Overview
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Introduction to Cybersecurity Investigations
MCC’s Cybersecurity program incorporates hands-on training, Virtual Reality, Comp TIA certifications and expert instruction, preparing grads for a growing, high-demand field.
The most fundamental change in corporate security and law enforcement in recent years is the increase in cybercrime, which is causing significant financial losses in the U.S. The number of crimes involving electronic data has been skyrocketing as our dependence on digital devices in our lives increases. Only trained digital forensics experts can search computers and computer devices for electronic evidence, perform digital investigations, recover lost data, track cyber intrusions and provide technical expertise in a way that preserves the integrity of the original digital material. A degree in Cybersecurity Investigations will place students into a pool of sought-after professionals in the digital forensics world and will provide graduates with a foundation in digital investigations allowing them to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Normal investigation techniques cannot detect or extract bits of digital information that may remain after deletion. Cyber forensics examines files that are hidden, deleted or overwritten; recovers file fragments and other obfuscated data; detects cyber intrusions and embedded malicious code, and compiles evidence relating to the disclosure of personal and financial information.
Course Sequencing
Degree Program – First Year
Degree Program – Second Year
Program Goal
Cybersecurity Investigations provides foundation-level preparation and expertise common to all computer forensics and intrusion investigations. In the second year of the program, students will use real work tools used in the investigation of cybercrime and network intrusions, including tools used in desktop forensics, mobile forensics and network intrusions.
Program Outcomes
Students who graduate from this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate the concepts of a well-rounded education in cybercrime theory and application
- Demonstrate knowledge of various methods of detecting, recovering and preventing cybercrime
- Develop flexible data recovery plans relating to new and evolving data storage devices
- Demonstrate the ability to detect, track and prevent cyber intrusions
- Demonstrate the written communication skills necessary to produce well throughout conclusive reports to substantiate findings
- Demonstrate the oral communication skills necessary to explain and possibly testify to the findings of a digital examination
- Demonstrate a command of teamwork
- Explain the concept and importance of ethics in cybersecurity investigations
- Demonstrate a foundation for employment or transfer to a four-year institution
- Explain the necessity for a commitment to life-long learning
Admissions Requirements
The Cybersecurity Investigations program has no additional requirements beyond the college-wide requirements.
Transfer Credit Policy
- Any computer course being considered for transfer cannot be more than 10 years old from the date of matriculation into the program.
- Any certifications being considered must be in good standing.
Prior Learning Information
Students who have trained for the following CompTIA certification exams and who have successfully obtained and hold current certifications do not need to repeat that training. Students who wish to receive credit for certification exams should complete a “Credit for Experiential Learning” form which can be obtained from the Department Chairperson.
- Students with a current CompTIA A+ certificate are not required to take CIS102M and CIS103M
- Students with a current CompTIA Network + certificate are not required to take CIS116M
- Students with a current CompTIA Security + certificate are not required to take CYBD220M
Technical Standards
Most physical requirements necessary for this program can be accommodated with appropriate documentation.
Employment Opportunities
- Cybersecurity Investigator
- Intrusion Detection Specialist
- Data Recovery Specialist
- Computer Forensic Analyst
- Network Security Specialist
- Mobile Device Data Recovery
Potential Salary
There is a wide range of jobs in the cybersecurity industry. See below for the average annual salary range in NH for a position with the title “criminal investigator.”
Entry Level: $48,170
Mid-Range: $69,968
Experienced: $80,805
Academics
of MCC classes have 19 or fewer students.
