Cybersecurity programming new to Great Plains College

Great Plains College is pleased to announce the addition of Cybersecurity programming to its course offerings. The College is partnering with the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), a global cyber security education leader, to offer these online courses.

Fred Eckstein, region manager at Great Plains College, said, “We’re proud to be the first post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan to partner with EC-Council to make cybersecurity training more accessible, and ultimately helping meet Saskatchewan employers’ need for highly trained professionals in this field.”

The course offerings range from novice to executive, allowing beginners and professionals of all levels an opportunity to advance their careers and acquire industry-recognized certification. The online format enables students to start a course at any time. Upon completion of the course and the corresponding exam, students will receive certification, which will allow them to start working in any number of roles that correspond to their completed course.

Certification is valid for three years, at which time individuals must attend a set amount of professional development activities to ensure they are staying up-to-date on best practices in the rapidly changing cyber threat landscape. According to the EC-Council website, students can achieve industry-recognized certifications as they complete their degree programs, achieving the ultimate stackable credential lineup to enhance their resume.

EC-Council’s motto is: “Hackers are here. Where are you?” Wesley Alvarez, director of academics for EC-Council, said, “As cybercrime increases drastically worldwide, organizations continue to face challenges, which include a lack of qualified cybersecurity professionals. Our partnership with Great Plains College is a step towards closing this massive skills gap by providing a blended practical experience with educational training.” EC-Council’s Academia partner program helps certify tens of thousands of students annually with industry-leading credentials.

Great Plain’s region director, Eckstein, voiced similar comments, saying, “As we continue to move more of our lives and businesses online, the threat of cyber attacks continue to grow, making cybersecurity one of the fastest growing industries globally.”

Eckstein also noted that whether students are new to the field, or seasoned professionals looking to grow their skills in a niche area, these cybersecurity courses offer something for everyone at all levels.

For more information about the cybersecurity programs, visit greatplainscollege.ca/cybersecurity