Online Graduate NanoCert^® in Cyber Intelligence

This course looks at cyber and the intelligence cycle from two perspectives. The first is the application of the classic intelligence cycle against cyber targets. The second, parallel track is the use of cyber tools to optimize intelligence operations and the intelligence cycle in particular. This course will discuss the unique role of the cyber domain in the intelligence cycle. Intelligence in cyber is comprised of different characteristics than that of space, air, land and sea. Because cyber information is transmitted instantaneously, it may affect components of the intelligence cycle (collection, analysis, dissemination, etc.) simultaneously rather than sequentially, as is the case with other intelligence collections methods. Students will discuss commercial and defense concepts associated with the intelligence cycle and enterprise information technology infrastructure. Students will also address the challenges that are created due to rapid advancing technologies and existence of multiple actors. (Recommended Prerequisite: SSGS500)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the cyber intelligence field and is intended to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills often needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and risks. Students will explore the full range of cyber capabilities from exploitation to defense, including several case studies that demonstrate the challenges and benefits of cyber intelligence operations. Through discussion forums and a research project, students will gain a deeper understanding of the role cyber intelligence plays in national security and the protection of critical infrastructures.

This course will examine various case studies in Foreign Cyber Threats and explore the challenges posed by these threats. Through the review of case studies, students will become familiar with the fact that cyber threats are difficult to assess and mitigate given the existence of malicious actors, multiple motives, different but commonly used attack vectors, the internet as a shared and integrated domain, difficulty in predicting potential attacks and the damaging nature of worst-case scenarios. (Prerequisite: SSGS500)