CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Southern Utah University is launching a new cybersecurity certificate program that includes three courses and an apprenticeship program to help you land your first professional cybersecurity gig. The online program consists of three courses that are designed for busy adults and can be completed in seven weeks each for $699 per course. The program is a low-cost option to get started in a career that touches many industries.
“Just by nature, we work in a lot of different industries,” said Aaron Orton, a Cedar City cybersecurity operations manager. “Everybody needs cybersecurity, and I really enjoy working within the sports and entertainment industries.”
Any business, organization or public entity that keeps private information needs protection, including those in fashion, education, automotive, medical, construction, aerospace technology, retail and many more industries. Working in cybersecurity allows you to help protect people and property, all while working within industries that interest you most.
Cybersecurity professionals have become indispensable in every industry, and demand for their expertise and skills are projected to remain in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing professions.
“My recommendation to anyone looking to start into cybersecurity is to be courageous and learn more,” said Drew Fischer, a cybersecurity analyst. Fischer also shared that while other types of jobs in the tech field, such as database administration and IT jobs, might be boring at times, cybersecurity deals with problems in a more varied and interesting way.
The first of three seven-week online courses making up the certificate program is the Fundamentals of Security course, which started Aug. 30. You’ll learn basic concepts in security, including planning, risk management, cryptography, network security, system hardening and policy. You can start online coursework from anywhere on Sept. 13.
After learning the basics, the Network and Cloud Security course starting Oct. 18 will teach concepts that include protocols, firewall devices and physical security measures for computing sites.
The pathway culminates in the Defensive Security course starting Jan. 8, 2024, covering defensive security principles, technologies and countermeasures, such as vulnerability scanners, intrusion detection systems and more.
By completing the three courses, you will earn digital credentials that can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume and the Cybersecurity Essentials Certificate. These courses may also transfer into degree programs at SUU for those who are interested.
At any time during the program, you may also participate in an apprenticeship program and be paired with a placement team to help connect you to a paid job in cybersecurity. You can get started in this program right away and get hands-on experience while you work towards completing the certificate.
Tuition reimbursement may be available for employers participating in SUU’s Building Apprenticeship Systems in Cybersecurity Program. Please contact Dave Henrie at [email protected] or Courtney Wessling at [email protected], or call 435-865-8728 for further information.
For those looking to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ exam, SUU has partnered with CareerStep to offer self-paced online learning modules that cover the information you need to successfully take the industry-recognized certification. This training can be completed in 84 hours and includes an exam voucher with CompTIA, a global provider of vendor-neutral IT and cybersecurity certifications.
For more information on ways to get started in cybersecurity, visit suu.edu/prodev/cybersecurity.
• S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T •
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.