Finding Security in the Cyber World at Peloton- The What, The How, The WOW and What Now

The need to guard what’s important or valuable to us has never been more important than in today’s day and age. A car alarm, home security system, mace on our keychain or just being aware of our surroundings is not enough to protect numbers, accounts and private information. For those that grew up pre-electronics, the cyber world can be unchartered territory and quite frankly, a little scary. The cyber world seems to be where our understanding slows down just a little and the gap in knowledge has been compared to the size of the Grand Canyon. What we share and shouldn’t share can be confusing and the attackers are becoming more and more innovative. So what’s the solution? Cybersecurity.

Some may ask- Cyber what? 

Let’s dive into what this all entails. If technology is an interest,  you can find your own security in the Cyber World through courses at Peloton. Supporting security of a company or personal infrastructure is the very definition of Cybersecurity. Just like law enforcement protects us from criminals on the streets, a cybersecurity specialist safeguards valuable information from cyber criminals. They keep a close eye on threats, monitor for security breaches, install firewalls and encryption tools, follow IT trends and educate company staff. 

Some may ask- How? 

In just a little over a year, 63 weeks to be exact, you can walk away with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity. Peloton offers 8 courses and a mix of onsite and online classes:

• IT Fundamentals
• Networking Fundamentals
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Ethical Hacking and Penetration
• Testing (Pentest)
• Developing Cybersecurity
• Programs and Policies
• Cybersecurity Operations-Incident Response
• Digital
• Forensics

What certifications does the cybersecurity program prepare you for?

The cybersecurity program prepares you for different aspects and certifications in cybersecurity, IT fundamentals, networking and ethical hacking to name a few.

IT Fundamentals

The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to test your skills and knowledge in IT fundamentals. This is a two-part exam that validates your skills for an entry-level IT role. Passing this certification exam proves your ability to diagnose and solve a wide variety of problems in networking infrastructure, operating systems, mobile devices and cybersecurity. You will prove your knowledge and skills on how to configure, install and upgrade operating systems. You will also show your proficiency in installing virtual machines, peripheral devices, basic networks, and other network infrastructure.

Networking Fundamentals

The CompTIA Network+ certification tests your ability to understand and perform networking fundamentals. This certification exam verifies your knowledge and skills in a career in networking and IT infrastructure. Your skills from CompTIA are based on an agnostic operating system and covers both wired and wireless networks. This certification also verifies that you have a professional level understanding of emerging technologies, including cloud and virtualization technologies.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals

The CompTIA Security+ certification is an exam designed to show your proficiency in the cybersecurity fundamentals. This certification validates your baseline skills needed to perform core security functions as an IT professional. You validate your ability to detect various types of compromise and understand penetration testing and vulnerability scanning concepts. It also verifies your knowledge of organizational security, network architecture, management controls, risk management, and wireless security settings. This exam also focuses on best practices for risk management and risk mitigation.

Linux Fundamentals for Cybersecurity

The CompTIA Linux+ certification is an exam that helps prove your proficiency in Linux fundamentals for cybersecurity. This certification verifies your knowledge of the Linux system as it has to do with cloud, cybersecurity, mobile and web administration applications. This exam focuses on hardware and system configuration, system operation and maintenance, security, Linux diagnostics, and automation.

Cybersecurity Operations – Incident Response & Digital Forensics

Passing the CompTIA CySA+ exam certifies your knowledge and abilities in cybersecurity. This exam is an IT workforce certification for Cybersecurity analysts and how they apply behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring.

Developing Cybersecurity Programs and Policies

This coursework will promote best practices, governance frameworks and key standards in cybersecurity. Developing cybersecurity programs starts with the identification of data that is stored, where it is stored, the hardware and software devices that are on the network, a protocol for employees to follow, and multi-factor authentication. You must also understand the current cybersecurity policies, governance standards, cybersecurity risks, and legal and ethical compliance.

Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing (Pentest+)

The CompTIA Pentest+ certification focuses on your ability to perform offensive skills-through pen testing and vulnerability assessment. The Pentest+ certification is an intermediate skills level cybersecurity certification that tests you on how to plan, scope and manage weaknesses and exploits in networking infrastructure. The certification also shows proficiency in conducting active and passive reconnaissance, non-technical testing, analysis of vulnerabilities, network penetration, testing applications, and analyzing and reporting on findings.

Network Defense & Countermeasures

This coursework will prepare you for network defense and implementation of countermeasure such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, virus software and other countermeasures to defend the network from malicious external actors. You will learn about the different types of attacks like DDoS attacks, phishing, SQL injections, zero-day exploits, password attack and more.

Now we’re all asking- What now? 

Contact an advisor at Peloton. Let us guide you through the steps of a career path that offers: a need in all industries from banking to healthcare, solid and secure earning potential, advancement opportunities and continuous growth. Cyber crime is at an all time high so throw on your cape if cyber crime is a fight you’re ready to face with proper education and training.