Cybersecurity

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Student studying sever management software

The Information Security and Digital Forensics course at the College of Western Idaho is demanding and very educational. Jane, CWI, ISDF Student

I would highly recommend it [Information Security and Digital Forensics Program] to future students who are looking to expand their knowledge in the IT world of system security. Ryan, CWI, ISDF Student

Our Cybersecurity (CSEC) program is a logical progression from Information Security and Digital Forensics (ISDF) with the emphasis on networks without borders. Don Bowers, CWI, CSEC Associate Professor

The world of Cybersecurity is an exciting career possibility—and, at CWI, you have an opportunity to join the front line combating hackers who are compromising networks around the world. The goal of this program is to prepare security professionals to protect an organization’s data by taking preemptive measures against malicious attacks and to perform forensic investigations if security is breached.

CWI offers you the opportunity to take classes both in the daytime and evening. Contact your advisor for the schedule and details.

Background Check

Students registered for Cybersecurity classes must complete a background check prior to the census date of the semester. Completion of the background check and fee is the responsibility of the student.

Your advisor will have details on the process to complete the background check.

Results of the background checks are confidentially retained by the Cybersecurity program at CWI. If derogatory information is found as a result of the background check, further review of the student in question may be required before beginning the Cybersecurity program. Derogatory information, which may preclude a student from entering the Cybersecurity program, includes a DUI in the past three (3) years or a felony. Because students must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), students must be 18 years or older to enter the program. Only students who have enrolled in Cybersecurity classes should complete the background check.

Mission

The College of Western Idaho (CWI) provides an adaptive and industry-competitive Cybersecurity program that prepares students for continuing their education in cybersecurity; as well as providing opportunities to connect with a global community of industry professionals.

Why This Program

Computers around the world are systematically victimized by rampant hacking. This hacking is not only widespread, but it is being executed so flawlessly that the attackers compromise a system, steal everything of value, and completely erase their tracks within 20 minutes. This program will prepare technicians to protect an organization’s data by taking preemptive measures against malicious attacks.

What You Will Learn to Do

Install and configure computer hardware and software
Configure virtual machines, virtual machine storage, and virtual networks
Configure internal and external security mechanisms
Describe the five basic principles in a defense
Identify payloads of malware
Examine web applications, forms attacks, SQL injection and plan countermeasures
Monitor network pathways for signs of a compromised systems
Develop policies and procedures in the collection of digital evidence
Create a "First Responder" toolkit for crime scene investigations
Examine and prepare for actual courtroom cases involving digital forensic investigations
Create a policy and profile for collecting evidence for mobile devices
Demonstrate proficiency in collecting network information through industry standard penetration testing methodologies

Clubs

Business Professionals of America

Business Professionals of America is the leading CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields. BPA has 43,000...

Gaming Club

The gaming club is a club for everyone who plays games, whether that be video games, board games, tabletop, or even card games. Our goal is to help better establish the gaming community here at CWI, and show the students that there are a lot of...

Additional Opportunities

The CWI Cybersecurity program will ready you with advanced, market-relevant skills that employers recognize and respect.

Degrees and Certificates

Cybersecurity - Associate of Applied Science Degree

YEARS

AAS

Course Delivery Styles: In-Person
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options

Plan of Study - Fall Start

View Full Catalog

Cybersecurity - Advanced Technical Certificate

YEARS

ATC

Course Delivery Styles: In-Person
*See the Course Delivery Styles page for details about class options

Plan of Study - Fall Start

View Full Catalog

Important Dates for Credit Programs


	Spring 2022	Summer 2022	Fall 2022
Priority Registration Begins¹	November 8	n/a	April 11
Open Registration Begins	November 15	February 28	April 18
Financial Aid Priority Deadline	December 18	May 14	July 30
Admission Deadline²	January 8	May 28	August 13
Last Day to Register for Classes	January 14	June 3	August 19
Tuition and Fees Due	January 14	June 3	August 19
Classes Begin³	January 18	June 6	August 22
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based upon their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time.
2 The admission deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines for the fall and spring semesters.
3 Some classes begin before or after this date. Please refer to the Registration and Refund Deadlines by Class Section Dates (located beneath each semester) of the Academic Calendar for more information.

Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes

Keyboarding
General computer skills
Ability to learn
Basic understanding of how computers work is helpful
Good communication and writing skills are helpful
Ability to troubleshoot complex problems is helpful

Advising

Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.

When preparing for a career in the area of information security, a quality background check is essential for the protection of both the student and the training institution. Security professionals are held to a higher standard than many information technology professionals which is why many employers will require a background check before hiring any new security personnel. A background check will ensure that the Cybersecurity program conforms to industry standards with respect to the training of security specialists.

Only students who have officially declared Cybersecurity as their chosen program should complete the background check. If you have questions, please contact your student advisor.

Financial Aid Available

Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.

Professions

Security Manager
Cyber Security Incident Responder
Computer Forensic Specialist
Security Specialist
Security Administrator
Entry Level Penetration Tester
Security Systems Administration
IT Security Consultant

Instructor(s)

Don Bowers

Associate Professor

Cybersecurity

208.562.2537

donbowers@cwi.edu

Linda Otto

Professor

Cybersecurity

208.562.2519

lindaotto@cwi.edu

Troy Taylor

Instructor

Cybersecurity

208.562.2553

troytaylor@cwi.edu

Respectful Community

The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX

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News and Blogs

Cybersecurity instructor, Troy Taylor, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for October 2021.

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