Advanced Certificate in Information Security
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Certificate in Information Security
Purpose:
The Advanced Certificate in Information Security aims to equip learners with the necessary expertise and knowledge to pursue professional roles within the information technology industry, with a specific focus on information security. This qualification prepares individuals to handle responsibilities in the field of information technology and to address challenges within both internal and external organizational environments, including the global landscape. By developing technical skills and reflective competences, learners will be able to effectively manage information security issues to enhance the competitive positioning of organizations. The primary goal is to enhance the practice of information security by enabling learners to apply critical technical skills, analyze case scenarios, and provide solutions to information security-related problems. Ultimately, this qualification aims to cultivate competent Information Technology Security specialists who can actively respond to the evolving IT environment on a national and international level, promoting uniformity, growth, and sustainability in business practices.
Rationale:
The advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in various aspects of daily life has given rise to the concept of the information society. While ICTs and network-based services offer numerous societal benefits, they also present significant challenges, especially in the realm of cybersecurity. With essential services and business operations relying heavily on ICT infrastructure, the threat of cyber attacks and crimes has become more prevalent. The financial repercussions of cybercrime are substantial, prompting the urgent need for skilled professionals in information security.
The qualification responds to the increasing demand for competent personnel capable of addressing cyber threats effectively. By focusing on critical areas such as E-Governance, ESkills Development, SMME Development, Information Ethics, and ICT Rural Development, the certificate aligns with the national agenda of building a developmental information society and supporting the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Addressing the skills shortage identified in South Africa’s National Scarce Skills list, this qualification aims to empower learners to safeguard digital initiatives and information assets, ensuring the resilience and growth of organizations in a digitally-driven world.
Outcomes
- Develop an informed understanding of the impact and risk associated with Information and Communication Technology in today's society.
- Understand the evolution of the Cybersecurity domain, threat actors and threat vectors and the impact on organisations, sectors and nation-states.
- Understand South Africa's Cybersecurity policy and legislative framework### build and implement a cybersecurity strategy, cybersecurity plan and policies.
- Unpack the critical controls for cyber defence and develop practical ways of developing Cybersecurity capacity both at an organisational level and across sectors.
- Apply knowledge in the use of various Computer Security techniques in assuring safeguarding networks from Cyberattacks.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the evolution of the cybersecurity domain.
- Illustrate the understanding of malware and the need to take preventative measures thereof.
- Demonstrate the need for the formulation of cybersecurity policies and the evaluation of the legislative environment.
- Assess and evaluate a detailed explanation of the Deep and Dark Web and the risks of utilizing the TOR browser.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Provide in-depth knowledge of the evolution of the cybersecurity domain and the importance for organisations and nation-states to prepare for cyber-attacks.
- Assess the various threat vectors and threat actors to an organisation and the impact it has on organisations business processes.
- Identify and assess the role threat vectors and threat actors play in cyber warfare and the new threats it poses to nation-states.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of South Africa's Cyber Security Policies and legislative frameworks.
- Demonstrate the process of developing a cyber-security strategy that will assist in the safeguarding of organisations and nation-states against cyber-attacks.
- Illustrate the stages of development needed to implement cybersecurity plans and policies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Provide the development of an incident preparation strategy in the event of a cyber-security attack.
- Illustrate the various incident detection tools and analysis detection methods that are available.
- Implement the various Incident Detection as a defence against cyber-attacks.
- Develop and assess proactive and post-incident cyber services.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Demonstrate the various network intrusion detection systems in the protection of data.
- Assess and implement the application of a Denial of Service defence against malicious attacks.
- Provide the need for the application of security protocols on a computer network to safeguard data.
- Identify the importance of conducting and applying Authentication Conditioned-safe Ceremonies.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment integrates with most modules, and learners complete a series of assignments as they progress to build a portfolio.
- Tasks included in portfolios may consist of projects, case studies, essays, simulations, experiments, assignments, online activities, interactions, and presentations.
- The examination serves as the summative assessment, which evaluates the achievement of outcomes and mastery of the larger body of knowledge which forms part of the curricula.
- Learners undertake the final examination under normal exam conditions.
- The qualification also consists of a research and development project comprising an advanced application of mathematical modeling, computer programming and/or computer hardware implementation, which requires an integration of acquired knowledge.
- The outcomes of the assessment are based on practical demonstration of results achieved and a written report, which must clearly show that a thorough scientific process was followed to arrive at conclusions.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Certificate
- NQF Level
- 06
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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