CURV 830 - Network Security
Course Description
Assessing and securing network architectures is essential in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Whether you're an IT professional or an experienced cybersecurity practitioner, this microcredential validates the advanced knowledge needed to evaluate network security measures and identify vulnerabilities and required measures in alignment with cybersecurity best practices.
In Network Security, you’ll demonstrate your expertise in analyzing measures and policies for network architectures and networked devices to assess their compliance with cybersecurity best practices. From identifying system vulnerabilities and common threats to network security to applying security policies and frameworks to increase network security and make recommendations to clients, this microcredential assesses the skills required to safeguard networked environments.
You will also be required to:
- Analyze network configurations and identify potential vulnerabilities
- Evaluate compliance with cybersecurity best practices
- Document and communicate technical findings clearly and effectively and in a customer-oriented fashion that is tailored to your audience
What to Expect
When you sign up, we provide resources and exercise examples to help you refresh your knowledge of network security principles. You will then complete an assessment to showcase your ability to assess the cybersecurity maturity of a network, analyze network security measures, and identify vulnerabilities. An expert will review your work, and provide you with detailed feedback. If you meet our standard for expertise, you will earn a Toronto Metropolitan University Curv Microcredential from The Chang School that validates your ability to:
- Analyze security measures and policies for network architectures and networked devices to assess their compliance with best practices
- Identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies to enhance network protection
- Justify your security assessments with clear documentation and professional reporting
For the assessment, you will:
- Be assigned a realistic workplace scenario requiring you to assess and analyze the security of a given set of network parameters
- Execute a series of tasks to evaluate the scenario, identifying vulnerabilities and compliance gaps
- Produce a Network Schematic and Risk Assessment Report that contains your findings and recommendations
- Record a screen-capture walkthrough, narrating your decision-making process for each task and justifying your approach
- Alternatively, provide a written response alongside your screen-capture submission
- Identify and resolve a security issue related to human factors in cybersecurity
Meet the Curv Creator
This microcredential was created by Dr.Ing Monika Freunek, PhD, an experienced researcher and lecturer, project manager, and executive leader in critical infrastructures, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. She is a Research Fellowship alumna of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst Fellowship Program with Toronto Metropolitan University and the founder of Lighthouse Science Consulting and Technologies Inc. Monika is passionate about making science and technology accessible to everyone and enabling dialogue between disciplines.
Who Should Take This Program?
This microcredential is for cybersecurity and IT professionals looking to validate their expertise in network security assessment and compliance.
Whether you are an experienced cybersecurity practitioner aiming to advance in your organization or an IT professional looking to deepen your understanding of secure network architectures, this microcredential is designed for you.
You may have a background in computer science, IT, or a related field, with 2–3 years of technical experience in cybersecurity. What sets you apart is your drive to showcase your ability to analyze network configurations, identify vulnerabilities, and assess compliance with industry best practices.
No matter your current role, this microcredential demonstrates that you have the expertise to assess and enhance network security in today’s evolving digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for this microcredential?
You should have foundational knowledge and skills before enrolling. If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of the following statements, then you may be ready to enroll:
- Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with hardware, software, and the Internet
- Understanding of fundamental cybersecurity concepts, such as network security, encryption, and threat detection
- Familiarity with security best practices for data protection, authentication, and access control
- Experience analyzing security risks and implementing protective measures
- Knowledge of cybersecurity reporting standards, including risk assessment reports
- Knowledge of tools used for written and virtual collaboration and screen recording, such as Zoom and QuickTime
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
What do I need to do for the assessment?
You will design a network security risk assessment based on a provided scenario. Using an assessment template, you will:
- Identify potential security vulnerabilities and threats in a given network environment and set of parameters
- Propose security measures and mitigation strategies to address the identified risks
- Justify your security recommendations based on best practices and industry standards
- Prepare a Network Schematic and a Risk Assessment Report to communicate your findings and recommendations
- Record a video walkthrough explaining your assessment and decision-making process, or submit a written response alongside a screen recording
This assessment validates your ability to evaluate network security risks and recommend effective strategies to enhance network protection.
What are the technological requirements for the assessment?
You will need a:
- A stable Internet connection (no minimum speed required)
- A computer with an Internet browser (Chrome is recommended for the best experience)
- A mobile phone* capable of receiving SMS text messages or the Google Authenticator
*Why do I need a mobile phone? A mobile device is required for two-factor authentication to log in to the my.torontomu.ca portal and access the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace).
How much time do I have to complete the assessment after enrolling?
Your microcredential experience lasts two weeks:
- Week 1: Gain access to the learning environment (D2L Brightspace), where you can explore self-paced refresher materials and practice activities. The estimated time commitment is 2–7 hours, depending on your experience level.
- Week 2: Receive access to the assessment scenario and required materials. You can complete the assessment this week at any time. Some assessments may have a recommended time limit (e.g., three hours), which will be outlined in the Assessment Information section.
What are my support options?
Upon enrolling, you will have access to supporting resources that will help you access the required software for the assessment. If you have any questions or experience any technical issues, you may contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Computing and Communications Services (CCS) by email or phone.
What happens once I complete the assessment?
A week after you complete the assessment, you will receive your result from an expert assessor.
If you are able to meet the criteria and pass the assessment, you will receive a shareable Curv microcredential digital credential from The Chang School at Toronto Metropolitan University. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or anywhere you want to display your achievements.
If you are not able to meet the criteria and do not pass the assessment, you can re-enrol and try again when the next offering of this microcredential is available. Be sure to review your feedback and ensure that you have filled any gaps in knowledge or skill before registering for a future offering of this microcredential.