What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. It seems that everything relies on computers and the internet now—communication (e.g., email, smartphones, tablets), entertainment (e.g., interactive video games, social media, apps ), transportation (e.g., navigation systems), shopping (e.g., online shopping, credit cards), medicine (e.g., medical equipment, medical records), and the list goes on. How much of your daily life relies on technology? How much of your personal information is stored either on your own computer, smartphone, tablet or on someone else’s system?
What are the risks to having poor cybersecurity?
There are many risks, some more serious than others. Among these dangers are malware erasing your entire system, an attacker breaking into your system and altering files, an attacker using your computer to attack others, or an attacker stealing your credit card information and making unauthorized purchases. There is no guarantee that even with the best precautions some of these things won’t happen to you, but there are steps you can take to minimize the chances.
What can you do to improve your cybersecurity?
The first step in protecting yourself is to recognize the risks. Familiarize yourself with the following terms to better understand the risks:
- Hacker, attacker, or intruder — These terms are applied to the people who seek to exploit weaknesses in software and computer systems for their own gain. Although their intentions are sometimes benign and motivated by curiosity, their actions are typically in violation of the intended use of the systems they are exploiting. The results can range from mere mischief (creating a virus with no intentionally negative impact) to malicious activity (stealing or altering information).
- Malicious code — Malicious code (also called malware) is unwanted files or programs that can cause harm to a computer or compromise data stored on a computer. Various classifications of malicious code include viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Malicious code may have the following characteristics:
- It might require you to actually do something before it infects your computer. This action could be opening an email attachment or going to a particular webpage.
- Some forms of malware propagate without user intervention and typically start by exploiting a software vulnerability. Once the victim computer has been infected, the malware will attempt to find and infect other computers. This malware can also propagate via email, websites, or network-based software.
- Some malware claims to be one thing, while in fact doing something different behind the scenes. For example, a program that claims it will speed up your computer may actually be sending confidential information to a remote intruder.
- Vulnerabilities — Vulnerabilities are flaws in software, firmware, or hardware that can be exploited by an attacker to perform unauthorized actions in a system. They can be caused by software programming errors. Attackers take advantage of these errors to infect computers with malware or perform other malicious activity.
To minimize the risks of cyberattacks, follow basic cybersecurity best practices:
- Keep software up to date. Install software patches so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should enable it.
- Run up-to-date antivirus software. A reputable antivirus software application is an important protective measure against known malicious threats. It can automatically detect, quarantine, and remove various types of malware. Be sure to enable automatic virus definition updates to ensure maximum protection against the latest threats. Note: Because detection relies on signatures—known patterns that can identify code as malware—even the best antivirus will not provide adequate protections against new and advanced threats, such as zero-day exploits and polymorphic viruses.
- Use strong passwords. Select passwords that will be difficult for attackers to guess, and use different passwords for different programs and devices. It is best to use long, strong passphrases or passwords that consist of at least 16 characters.
- Change default usernames and passwords. Default usernames and passwords are readily available to malicious actors. Change default passwords, as soon as possible, to a sufficiently strong and unique password.
- Implement multifactor authentication (MFA). Authentication is a process used to validate a user’s identity. Attackers commonly exploit weak authentication processes. MFA uses at least two identity components to authenticate a user’s identity, minimizing the risk of a cyber attacker gaining access to an account if they know the username and password.
- Install a firewall. Firewalls may be able to prevent some types of attack vectors by blocking malicious traffic before it can enter a computer system, and by restricting unnecessary outbound communications. Some device operating systems include a firewall. Enable and properly configure the firewall as specified in the device or system owner’s manual.
- Be suspicious of unexpected emails. Phishing emails are currently one of the most prevalent risks to the average user. The goal of a phishing email is to gain information about you, steal money from you, or install malware on your device. Be suspicious of all unexpected emails.
- Common Sources of Cyber Threats and The Top Cyber Threat Statistics
- Top 15 Common Cyber Threats in 2025
- How Does Cybersecurity Work ?
- What is Cybersecurity? Common Types of CyberSecurity
What Core Courses Are Taught in CyberSecurity ?
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Introduction to Cybersecurity
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Network Security
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Cryptography
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Ethical Hacking & Pen Testing
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Computer Forensics
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Cyber Law and Policy
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Secure Software Development
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Risk Management
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Cybersecurity Operations
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Security Architecture
Advanced/Specialized Courses in CyberCecurity
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Advanced Threat Analysis
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Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering
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Incident Response
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Cloud Security
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IoT and Embedded Device Security
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Blockchain and Cybersecurity
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AI in Cyber Defense
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Mobile Security
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Cyber Intelligence
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Red Team / Blue Team Techniques
Certifications Courses
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CompTIA Security+
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CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
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CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
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CISM, CISA
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OSCP
BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) in Vancouver
BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) in Vancouver offers a comprehensive range of cybersecurity programs across various schools, including Computing and Academic Studies, Forensics, and Energy. These programs encompass full-time degrees, diplomas, microcredentials, and part-time courses.
🎓 Full-Time Cybersecurity Programs
1. Bachelor of Technology in Forensic Investigation: Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity
- Focus: Combines technical expertise with investigative skills to combat computer crimes.
- Delivery: Full-time or part-time, in-person. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
2. Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science – Network Security Applications Development Option
- Focus: Prepares graduates to design, develop, and deploy advanced network applications with a focus on security.
- Delivery: Full-time or part-time, blended and in-person options. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
3. Industrial Network Cybersecurity Diploma
- Focus: Provides practical competence in industrial networking and cybersecurity, emphasizing protection of industrial and critical infrastructure facilities.
- Delivery: Full-time, two-year program. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
🧩 Microcredentials & Part-Time Programs
1. Cybersecurity Essentials for IT Professionals
- Structure: Three 2-day workshops.
- Delivery: Fully online, Saturdays.
- Focus: Introduces cybersecurity fundamentals and job duties. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
2. Cybersecurity Operations Microcredential
- Focus: Introduction to security operations within organizations.
- Delivery: Part-time/distance and online learning. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
3. Cybersecurity Analysis for Network Administrators
- Focus: Equips learners with knowledge related to network security and mitigation strategies.
- Delivery: Online. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World, BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
🧠 Individual Cybersecurity Courses
BCIT also offers individual courses that can be taken as part of a program or independently:
- Cybersecurity Foundations (FSCT 7511)
- Introduction to cybersecurity, emphasizing fundamental skills for designing and maintaining secure systems. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Threats and Attacks (XINC 2120)
- Explores the physical and logical structure of computer networks and identifies devices and connections used in networks. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity Data Analysis (XINC 2140)
- Focuses on using network monitoring tools to identify attacks against network protocols and services. (BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
📊 Summary
BCIT offers a diverse array of cybersecurity programs and courses, including:
- 3 full-time degree/diploma programs
- Multiple microcredentials and part-time programs
- Several individual courses(BCIT – Education for a Complex World, BCIT – Education for a Complex World)
These programs are designed to cater to various educational and professional backgrounds, providing pathways for both newcomers and experienced IT professionals to advance in the cybersecurity field.
If you need assistance selecting a program that aligns with your career goals or educational background, feel free to ask!
What is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of
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What is Cybersecurity? Common Types of CyberSecurity
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