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Honors Cyber Security Course to Launch at West Orange High School
WEST ORANGE, NJ - Honors Cyber Security has been added to the West Orange High School curriculum for students in grades 10-12 and will begin in September 2020.
The Honors Cyber Security course was added to the state-approved CTE Cisco Networking Program following extensive research determining the increased demand for Cyber Security professionals. Several colleges and universities now offer degrees in Cyber Security as well.
Through a dual-credit partnership with Fairleigh Dickinson's Middle College Program, students may be able to earn three college credits for the year-long course. Students are required to maintain a specific grade and there is a fee involved.
Course objectives include:
- Teach students how to monitor, detect, and respond to Cyber Security threats
- Learning cryptography, host-based security analysis, security monitoring, computer forensics, attack methods, and incident reporting and handling
Students will gain hands-on experience in detecting and protecting networks from outside threats, learn how to use the Windows operating system, Linux operating system, and virtual machines to analyze Cybersecurity threats.
Some of the technology tools used in the course include the use of SQL queries to search and analyze network intrusion data, and network monitoring tools to identify attacks against network services. The students will also learn how to use Oracle’s VirtualBox and several virtual machines, such as CyberOps Workstation VM, Kali, Metasploitable, and Security Onion. The Honors Cybersecurity course aligns with the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cyber Ops Certification.
The CTE Cisco Networking program at WOHS consists of IT Essentials, Honors Cisco I and II and the addition of the Honor’s Cyber Security course. IT Essentials is offered as a foundation course beginning in ninth grade. This year-long, 5 credit course is recommended for students who have an interest in networking and Cybersecurity, but only have an introductory knowledge of computers, networking, and security. The objective of the IT Essentials course is to teach students how to install and configure computers and mobile devices. The students will also learn how to identify basic security threats, such as phishing and spoofing. The students are given an opportunity to take the CompTIA A+ exam to become a certified professional, which can lead to internship opportunities.
The objective of the Honors Cisco I and II courses is to teach students how to build local area networks (LANs) and wireless local area networks (WLANs). The students learn IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, and how to configure Cisco Routers and Cisco Switches.
It is important for students to acquire skills in configuring various networking devices to develop a foundation of knowledge required to apply Cybersecurity techniques to secure a network. The Honors Cisco one and two-year-long course offered to 10-12 graders aligns with the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification.
For each of the West Orange High School Cisco Networking Academy courses, the students are given an opportunity to take a NOCTI exam. By taking a NOCTI exam the students have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge, as well as an opportunity to earn college credits.
In the global network environment every as well as individuals, are more vulnerable to cyber attacks than ever before. The ability to ensure the safety of people, systems and networks is an ongoing challenge that requires constant attention. Recognizing the career opportunities for our students, the West Orange High School Cisco Networking Academy is proud to add the Honors Cyber Security course to its offerings.
For more information, contact Supervisor of Career Education and Library Science Nancy Mullin at nmullin@westorangeschools.org or 973-669-5301 x. 20560.
Jan. 20, 2020