Cybersecurity Practitioner

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Cybersecurity Practitioner. A Cybersecurity Practitioner assures the integrity and stability of digital, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems and processes within an organisation. Mitigates the organisational risks associated with cyber intrusions, attacks, and manipulation by determining the short, medium, and long-term risks associated with the identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Develops and implements appropriate actions and initiatives for preventing and mitigating these risks by project managing risk prevention and elimination actions. Reports on security maintenance compliance, supporting relevant change initiatives and investigating specific events to determine the potential risk impact. Learners will demonstrate the following key attributes: Modesty, altruism, composure, scientific, inquisitiveness, appropriate scepticism, responsiveness, and diligence. A qualified learner will be able to: • Provide specialised denial and deception operations and collect cybersecurity information that may be used to develop intelligence. • Performs highly specialised review and evaluate incoming cybersecurity information to determine its usefulness for intelligence. • Investigate cybersecurity events or crimes related to information technology systems, networks, and digital evidence. • Initiate and manage cybersecurity risk mitigation and preventative actions.

Enterprise data and infrastructure protection has become one of the most critical roles of Information Technology (IT) due to the rise in cyber-Attacks. Vast quantities of sensitive data are transmitted digitally as transactions are made. Organisations store data creating veritable gold mines for hackers to steal valuable information, commit denial-of-service attacks, or simply create havoc. There is a need for people with cybersecurity skills to protect our data and defend organisational IT integrity. Cybersecurity is required in every domain, from the government to corporate, military to medical, financial to personal as each collect, stores and transmits sensitive data. As the amount of digital data and transactions grow, so does the need for cyber security professionals in various roles within organisations. This qualification is specifically targeted at developing some of the Practitioner skills required within the cybersecurity field. In this qualification the focus is on extending those fundamental skills and building the broader basis from which the learner will be able to specialise in specific systems or areas of cyber protection. The qualification shall benefit learners who are in the IT field and want to specialise in cybersecurity. This qualification will allow entry into the specialised field of cybersecurity through a hands-on practical approach. The qualification will also use the host of existing industry recognised certificates and tools for the recognition of prior learning, therefore fast-tracking people towards the achievement of a nationally recognised occupational qualification. With this qualification, learners will be able to be employed as: Cybersecurity Auditor, Computer Forensics Expert and Cybersecurity Engineer. The professionalisation of the cybersecurity sector will support the need to create an appropriate layer of protection. As people rely more heavily on technology to help manage their daily lives, the threat of cyber-crime continues to escalate. Cyber threats pose one of the gravest national security dangers that a country faces, which lead to losses of Billions, disrupts services and efficient functioning of economies. No professional registration or licencing is expected for Cybersecurity Practitioners or Analysts to seek employment in the sector.

RPL for access to a qualification Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part-qualification. RPL for exemption from modules Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part-qualification will be credited for modules through RPL. RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: Occupational Certificate: Cybersecurity Analyst, NQF Level 5 or equivalent.

• Apply methods, procedures or techniques to investigate and define specialised denial and deception operations.
• Apply processes, modalities and ethics associated with the review, analysis and evaluation of incoming cybersecurity information.
• Investigate cybersecurity events or crimes related to information technology systems, networks, and collected digital evidence.