Network Administration and Cybersecurity A.A.S.

Program Overview:
Through this program, I acquired the necessary skills to pursue certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cisco RSTECH, and EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). The curriculum has helped prepare me for roles related to server and network administration, hardware support, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Furthermore, it provided a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical aspects and practical applications of these areas, ensuring that I am well-equipped to handle the complexities and challenges of modern IT infrastructures. This approach has significantly enhanced my confidence and competence in navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Classes

Lake Superior College is recognized by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, the only community and technical college in Minnesota with this designation. Here is a brief description of the IT and Cybersecurity courses I studied at Lake Superior College:

Foundations of CIS

An introduction to foundational concepts in Computer Information Systems (CIS), such as virtual computing, number systems, intermediate office productivity software, computer networking, elementary programming, and cybersecurity.

Computer User Support

An overview of concepts and methods in computer user support, effective customer service, problem solving and case management, and the use of help desk management systems and software.

Cloud Computing

Configuring, securing, and managing cloud-based systems.

Server Virtualization

Lab-oriented course covering installation, configuration, and management of server virtualization technology using enterprise-level virtualization products.

A+ Operating System Technologies & Core Hardware

Paired courses that describe the technologies and apply the skills identified in the CompTIA A+ Examination Objectives.

Windows Server & Client Administration

Paired courses covering planning, implementation, management, and support for Microsoft Windows server & client operating systems.

UNIX System Administration

An introduction to the increasingly popular UNIX operating system using free Linux to explore the architecture of UNIX (file system, processes, and device management), learn how to use common UNIX application and utility programs, program in scripting languages, and learn basic UNIX systems and network administration methods and techniques.

CISCO Networking I & II

These courses deal with the CISCO core content. This course prepares the student to take the CCNA or CISCO Certified Networking Associate exam.

Network Security

Prepare for entry-level security specialist careers by developing an in-depth understanding of network security principles and the tools and configurations needed to secure a network.

Security Fundamentals

Delve into Cyber Security concepts and methods in data, firewall, and network security in preparation for the Security+ certification examination

Ethical Hacking and Systems Defense

Ethical hacking methodology with the hands-on application of security tools to better secure systems. An introduction to common countermeasures that effectively reduce and/or mitigate attacks.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems Fundamentals

Gain a thorough grounding in the design, implementation, and administration of IDSes/IPSes, as well as practical, hands-on experience working with these systems. Analyze various attack signatures and the network traffic these IDS/IPS systems collect. Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems are critical components of well-designed network architectures. These systems act as a line of defense, helping protect company assets from attacks.

Forensics and Incident Response

This course explores security incidents and intrusions, including identifying and categorizing incidents, responding to incidents, log analysis, network traffic analysis, various tools, and creating an incident response team.

Introduction to Programming

This Python-centered course introduces essential concepts and skills of computer programming. Topics include data representation, algorithms, program logic, and structured and object oriented programming. These ideas are applied using flowcharts, design, coding and testing.