Curriculum for the NCS Entry-Level Certification:

 

All 84 planned lessons of the NCS curriculum:

 

Categories:

1. Network Security: firewalls, VPNs, protocols, ten lessons
2. Threat Analysis: malware, phishing, ransomware, twelve lessons
3. Cloud Security: cloud storage, SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, eleven lessons
4. Endpoint Security: device protection, antivirus, nine lessons
5. Identity & Access Management: authentication, authorization, ten lessons
6. Data Security: encryption, backups, compliance, twelve lessons
7. Web Security: web app firewalls, secure coding, eleven lessons
8. Mobile Security: mobile device management, app security, nine lessons

 

Platform Features:

1. Interactive lessons with videos, animations, and graphics
2. Quizzes and exams with instant feedback
3. Virtual labs for hands-on practice
4. Discussion forums for student interaction
5. Progress tracking and certification upon completion
6. Mobile optimization for learning on-the-go
7. Gamification elements for engagement

 

 

**Module 1: Network Security (10 lessons)**

1. Introduction to Network Security
2. Network Fundamentals: Protocols and Devices
3. Firewalls: Types and Configuration
4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Setup and Management
5. Network Threats: Malware and Vulnerabilities
6. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Concepts and Tools
7. Network Segmentation: Strategies and Benefits
8. Secure Routing: Protocols and Configuration
9. Network Security Monitoring: Tools and Techniques
10. Incident Response: Network Security Breaches

 

**Module 2: Threat Analysis (12 lessons)**

11. Introduction to Threat Analysis
12. Threat Intelligence: Sources and Types
13. Malware Analysis: Static and Dynamic Techniques
14. Phishing Attacks: Types and Countermeasures
15. Ransomware: Evolution and Defense Strategies
16. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): Characteristics and Detection
17. Threat Modeling: Identifying Vulnerabilities
18. Risk Management: Assessing and Mitigating Threats
19. Incident Response: Threat Analysis and Containment
20. Threat Hunting: Proactive Techniques and Tools
21. Threat Intelligence Sharing: Benefits and Challenges
22. Emerging Threats: Trends and Predictions

 

**Module 3: Cloud Security (11 lessons)**

23. Introduction to Cloud Security
24. Cloud Computing Models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
25. Cloud Security Frameworks: NIST, CSA, ISO
26. Cloud Threats: Data Breaches, Unsecured APIs
27. Identity and Access Management (IAM) in Cloud
28. Cloud Encryption: Data at Rest and in Transit
29. Cloud Security Monitoring: Tools and Techniques
30. Incident Response: Cloud Security Breaches
31. Cloud Compliance: Regulations and Standards
32. Cloud Security Architecture: Design Principles
33. Emerging Cloud Threats: Trends and Predictions

 

**Module 4: Endpoint Security (9 lessons)**

34. Introduction to Endpoint Security
35. Endpoint Threats: Malware, Ransomware, Phishing
36. Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs): Features and Tools
37. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Concepts and Solutions
38. Endpoint Encryption: Full Disk, File, and Folder
39. Endpoint Security Policies: Configuration and Management
40. Incident Response: Endpoint Security Breaches
41. Endpoint Security Monitoring: Tools and Techniques
42. Emerging Endpoint Threats: Trends and Predictions

 

**Module 5: Identity & Access Management (10 lessons)**

43. Introduction to IAM
44. Identity Types: Users, Groups, Roles, Attributes
45. Authentication Methods: Passwords, Biometrics, Tokens
46. Authorization Models: RBAC, ABAC, MAC
47. Identity Governance: Compliance and Audit
48. Access Management: Single Sign-On (SSO), Federation
49. Identity Threats: Account Takeover, Privilege Escalation
50. Incident Response: IAM Security Breaches
51. IAM Solutions: Tools and Technologies
52. Emerging IAM Trends: Cloud, AI, Blockchain

**Module 6: Data Security (12 lessons)**

53. Introduction to Data Security
54. Data Types: Structured, Unstructured, Semi-structured
55. Data Threats: Breaches, Leaks, Corruption
56. Data Encryption: Algorithms, Modes, Best Practices
57. Data Masking: Techniques and Tools
58. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Concepts and Solutions
59. Incident Response: Data Security Breaches
60. Data Security Monitoring: Tools and Techniques
61. Data Compliance: Regulations and Standards
62. Data Here are the remaining lessons:
63. Emerging Data Threats: Trends and Predictions
64. Data Security in Cloud: Challenges and Solutions
65. Data Security for IoT: Unique Considerations
66. Data Security Metrics: Measurement and Reporting
67. Data Security Awareness: Training and Education

 

**Module 7: Web Security (11 lessons)**

69. Introduction to Web Security
70. Web Threats: OWASP Top 10, Malware, Phishing
71. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Concepts and Tools
72. Secure Coding Practices: Input Validation, Error Handling
73. Web Encryption: HTTPS, TLS, SSL
74. Web Authentication: Passwords, Tokens, Biometrics
75. Web Authorization: Roles, Attributes, Access Control
76. Incident Response: Web Security Breaches
77. Web Security Monitoring: Tools and Techniques
78. Emerging Web Threats: Trends and Predictions
79. Web Security Frameworks: OWASP, NIST, ISO

 

**Module 8: Mobile Security (9 lessons)**

80. Introduction to Mobile Security
81. Mobile Threats: Malware, Phishing, Data Breaches
82. Mobile Device Management (MDM): Concepts and Tools
83. Mobile Encryption: Data at Rest and in Transit
84. Mobile Security Best Practices: App Vetting, Wi-Fi Safety

 

Classes are to be held:

             Monday: Three-hour online lecture;

             Tuesday: Homework;

             Wednesday: Homework;

             Thursday: Online review and testing.

Classes will be held twice a week online for 40 weeks and students will earn a credential in up to three of the eight categories.