Cybersecurity

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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.

Information technology professionals are held to a higher standard than many professionals, which is why many employers require a background check before hiring any new IT personnel. A felony or misdemeanor still appearing on a background check can become a severe barrier to working as an IT professional at a government or private organization. 

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.

Upon successful completion of the program and depending on organizational employability requirements, students from this program will be prepared for a number of jobs that require the following industry certifications: CompTia A+; Network+; Linux+; Security+, CYSA+, Server+; Cloud+.

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, form attacks, SQL injection and plan countermeasures
  • Monitor network pathways for signs of 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

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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...

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The purpose of the club is to promote competitive gaming, teach teamwork, and show students how to better themselves through their own means for the community and social groups by encouraging perseverance and willingness to grow while maintaining or...

Gaming Club logo

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...

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Skills USA is a nationwide organization; it is also a club at College of Western Idaho. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to enhance their technical and leadership skills. In Skills USA, college students can...

Additional Opportunities

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

Cyber Defense Center

College of Western Idaho's Cyber Defense Center offers cybersecurity awareness, best practices, news, events, and activities for Idaho communities, businesses, partners, and students while striving to advance U.S. Federal Government, State of Idaho, and industry initiatives in cyber defense.

Respectful Community

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

News and Blogs

Student in front of computers

Cybersecurity student, Stanley Ward, was selected out of thousands of students for a national scholarship through his participation in a national cybersecurity competition. 

Linda Otto posing with her award

Congratulations to College of Western Idaho Cybersecurity Professor, Dr. Linda Otto, who was awarded the 2022 Idaho Business Education Association Outstanding Postsecondary Educator of the Year Award.

College of Western Idaho's Cybersecurity team

Congratulations to College of Western Idaho's Cybersecurity team who advanced to the finals and placed fourth at the Future of Work Academy cybersecurity incubator competition.

2022 Annual Preparedness and Cybersecurity Conference

Cybersecurity Representatives from College of Western Idaho’s Cyber Defense Center took part in the Idaho Office of Emergency Management’s annual Cybersecurity Summit Thursday, Oct. 13.

Students working on a computer

College of Western Idaho’s Cybersecurity program is one step closer to receiving full Center of Academic Excellence Cyber Defense accreditation.

Lower Gear Cycles team accepting prize money on state at Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge

College of Western Idaho students joined students from across the state this spring to compete for more than $50,000 in prize money and services to advance their startups.