Palo Alto Networks Certified Cyber Security Associate (PCCSA) (short course)

More about this course

This is an entry level course in cyber security with interactive online learning material with various theory and practical exams. It consists of the following modules:

Module 1 - Cyber Security Foundation:

• Explains the nature and scope of today’s cyber security challenges. This module explores the cyber security landscape, cyber threats, malware and spamming, and Wi-Fi and advanced threats.

Module 2 - Cyber Security Gateway:

• Explains networking concepts, fundamentals and technologies. This module explores the basic operation of computer networks; common networking devices; routed and routing protocols; network types and topologies; DNS; physical, logical, and virtual addressing; IP addressing and subnetting; the OSI and TCP/IP models; network security models, cloud and data centre security, network security technologies, cloud computing, virtualisation, and storage technologies; and network operations fundamentals.

Module 3 - Cyber Security Essentials:

• Presents detailed information about next-generation cyber security solutions available from Palo Alto Networks. This module demonstrates the real-world application of cyber security design best practices and principles presented in Module 2, to address the cyber security landscape and threat challenges described in Module 1.

Assessment

You will be assessed by in-class chapter tests, final theory and practical exams.

Professional accreditation

On completion of this course you will acquire the Palo Alto PCCSA certification.

Entry requirements

You'll be required to have:

• a reading-age level (RAL) of 13
• basic computer literacy and awareness of the internet

Prior experience with computer hardware, cabling, binary math and basic electronics is desirable but not required.

You'll be required to have a Windows-based PC or laptop with an internet connection if you want to study the material outside of the University premises.

International students

You will need the following level of English:

• a minimum English qualification of IELTS 5.5 with 5.0 or above in all components, or 550 with 4 in TWE (Test of Written English) or 213 in the computer based test (essay rating 4)

For more information about how to take an IELTS exam (the preferred qualification), visit the British Council's website.

It may be possible to be exempt from formal English qualifications if:

• you received high grades in English throughout your education
• your education has been undertaken in English

Course structure

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA) part-time course

This schedule is for guidance only. On the first day of each semester your instructor may provide you with the detailed schedule; however the start and end date of the course will not be changed.

PCCSA part-time timetable –  February 2021 start

Classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 9pm in room T6-05, Tower Building.

Module 1 Cybersecurity Foundations

Week 1 beginning 21 September 2020

• Chapter 0 Course Introduction 
• Chapter 1 Cybersecurity Landscape 

Week 2 beginning 28 September 2020

• Chapter 2 Cyberthreats 
• Chapter 3 Endpoint Security Basics

Week 3 beginning 5 October 2020

• Chapter 4 Cyber-attack Techniques and Types 
• Chapter 5 WiFi and Advanced Persistent Threats
• Tutorials and assessments 

Module 2 Cybersecurity Gateway 

Week 4 beginning 12 October 2020

• Chapter 0 Course Introduction  Welcome to PA Cybersecurity Gateway
• Chapter 1 The Connected Globe 

Week 5 beginning 19 October 2020

• Chapter 2 Physical, Logical and Virtual Addressing 
• Chapter 3 Packet Encapsulation and Lifecycle 

Week 6 beginning 26 October 2020

• Chapter 4 Network Security Models
• Chapter 5 Cloud and Data Centre Security 

Week  7 beginning 2 November 2020

• Chapter 6 Network Security Technologies 
• Chapter 7 Endpoint Security 

Week 8 beginning 9 November 2020

• Chapter 8 Cloud, Virtualisation and Storage Security 
• Chapter tests, tutorial and labs 

Week 9 beginning 16 November 2020

• Chapter 9 Networking Concepts 

Week 10 beginning 23 November 2020

• Assessments 23 November 2020
• Retakes 25 November 2020

Module 3 Cybersecurity Essentials 

Week 11 beginning 30 November 2020

• Chapter 0 Course Introduction, Welcome to PA Cybersecurity Essentials 
• Chapter 1 Security Operating Platforms

Week 12 beginning 7 December 2020

• Chapter 2 Network Security 
• Chapter 3 Endpoint Protection

Week 13 beginning 14 December 2020

• Chapter 4 Cloud Security 
• Chapter tests, tutorials and labs

Week 14 beginning 4 January 2021

• Chapter 5 Application Framework and Logging Services (1)
• Chapter 5 Application Framework and Logging Services (2)

Week 15 beginning 11 January 2021

• Assessments 11 January 2021
• Retakes 13 January 2021

Payments and discounts

By paying for a place on this course you confirm that you have received an offer letter accepting you onto to the course, you meet the standard entry requirements for the course and that you agree to the School of Computing's standard terms and conditions for professional and short courses.

Payment must be made in full via our eShop before the start of the course. Full payment of the fee will qualify you to a 10% discount for all three modules.

Please note that the cost does not cover the cost of sitting the exam.

If we made an option available to you to split the payment, you are still committed to pay any outstanding fees as early as starting the second module, or when you are asked to do so. Please read our terms and conditions before proceeding with any payments. Current and former London Met degree students and staff are entitled to a 10% discount.

If the fee is paid in full before the course start date, you will be entitled to a 10% discount.

Please note that the cost does not cover the cost of sitting the certification exam.

When to apply

The official closing date for this course is one week before the course start date. Please refer to the course structure. However you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course. If you have missed the deadline, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.

For more information on course content, please contact the course administrator at cisco.academy@londonmet.ac.uk

Course leader: Dr Shahram Salekzamankhani – s.salek@londonmet.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7133 3705