

BILL XU | INSTRUCTOR

Bill Xu is a doctoral research fellow at Simon Fraser University, Department of Computer Science. He received his MCP,MCSA, and CCNA designations in 2014 ,and started the IEEE research fellow in 2016. He received Bachelor’s Degree in English from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China in 2010, and Bachelor of Technology in computer systems from BCIT in 2014. He received Master of Science in computer science from Simon Fraser University, in 2016. His research interests include Internet-of-Things, big data and deep learning. He enjoys the process of bridging the gap between theory and practice, and of bringing theoretical results to practical implementations.

JASON CUI | INSTRUCTOR

Jason Cui is a Ph.D candidate at Simon Fraser University, School of Computing Science. He received his Electrical Engineering Bachelor Degree with Distinction from the University of British Columbia and his Computing Science Master’s Degree from Simon Fraser. During his study, he received many scholarships from both universities and the government. His research interests include, but are not limited to, architecture of general purpose GPUs and energy efficient computing including most recently, accelerators for machine learning. He is a member of IEEE (Advancing Technology for Humanity) Association. Along the way, Jason has worked for UBC, SFU, and ETH Zurich Swiss. Jason is passionate about education and computer science, and brings that to the classroom of Centre for Arts and Technology.

ASEN GEORGIEV| INSTRUCTOR

Asen is a passionate and energetic dreamer with 20 years of diversified IT and Telecom experience across 11 countries. He started his career journey by maintaining PCs in a game club after school at the age of 15, went through building his own last mile ISP and transforming GSM/UMTS/LTE/WiMAX/WiFi networks around the globe. Asen attained two master’s degrees and a number of industry certifications. He now shapes the future of tomorrow at CAT.

Hobby – exploring the unknown. ‘Don’t hesitate to call if you have any shenanigans in mind’ 🙂
So far he has enjoyed more than once or twice: backpacking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding, sailing, scuba diving, swimming, paragliding, hunting, shooting, off-road, motorcycling, chess, goKarting.

Graduate Success

“I had a marvelous experience during my time as an International Student at Centre for Arts and Technology. Sometimes, students in other institutes do not get personal attention in improving their weaknesses, but at Centre for Arts and Technology, every staff member gives their full attention to the students and assists them with personal growth, while pushing the students to establish independent work habits. Overall, CAT’s focus on career growth provided me a great experience, which I have never received in all my other previous education experiences.”

– Simarjot Kaur, Network Security Specialist Alumni

“My favourite thing is to look back at myself during the school year. To see what has changed me to be who I am today. I was given confidence through effort and truly felt accomplished.”

– Christopher Mulder, Network Security Specialist Alumni

“At CAT, all courses in the NAS program are an introduction to Cisco, Microsoft and Linux technologies. They are predominantly aimed to give you a leg up on the IT industry. Before I enrolled into this program, I had no prior knowledge or experience with computers besides gaming. So, within the 1-year NAS program at CAT I went from a complete n00b to a corporate desktop support position. Within 8 months of working while studying hard on the side, I now provide basic network support.”

– Adam Beke, Network Administration Security Alumni

Student Work

Early Childhood Education

Network System Administration