MCA - Cyber Security, Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensic
Program Description:
IBM Q²D is a global initiative offering specialized master’s programs in collaboration with top academic institutions. We are offering an advanced 2-year MCA program specializing in Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking, and Digital Forensics.
S - Vyasa Deemed to be University located inside Sattva Global City, Kengeri, which is a NAAC A+, Category 1 University, would be the first university in India to execute this model of student engagement in partnership with IBM. The program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills, real-time exposure, and practical project experience, aligning with future workforce demands.
You've embarked on a cutting-edge master's program, crafted with industry leaders and delivered by IBM subject matter experts in a world-class learning environment.
Program benefits include:
- A Postgraduate Degree awarded by S-VYASA
- An Advanced Certificate Digital Badge from IBM
- Advanced Learning Certificate from Cambridge University Press and Assessment
This strategic academic-industry collaboration is designed to equip students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills in emerging domains, preparing them for high-impact careers in the digital era.
Campus Location:
All programs are conducted at the futuristic S-VYASA Bangalore Campus, located inside Sattva Global City IT Park, Kengeri.
The "IBM ICE Advanced Certificate - Cyber Security" program is a comprehensive program designed to equip learners with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of cybersecurity. Spanning approximately 200+ hours, this program covers foundational cybersecurity concepts, network security and defense strategies, data security and regulatory compliance, ethical hacking and penetration testing methodologies, and incident response and digital forensics techniques. Learners will gain the essential knowledge and skills to understand, analyze, and address contemporary cybersecurity challenges.
FEE STRUCTURE 2025-26
| Duration: 2 Years | I YEAR | II YEAR |
| Admission fee | 15000 | - |
| Tuition Fee | 295000 | 280000 |
| Other Academic Fee | 5200 | 5200 |
| Total Fee | 315200 | 285200 |
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Understand the core concepts of cybersecurity, including threat landscapes, risk management, and security principles.
- Identify common attack vectors and understand security governance frameworks.
- Comprehend the principles and practices of securing computer networks, including firewall management and intrusion detection systems.
- Implement strategies for network segmentation, VPNs, and wireless security.
- Understand the critical aspects of protecting sensitive data, including encryption and access control.
- Comprehend data loss prevention (DLP) and data classification techniques.
- Understand the key principles of relevant data protection regulations and compliance standards.
- Apply ethical hacking and penetration testing methodologies to assess security posture.
- Utilize relevant tools for reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability analysis, and exploitation (ethically).
- Understand the ethical considerations of offensive security practices.
- Comprehend the processes and procedures for handling cybersecurity incidents.
- Understand the incident response lifecycle and techniques for containment, eradication, and recovery.
- Learn the methodologies for collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence in a forensically sound manner.
Program Summary
This program is structured into five progressive modules that cover the breadth of cybersecurity. Module 1 introduces the foundational concepts and principles of cybersecurity. Module 2 focuses on securing computer networks and implementing defense mechanisms. Module 3 delves into the critical aspects of data security and regulatory compliance. Module 4 equips learners with ethical hacking and penetration testing skills for security assessment. Finally, Module 5 focuses on incident response and digital forensics for handling security breaches.
Flow of Learning Modules:
- Core concepts of cybersecurity: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA triad).
- Threat landscape: Types of threats (malware, phishing, social engineering, insider threats, APTs).
- Security principles: Least privilege, defense in depth, separation of duties.
- Common attack vectors: Network-based, web-based, social engineering, physical attacks.
- Security governance and frameworks (e.g., ISO 27001 - overview).
- Overview of cybersecurity roles and responsibilities.
- Network protocols (TCP/IP suite, DNS, HTTP, etc.).
- Firewall concepts, configuration, and management (stateful vs. stateless).
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Types, signatures, deployment.
- Network segmentation: Principles and implementation (VLANs).
- Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Types and uses.
- Wireless security: Protocols (WEP, WPA, WPA2/3), security best practices.
- Strategies for defending against common network attacks (e.g., DDoS, man-in-the- middle).
- Encryption techniques: Symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, hashing.
- Access control mechanisms: Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA).
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Concepts and tools.
- Data classification: Identifying and categorizing sensitive data.
- Key principles of data protection regulations: GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation - overview of key principles). HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - overview of key principles relevant to data security). PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard - overview of key principles).
- Methodologies of penetration testing: Planning, reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, reporting.
- Reconnaissance techniques: Information gathering (open-source intelligence - OSINT).
- Scanning techniques: Network scanning, port scanning, vulnerability scanning.
- Vulnerability analysis: Identifying and understanding security weaknesses.
- Exploitation: Techniques for gaining unauthorized access (basic concepts).
- Post-exploitation: Maintaining access and further exploration (basic concepts).
- Reporting: Documenting findings and recommendations.
- Ethical considerations of offensive security practices and legal boundaries.
- Introduction to relevant tools (e.g., Nmap, Metasploit - basic usage overview).
Program Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
- Explain fundamental cybersecurity concepts and principles.
- Describe common attack vectors and risk management frameworks.
- Implement basic network security measures and understand defense strategies.
- Understand the principles of data security, encryption, and access control.
- Explain the key principles of relevant data protection regulations and compliance standards.
- Apply ethical hacking and penetration testing methodologies for security assessment (at an introductory level).
- Understand the incident response lifecycle and basic digital forensics methodologies.
Skills Gained:
Upon completion of this program, learners will gain the following skills:
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Understanding core concepts, threats, and principles.
- Network Security Awareness: Knowledge of network protocols, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
- Data Security Basics: Understanding encryption, access control, and DLP concepts.
- Regulatory Compliance Awareness: Familiarity with key data protection regulations.
- Ethical Hacking Introduction: Basic understanding of penetration testing methodologies and tools.
- Incident Response Fundamentals: Knowledge of the IR lifecycle and basic handling techniques.
- Digital Forensics Awareness: Understanding basic principles of digital evidence handling.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Applying cybersecurity concepts to analyze security scenarios.