IT-Security Foundation (S-ITSF)

Learn IT security fundamentals from practicing IT security specialists

What will you learn?

9Build solid IT security knowledge without having to immerse yourself deeply in information technology;
9Learn what components make up an IT infrastructure and understand the (potential) vulnerabilities of each component;
9Explore how attackers exploit common vulnerabilities and what tools, techniques and controls you can use to prevent exploitation;
9Get a practical overview of best-practice hardware, software, network, database and cloud vulnerabilities and protections;
9Benefit from the insights of practicing cyber security managers and specialists.

Information

3 course days, 1pm – 5.30pm CEST
8 hours of self-study
R1 CPE credit per study hour

IT-Security Foundation Course – Entry-level IT security training by practicing IT security specialists

Information security rests on three pillars: people, processes and technology. None of the three can do without the rest. But understanding the technical pillar is often quite difficult for security managers. Our IT-Security Foundation course gives you a complete introduction to the concepts and tools used in IT security, and equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to effectively communicate with IT professionals to improve your organisation’s technical (cyber) security.

Designed by practicing IT security experts with experience in (cyber) security management, this beginner’s IT security training helps you understand fundamental IT security principles, challenges and best-practice remedies without asking you to immerse yourself in technical details. In this course, you will get a complete overview of IT infrastructure components, vulnerabilities and protection mechanisms. You will learn what components make up an IT infrastructure and how each component can be secured against common threats. In particular, you will explore common hardware, operating system, software, network, database and cloud vulnerabilities and protections. You will understand how attackers operate and what best-practice defence techniques you can use to protect yourself against attacks.

By completing this IT-Security Foundation course, you will understand the security threats that could affect your IT infrastructure, and you will know how to secure each component to protect your organisation from security risks. If you are building a career in IT security, this course is ideal to build up the fundamental IT security skills you need to move on to advanced IT security trainings and certifications. After completing IT-Security Foundation, you will be fully equipped to follow our IT-Security Practitioner course, where you will have the opportunity to deep-dive into the pragmatics of securing an IT infrastructure and practice an IT Security Manager’s tasks with realistic hands-on assignments. You will also have sufficient technical knowledge to follow our CISM Preparation Course and prepare for your ISACA CISM certification exam.

Prerequisites to joining this IT Security Foundation course

This is an entry-level IT security training. No previous knowledge or experience is required. Familiarity with the most commonly used IT terms is recommended.

The course is ideal for absolute beginners with a basic knowledge of computers and technology. Do you already have a good understanding of IT security principles and you are interested in practicing a Security Manger’s tasks? Take our IT-Security Practitioner course and ready yourself for a career in IT security management.

Is this IT-Security Foundation course for you?

This course was primarily designed for professionals who have a limited technical background but should be able to work together with technical IT security experts, network or system administrators with ambitions to start a career in IT security, and aspiring information security professionals who lack technical security knowledge. Typical participants include:

Aspiring information security officers
IT risk officers
IT governance officers
Auditors
Line managers
Service management officers
Helpdesk employees

What is included in this IT-Security Foundation course?

Official SECO-Institute course materials developed by practicing IT security specialists;
Training from passionate instructors who are active in IT security (management);
Practice exam and exam syllabus so you can fully prepare for your certification exam;
Certification exam voucher;
Access to the (S)ECO-system, the SECO-Institute’s professional community website where you will find additional resources and exclusive knowledge events.

IT-Security Foundation Course Modules

Systems

Hardware
Operating systems
Modes of cooperation

Software

Types of software
Common causes of vulnerabilities
Mitigations for common vulnerabilities
Databases

Networking

Networking devices
Network connections
Network models
Network architecture
Network addressing

Cryptography

Types of cryptography
Public Key Infrastructure
Major cryptographic network protocols
Major cryptographic applications

IT security administration

Know your enemy: Hacking as a process, Tool of their trade
Know yourself: IT security administration as a process, Tool of our trade

IT-Security Foundation Certification Exam

The certification exam is conducted by the SECO-Institute, Europe’s leading security and continuity certification body. The exam voucher is included in the course fee, but you need to schedule your exam with the SECO-Institute. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive an exam certificate and an invitation to register your official SECO-IT-Security Foundation (S-ITSF) certification title free of charge. By activating your certification title, you will become a certified professional in your field and you will receive a shareable digital badge to verify your competence to clients, employers and fellow professionals.

Exam information

Exam language: English
Exam delivery: Online exam with remote proctoring
Exam format: 40 multiple-choice questions
Duration: 60 minutes

Why earn a SECO IT-Security Foundation (S-ITSF) certificate?

The SECO-Institute’s IT-Security Foundation (ITSF) certification exam tests your understanding of common hardware, software, network, database and cloud vulnerabilities and protections. By passing the certification exam, you demonstrate that you have an overall understanding of fundamental IT security principles, security challenges and best-practice remedies. You are aware of the security threats that face your IT infrastructure, and you know how to secure each component to protect your organisation from security risks.

By passing the ITSF certification exam and earning a SECO-IT-Security Foundation (S-ITSF) certificate, you demonstrate that you:

Have a basic understanding of computer architecture;
Understand common hardware vulnerabilities and security measures;
Understand operating system architecture and operating system vulnerabilities;
Can identify effective security measures against malicious software;
Have a good understanding of TCP/ IP networking;
Understand the basics of network attacks and countermeasures;
Have a good understanding of software and application vulnerabilities (OWASP top 10);
Understand the basics of database vulnerabilities and countermeasures;
Understand the fundamentals of symmetric, asymmetric and hybrid encryption;
Understand how digital signatures and Public Key Infrastructures work;
Understand how Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) work;
Understand the importance of TLS, SSL, IPsec, S/MIME and Pretty Good Privacy;
Understand the fundamentals of identity and access management;
Understand the risks involved in using the Cloud;
Understand the security threat landscape (attackers, attack tools and attack methods).

What are the benefits of a SECO IT-Security Foundation (S-ITSF) certificate?

An S-ITSF certificate demonstrates that you have an overall understanding of IT security challenges and best-practice remedies. If you are considering a career in IT security, S-ITSF provides you with an excellent opportunity to enter the security industry and advance your skills with higher-level security trainings. S-ITSF also has benefits for managers whose work involves regular communication with IT (security) specialists and / or if their business decisions affect the IT domain. The ability to perceive IT security risks and liaise with security professionals can considerably improve your efficacy as a manager. Depending on your interests and background, S-ITSF may even open you to new career opportunities – for example, a project or change management position in an IT or information security-related environment.

Authors & Lead Trainers

Arjen Verhiel
Trainer

Network & Infrastructure consultant

Jochen den Ouden
Trainer

Ethical Hacker
Cyber Security specialist

Dr. Rob van der Staaij
Trainer

IAM & IT-Infrastructure specialist

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