Diploma in Information Security and Forensics (N94)

Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Learn how to counteract hackers who carry out cyber security attacks

Become a digital crime forensics investigator and solve cases

Get the most comprehensive training and curriculum in secure software development

Go for exciting internships with the Ministry of Home Affairs as well as IT security leaders such as Palo Alto Networks, SecureAge and Microsoft

WHAT THE COURSE IS ABOUT

The Sony Entertainment Pictures hacking saga. Heartbleed bug affecting government websites. These major cyber security breaches that made headlines are just a few examples of the alarming rise in Internet crimes.

Join the fight against cyber threats with our new Diploma in Information Security & Forensics (ISF) where you will be trained to be an IT security professional - a profession that is in demand now.

You will build a strong foundation in the basics of IT and security in your first year with modules such as Fundamentals of Programming, Networking Fundamentals, Networking Infrastructure, Databases, Cryptography, Vulnerabilities 101 and OS Fundamentals.

In your second year, you will develop skills in the areas of network security, software security and digital forensics. You will learn to set up secure computer networks, develop secure software applications and investigate cybercrimes.

You will also learn how to secure codes and processes that go into developing applications, so that they are protected from external threats right front the start. This is called the Security Development Lifecycle, and is a highly valued skill in the industry.

In your final year, you will put your skills into practice by performing penetration tests on software, systems and networks, conducting in-depth forensic investigations on digital devices and networks, and analysing malicious software or malware. You will get to do all these as well as work on information security projects at our cutting-edge ISF lab.

What's more, you will attend masterclasses by Information Security professionals, and hone your skills in the real world with internships at the Ministry of Home Affairs and leading IT security organisations, such as Palo Alto Networks, SecureAge, and Microsoft, NCS, CrimsonLogic and e-Cop.

You could also attain the highly sought-after CompTIA Security+ professional certification.

Careers

There is a global shortage of IT security professionals, and the Singapore Government recently launched a master plan to grow Singapore's own pool of professionals to address this deficiency.

With your diploma, you can join security agencies such as INTERPOL and the Singapore Police Force, IT solutions providers, IT consulting companies, IT security product companies, secure software development companies, and the IT security divisions of banks and financial companies. You can work as a digital forensics investigator, secure software developer, security engineer, penetration tester, and malware analyst and security auditor.

Further studies

ISF graduates can look forward to pursuing IT or business-related degree programmes at local and overseas universities. These include National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore University of Technology & Design, Singapore Management University, Singapore Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University (USA), Monash University (Australia) and University of New South Wales (Australia).