*2026 - Feb - Cybersecurity Essentials

Cybersecurity Essentials Training Certification

Delivery Mode: Remote (via MS Teams)
Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-9 PM EST
Duration: 8 Weeks

Course Overview

In today’s connected world, cybersecurity is the backbone of trust and innovation. Cybersecurity Essentials Using Windows and Linux is an 8-week, hands-on program designed to teach you how hackers think, how analysts defend, and how teams work together to protect digital infrastructure.

You’ll gain practical skills through real labs, real tools, and real-world scenarios, learning to:
✔ Identify and mitigate security threats
✔ Understand core principles of Windows and Linux security
✔ Apply best practices for system hardening and network defense

Ideal For: Career changers, IT professionals upgrading skills, or beginners exploring cybersecurity for the first time.
Format: Virtual, instructor-led sessions

Hands-On Labs & Tools

Practice in guided, instructor-led labs using pre-configured virtual machines and cloud environments.
Core tools include: Cisco Packet Tracer, Windows 11, Parrot Linux, Wireshark, Nmap, OpenVAS, ChatGPT, GitHub Pages, TryHackMe.

Capstone Project

Design and secure a Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) network for a business concept and publish your work as a professional GitHub portfolio—a tangible showcase for employers.

Learning Outcomes

• Foundations: Understand the CIA Triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability—and why it drives every cybersecurity decision.
• Networking Basics: Learn how attacks move through networks and how firewalls, IPs, and ports protect systems.
• Red Team Skills: Explore ethical hacking and vulnerability scanning with tools like Nmap and Metasploit.
• Blue Team Defense: Detect and respond to attacks using Wireshark, Windows Event Viewer, and SIEM dashboards.
• GRC & Strategy: Build risk matrices, write policies, and apply frameworks like NIST CSF and ISO 27001.
• AI & Cybersecurity: Discover how AI is reshaping both attack and defense strategies.

Course Instructor:

Gustavo Rodriguez graduated from the Cyber Security Diploma program with Honor's from Willis College. After a decade of tinkering with systems, working in Desktop Support and Cyber Investigations, he has found his niche in Adversary Threat Emulation and Digital Vulnerability Assessments via the art of OSINT and social engineering. Currently he works as an OSINT Analyst in the financial sector with Kase Scenarios, where he develops Capture The Flag challenges for Intelligence and Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts. He has a passion in protecting others. Whether that is accomplished through designing custom educational materials, hardening computer systems, or investigating and remediating publicly available information, the goal is to ensure the safety of the client. Gustavo looks forward to diving into IT and Cybersecurity clients at Skills For Change

Cybersecurity Essentials Training Certification:

The Cybersecurity Essentials Training certificate will be issued by Skills for Change. Skills for Change (Career Skills) is a recognized training institution by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Trusted provider since 1998.

Tax Benefits

Skills for Change provides tax letters. You may be eligible for a refund of all or part of your course fees when filing your Canadian tax return.

Eligibility:

• 18+ years old
• Comfortable using a computer with a stable internet connection
• English language level CLB 6 or higher
• No coding required

📝 Registration is now open. Space is limited—sign up today to reserve your spot!

Microsoft Teams link to join the course will be sent to you 2 days before the course starts. If you have any questions, contact cssupport@skillsforchange.org