Information Security Analyst (Security+ Certification)

Program Description

This course series prepares students for the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®) Security+ certification exam, and for a career as an Information Security Analyst.  Gain an introduction to the Information Security field and explore how it relates to other IT areas and specialized security fields.  Students learn current security essentials; common security threats and ramifications; developing secure information security strategies; common attacks and how to safeguard against them; cryptography basics; physical security; disaster recovery; business continuity; the role of computer forensics in information security; and ethical behavior appropriate to security-related technologies.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1. prepare to pass the CompTIA Security+ certification exam;
2. perform the various responsibilities and tasks required for an information security analyst;
3. assess the security posture of an enterprise environment to recommend and implement appropriate security solutions;
4. monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, and IoT;
5. operate with an awareness of applicable laws and policies, including principles of governance, risk, and compliance; and
6. identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.

Program Credentials

Successful Completion:

CCBC Credential: Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Training Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). Students will be prepared to sit for the Security+ Certification Exam.

Certifying Organization: Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA®)

www.comptia.org

Financial Aid and Payment Options

CCBC currently offers Continuing Education (CE) financial aid to those who qualify. We package public and private funding options to benefit students which include COVID-19 relief funding, the Maryland Sequence Scholarship, CCBC Opportunity Grant funding, Maryland Promise, and Baltimore County College Promise. Financial aid funding is available for select CE courses and programs. 

Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition,  the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development. 

For more information about funding resources and how to apply for them, please contact the CCBC Continuing Education Information Center at 443-840-4700.

Program Length

1 semester (14 - 16 weeks) not including prerequisites.

Courses start in August, January, and June at CCBC Catonsville and CCBC Essex.  Courses may be offered face-to-face, online or hybrid (a combination of the two).

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED. Students must be computer literate, have strong computer skills, and have access to a computer and the Internet to complete assignments.

Recommended: Persons pursuing Security+ certification typically have A+ and Network+ classes and background or Network+ certification.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waiving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum. Maximum number of program hours that may be earned from prior learning: 50

Program Course Sequence

Excellent attendance is required.

Additional Information

Additional Offerings:
Students pursuing certification in Information Security often enroll in the following computer network/security related classes: A+ Certification; Network+ Certification; Cisco Certification; Windows Server Certification; Red Hat Certification; Ethical Hacking & Systems Defense Certification, and VMware Certification.

Additional Expenses:
​CompTIA Security+ Certification exam = $370

Skills for Success:
Successful candidates should be motivated, independent learners; detail-oriented; have strong analytical skills; and the ability to take direction.

Career Opportunities:​
With certification, students qualify for entry-level positions that include: Information Security Administrator; Data Security Administrator; Information Security Analyst; Information Security Officer; Information Security Specialist; Information Systems Security Analyst; Computer Security Specialist; Information Security Manager; Information Technology Security Analyst; Information Technology Specialist; and Computer Specialist.  This career requires continued training and education.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at: https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA .  Explore career and training opportunities at: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Steve Ricketts |sricketts@ccbcmd.edu| 443-840-4442| Catonsville | BESS | 100 L

Administrative Assistant: Danielle Bennett | dbennett@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-4925 | Catonsville| BESS | 100