Harper College

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Analyst badge earners learn about systems security, network infrastructure, access control, risk mitigation, cryptography, organizational security, and monitoring and detecting security incidents. Participants prepare for two highly recognized IT professional certifications: CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+.

Prerequisite: CompTIA Network+ or equivalent experience.

Criteria:

  • Identify the fundamental components of information security
  • Identify, analyze, and manage risk
  • Manage identity and access
  • Implement security for hosts, software, and networks
  • Analyze reconnaissance threats to computing and network environments
  • Analyze attacks on computing and network environments
  • Analyze post-attack techniques on computing and network environments
  • Address security incidents and ensure the continuity of business operations in the event of an incident

To get started, find courses on the Upcoming Courses page, or visit How to Register.

Required Courses

Provides vendor-neutral instruction on systems security, network infrastructure, access control, risk mitigation, cryptography, and organizational security. Covers workstation and server security, network vulnerabilities, risk assessments, monitoring tools, network security tools, authentication, rights and privileges, encryption, and disaster recovery. Helps prepare for CompTIA Security+ certification.

Covers the duties of those who are responsible for monitoring and detecting security incidents in information systems and networks, and for executing a proper response to such incidents. Introduces tools and tactics to manage cybersecurity risks, while promoting a comprehensive approach to security on the front lines of defense. Learn how to identify various types of common threats, evaluate an organization's security, collect and analyze cybersecurity intelligence, and handle incidents as they occur. This course prepares students for the CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst+ (Exam CS0-001) and fulfills DoD directive 8570.01 for information assurance (IA) training. Prerequisites: CompTIA Network+ or equivalent knowledge required. CompTIA Security+ recommended.

Gains the knowledge and skills required to identify and explain the basics of computing, IT infrastructure, software development and database use. Learns to install software, establish basic network connectivity, and identify/prevent basic security risks. Obtains knowledge in the areas of troubleshooting theory and preventative maintenance of devices. Learns some of the basic principles and techniques of providing PC, mobile, applications, and network support. Prepares the student for the ITF+ certification exam.

Prepare for a career as an entry-level information technology (IT) professional or personal computer (PC) technician. Gain the background knowledge and skills required to be a successful A+ technician. You will learn how to install, upgrade, repair, configure, troubleshoot, optimize, and perform preventive maintenance of personal computer hardware and operating systems. You will be prepared for the CompTIA A+ certification examinations in order to become a CompTIA A+ Certified Professional. Recommended prerequisite: Introduction to Windows Environment, or equivalent knowledge. You should have the ability to browse and search the Internet, operate a personal computer, and use software applications such as Windows Explorer or other web browser.

Prepare for a career in network support or administration. You will gain the background knowledge and skills required to be a successful network support technician. Learn network security practices, networking models, TCP/IP addressing and data delivery. You will gain skills in troubleshooting and implementing networks across LAN and WAN infrastructures. You will be prepared for the CompTIA Network+ certification exam in order to become a CompTIA Network+ Certified Professional. Recommended prerequisite: CompTIA A+ or equivalent experience. You should have basic operating knowledge of computer hardware, software and operating systems.

Learn how to administer a Linux environment and prepare for two CompTIA Linux+ certification exams. Review basic system architecture, installation, and management; understand commands, devices, and file systems; utilize shells, scripting, and data management techniques; and navigate user interfaces, desktops, and essential system services. Prerequisite: CompTIA A+ Certification or equivalent experience.

Clarifies how to develop penetration testing skills that will enable the IT professional to identify information systems vulnerabilities by effectively applying remediation techniques for those vulnerabilities. Teaches how to offer recommendations for action to properly protect information systems and their contents. Prepares for CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam.

Teaches all eight CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) domains. Validates knowledge by meeting the necessary preparation requirements to qualify to sit for the CISSP certification exam. Additional CISSP certification requirements include a minimum of five years of direct professional work experience in two or more fields related to the eight CBK security domains, or a college degree and four years of experience.

Establish knowledge to become sufficient as a beginner Python programmer. Identify the benefits and usefulness of Python including excellent readability and uncluttered simple-to-learn syntax which helps beginners to utilize this programming language. Basic computer experience is required. Programming experience is preferred.

Explores complex areas of Python programming. Discovers how to use this knowledge to work with data structures. Develops custom scripts, GUI applications, and portable exe programs. Recommended Preparation: experience with Python or object-oriented programming.

Full scholarships are available for this course for students who qualify. Contact CPE@harpercollege.edu to learn more. 

Explores how to be part of new technologies that will shape how we live and work. Provides an understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, big data, internet of things (IoT), augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, digital privacy, and more. Designed to help students discover their tech path, from a basic understanding of emerging technology or to pursue a career or advanced training in this field.

Course Schedule

To register for courses in cybersecurity, visit the How to Register page.

Funding Opportunities

Some CPE courses may be eligible for grants and scholarships on a limited basis. We encourage you to apply for funding to learn more about options that may be available to you. To apply, please complete the Scholarship Application form.

Contact us

For more information, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact Continuing Professional Education by email at cpe@harpercollege.edu or call 847.925.6340

Last Updated: 8/7/25