Advanced Cyber Security Certificate 

Block Code Registration Required, use Block Code: CYSADV

Students must register in all three courses in the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate. 

Registration can be completed by calling 403.440.3833 or  1.877.287. 8001.

Engineering for Information Security

Security engineering requires an understanding of security models, secure design principles and the ability to assess a variety of systems for vulnerabilities. Students will learn these fundamental concepts as well as information on selecting controls and countermeasures, and the application of cryptography.

Cyber Security Operations Management

Effective leadership in the field of information security requires an elevated understanding of security operations concepts and how to apply these in real-world situations. Discover how to apply concepts, from best practices in vendor procurement, through to investigations and preventative measures, resource management, disaster recovery and business continuity.

Security Assessment and Testing

The development, evaluation and validation of assessment processes is integral to securing system infrastructure and detecting vulnerabilities. Develop an in-depth understanding of the techniques and industry standards for assessment validation, continuity, analysis, reporting and facilitating audits.

This certificate is designed around the (ISC)² CISSP certification.

The required textbook for this course:  Official (ISC)² CISSP CBK Reference, 6th Ed., Deane, A., Kraus, A. 2021. Sybex, a Wiley brand. ISBN - 13: 9781119789994

Purchase this book online

Students are required to come prepared with a fully charged laptop for the onsite classes. There are no software requirements for the laptops.

Online instructors are listed on the York University Continuing Studies site.

Suresh Durairaj, CISSP, CISA, CIPP, ITIL, PMP

Engineering for Information Security , Cyber Security Operations Management and Security Assessment & Testing

Suresh Durairaj is a cyber security leader and practitioner with over 20 years of rich experience. Suresh possess extensive knowledge in the areas of cyber security, with specialization in security strategy, security architecture and security operations in both information technology and operational technology domains. Suresh's experience varies from working as a developer building encryption products, providing security consulting and CISO advisory for Fortune 500 companies and held security leadership roles in the industry.

Suresh has worked across different industry verticals, namely oil & gas, finance, banking, retail, telecommunication and manufacturing. He has been recognized for successfully establishing information security culture across an organization and managing a global team of security professionals across North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

Suresh holds an engineering degree in Electronic and Instrumentation, along with industry recognized designations like CISSP, CISA, CIPP, ITIL, PMP.

Who should take this program?

• Professionals seeking their CISSP designation
• Individuals who want to specialize in cyber security regardless of undergraduate major or industry background
• Recent graduates of programs in information technology, software engineering, computer science, or database administration programs, seeking to focus their IT careers
• Project, team and department leaders who require cyber security knowledge to lead their team more effectively
• Managers, administrators and executives who are seeking to master new information security responsibilities

What do I need to know before I start?

Although it is not required to have an IT background to enter the program, an understanding of basic technology concepts is beneficial. To be successful in the program, participants need knowledge of the following:

• hardware
• software
• networking concepts such as the client-server models (LAN, WAN, MAN, Internet vs. Intranet)
• network topologies
• wireless networking
• the OSI model

Registered students will have access to a free, self-paced, online refresher course covering these topics when they login to the start of the Introduction to Cyber Security course.

Why should I take MRU's Cyber Security certificates instead of programs offered by other organizations?

• Quality of instruction - Our expert instructors are experienced in the field of cyber security and are certified by (ISC)².
• Innovation - We're the first university in Alberta to offer a non-credit program to prepare for the CISSP designation.
• Proven track record - Our cyber security programs are offered in partnership with York University's School of Continuing Studies, which has been offering these programs since 2015.

What does the field of cyber security encompass?

Cyber security refers to the protection of digital environments and assets from internal and external threats and the guarding of intellectual property. The field of cyber security includes industry risk management, engineering, communications, identity protection, assessing and testing, operations, and software development.

How long will it take to complete this program?

The Cyber Security Fundamentals Certificate takes just five months to complete. If you choose to continue on to the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate right away, you can be prepared to write the CISSP exam in as little as 10 months.

What is the likelihood that I will receive employment in this field once I complete the certificate program?

Very likely. According to a recent Deloitte study, Canadian companies will be hiring more than 8,000 new cyber security experts over the next two years. This same report predicts that the demand for cyber security professionals is growing by seven percent every year. Furthermore, they project that the availability of home-grown talent will not be sufficient to meet these hiring requirements. So if you're qualified, you'll most likely get a job.

What's the salary range for roles in cyber security?

According to the Government of Canada's Job Bank, the average hourly rate being paid for cyber security services is between $60 and $98 per hour.

As one of the world's fastest-growing technology fields, many experts see the cyber security job market doubling in the next five years - which means there will be a critical need for qualified individuals. Graduates of the Advanced Cyber Security Certificate are prepared for senior-level cyber security roles.

Interested in learning more about the cyber security job market? Visit  Cyberseek  for up to date information on roles, education and opportunities across North America.