Cybersecurity Level 2 Certification

Class Schedule:
The class meets Saturday and Sunday, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The class runs from May 31, 2025, to August 23, 2025. Join us for as many weekends as you need to prepare for the certification exam, and attend on the weekends that best fit your schedule.

Flexible Learning:
If you're already familiar with certain topics, feel free to skip ahead to the week that matches your needs.

Certification Exam:
When you're ready, take the certification exam to showcase your skills.

Why Choose CodeHS Classes at Blue Ridge Boost?

• Industry-Recognized Certification
  Approved by the Virginia Department of Education, ensuring credibility and value.
• Expert Instructors
  Learn from qualified professionals who are dedicated to helping you succeed.

The Advanced Cybersecurity course is a 120-145 contact hour high school program designed as the capstone course in the Cybersecurity Pathway. It builds on topics covered in the Fundamentals of Cybersecurity course, focusing on advanced concepts like cryptography, networking, risk management, and cyber defense. The course prepares students for real-world cybersecurity challenges and career pathways in a highly interactive, project-based learning environment.

Course Goals

• Equip students with advanced cybersecurity knowledge and skills.
• Explore real-world applications of cryptography, network security, and cyber defense.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement preventative measures.
• Prepare students for cybersecurity careers through hands-on projects, simulated attacks, and collaborative activities.

Course Structure

The course is divided into 9 modules with projects and supplementary practice units:

1. Advanced Cryptography (4 weeks/20 hours)
   • Topics: Encryption algorithms, public key encryption, hash functions, digital certificates.
   • Activities: Explore encryption techniques, create hash functions, and understand SSL certificates.
2. Project: Steganography (1 week/5 hours)
   • Topics: Data hiding and encryption algorithms.
   • Activities: Create a custom encryption algorithm to hide a message in an image's pixels.
3. Advanced Networking (4 weeks/20 hours)
   • Topics: VPNs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and access control.
   • Activities: Design secure networks, sketch network diagrams, and explore protocols like TCP, UDP, and VPNs.
4. Project: IT Professional (2-3 weeks/10-15 hours)
   • Topics: Cybersecurity careers, customer service, and knowledge base creation.
   • Activities: Write instructional articles, act out customer support scenarios, and create video tutorials.
5. Cyber Defense (4 weeks/20 hours)
   • Topics: Network attacks (DoS/DDoS, spoofing), malware prevention, internal threats.
   • Activities: Explore XSS vulnerabilities, analyze running processes, and study social engineering techniques.
6. Project: Security Assessment Report (1 week/5 hours)
   • Topics: Website vulnerability testing.
   • Activities: Conduct XSS testing, create a security assessment report, and reflect on findings.
7. Project: Put it in Writing! (2-3 weeks/10-15 hours)
   • Topics: User training, incident response plans, and data policies.
   • Activities: Develop a training policy, create a response plan, and write change management plans.
8. Risk Management (4 weeks/20 hours)
   • Topics: Vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and risk response strategies.
   • Activities: Perform packet sniffing, calculate risk metrics (SLE, ALE), and analyze assessment reports.
9. Project: The Game of Risk (2-3 weeks/10-15 hours)
   • Topics: Security vulnerabilities and defenses.
   • Activities: Design and test a board or card game that teaches risk management concepts.

Key Features

• Blended Learning: Combines online and physical activities, collaborative projects, and hands-on labs.
• Simulated Cyber Attacks: Students learn to mitigate risks with real-world scenarios.
• Programming Environment: Activities in HTML, JavaScript, SQL, and shell commands using the CodeHS editor.
• Career Preparation: Focus on communication, documentation, and practical skills needed in cybersecurity fields.

Supplementary Units

Optional units for further practice or review:

• Cryptocurrency: Blockchain, hashing, proof of work.
• SQL Part II: Advanced filtering, ordering, and joining.
• Web Development: HTML and CSS basics.