SCIENCE
Cyber Forensics and Security (Online)
Micro-credential
Recommended Background
Students will be IT professionals (with an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience)
University Entrance (or equivalent required for admission)
Currently, micro-credentials are only available to NZ citizens and permanent residents
Duration
Next Start Dates
14 April 2025 (Q2)
Enrolment closes one week before the course starts.
Apply early to secure your spot.
Domestic Fees*
$960 (estimate)
Course Overview
Course Brochure
This micro-credential appeals to professionals wanting a more specific study in cybersecurity. The micro-credential will be of particular benefit to IT professionals within organisations wanting to up-skill. It will assist organisations, ensuring they have expertise within their own talent pool reducing the costs of implementing an effective cyber security stance. This could be the case also for organisations with limited/constrained budgets (e.g., city councils, police, government organisations, healthcare providers, DHBs, etc.) that can be a potential target of malicious cyber activities.
Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that assesses all of the learning objectives from each of the modules within the course. These will largely be case studies, assignments, and a final online exam (approx. 1 hour).
| Module | Description |
| Introduction to Cyber Security | Introduces Cyber Security as a matter of global interest. Builds on Information/Computer Security and Network Security, from the perspective that it is more than merely confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Introduces the concept of a data breach, as well as GDPR. |
| Software Security | Malware aims at compromising confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the data, applications, or systems. Develops both static and dynamic analysis tools to test and inspect programs to mitigate application vulnerabilities. |
| Identity and Access Management | Examines systems like Open ID and OAuth to allow users to manage their own identities and enables online businesses to attract more customers, as well as access delegation without sharing passwords. |
| Communications Security | Develops the use of SSL as a tool for establishing a secure channel that offers confidentiality and integrity. SSL uses handshake and record protocols for key establishment and secure transmissions of messages, respectively. In addition, examines the use of CDN services for protection against DDoS. |
| Introduction to Digital Forensics | Introduces the importance of Digital Forensics and the types of Digital Forensic evidence that can be recovered. |
| Digital Forensic investigations | Develops an understanding of digital forensic science for online Investigations. Encompassing the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crimes. |
| Mobile Forensics | Develops an understanding of mobile device forensics investigations, including App investigations, exploring the types of evidence available, methods of investigation, and how to identify, analyse and document evidence as part of the investigation. |
| Photograph Forensics | Develops an understanding of Photograph forensics science, including identifying evidence, analyse, and document digital photographs for forensic investigation purposes. |
Learners will develop an understanding of basic cyber forensics principles, as well as identify threats to software, systems, and communication networks. You will be equipped to describe countermeasures for protecting software, systems, and communication networks, and the limitations of malware countermeasures. Learners will be able to identify and evaluate the most common vulnerabilities and attacks, and will analyse network security protocols and their real life applications including Aotearoa security breaches.
Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 15 credit points from the University of Auckland. You will be issued with a digital badge from the University of Auckland which you can share across your digital profiles like LinkedIn.
This micro-credential appeals to professionals wanting a more specific study in cybersecurity. The micro-credential will be of particular benefit to IT professionals within organisations wanting to up-skill. It will assist organisations, ensuring they have expertise within their own talent pool reducing the costs of implementing an effective cyber security stance. This could be the case also for organisations with limited/constrained budgets (e.g., city councils, police, government organisations, healthcare providers, DHBs, etc.) that can be a potential target of malicious cyber activities.
Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that assesses all of the learning objectives from each of the modules within the course. These will largely be case studies, assignments, and a final online test (approx. 1 hour).
| Course Module & Description |
|
Introduction to Cyber Security Introduces Cyber Security as a matter of global interest. Builds on Information/Computer Security and Network Security, from the perspective that it is more than merely confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Introduces the concept of a data breach, as well as GDPR. |
|
Software Security Malware aims at compromising confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the data, applications, or systems. Develops both static and dynamic analysis tools to test and inspect programs to mitigate application vulnerabilities. |
|
Identity and Access Management Examines systems like Open ID and OAuth to allow users to manage their own identities and enables online businesses to attract more customers, as well as access delegation without sharing passwords. |
|
Communications Security Develops the use of SSL as a tool for establishing a secure channel that offers confidentiality and integrity. SSL uses handshake and record protocols for key establishment and secure transmissions of messages, respectively. In addition, examines the use of CDN services for protection against DDoS. |
|
Introduction to Digital Forensics Introduces the importance of Digital Forensics and the types of Digital Forensic evidence that can be recovered. |
|
Digital Forensic investigations Develops an understanding of digital forensic science for online Investigations. Encompassing the recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, often in relation to computer crimes. |
|
Mobile Forensics Develops an understanding of mobile device forensics investigations, including App investigations, exploring the types of evidence available, methods of investigation, and how to identify, analyse and document evidence as part of the investigation. |
|
Photograph Forensics Develops an understanding of Photograph forensics science, including identifying evidence, analyse, and document digital photographs for forensic investigation purposes. |
Learners will develop an understanding of basic cyber forensics principles, as well as identify threats to software, systems, and communication networks. You will be equipped to describe countermeasures for protecting software, systems, and communication networks, and the limitations of malware countermeasures. Learners will be able to identify and evaluate the most common vulnerabilities and attacks, and will analyse network security protocols and their real life applications including Aotearoa security breaches.
Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 15 credit points from the University of Auckland. You will be issued with a digital badge from the University of Auckland which you can share across your digital profiles like LinkedIn.
*Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fee, there is a Student Services Fee of $4.44 per point (online). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
Frequently Asked Questions about this micro-credential
Application FAQs
What are the entry requirements?
This course is for IT professionals (with an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience). Please note that for admission you must meet the requirements to study at a New Zealand University (e.g. through University Entrance or an alternative entrance pathway).
Is this micro-credential open to non-resident students?
No. Currently our micro-credentials are only open to NZ citizens and permanent residents.
What are the exact dates for the next intake?
There are 4 intakes per year, with the next intake starting:
- 18 September 2023
Enrolment closes one week before the course starts. Enrol early to secure your spot.
Is the course fee a once-off lump sum?
Yes, the course fee is a once-off sum of $961 for domestic students.
Can I pay for my micro-credential through StudyLink?
Studying FAQs
You can study at a time that suits you (within the allocated course dates). Auckland Online courses have been designed to be flexible yet structured to help you gain the knowledge in the time you have.
How is the course structured?
The course will run over 8 weeks, and will comprise of weekly modules, essentially 1 module per week. Further details on the course structure can be found under the ‘Course Structure’ tab further up on this page.
Can I study the course whilst working full-time?
Yes, our courses are designed for working professionals and are structured to be flexible yet structured to help you gain the knowledge in the time you have.
Assessment FAQs
Learners will be assessed through a combination of activities that assesses all of the learning objectives from each of the modules within the course. These will largely be case studies, assignments, and a final online test (approx. 2 hrs).
Benefits FAQs
All our micro-credentials are credit bearing, so that you can progress your studies further towards a degree qualification. Please note, credits will need to be relevant to the programme you wish to study and satisfy the programmes specific entry requirements.
How many course credits will I attain upon completion of the course?
Upon completion of the course, you will be awarded with 15 credit points from the University of Auckland.
Do I get a certificate at the end? Will it reflect ‘online micro-credential’?
Upon completion of the course, you will be issued with a digital badge from the University of Auckland which you can share across your digital profiles like LinkedIn.
What employers or professional associations have endorsed the value and industry relevance of the learning outcomes of this micro-credential?
IT Professionals New Zealand
Ports of Auckland
RedShield Security Ltd
Start Your University Application
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These details enable us to provide you with ongoing information about this course, including exciting updates or any upcoming webinars. Our advisors may also contact you to see if you require any personalised advice to guide you through the application process.
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