Course Information
About this course
This course is part of the Cyber Foundation Pathway.
Building on the technical skills gained in CFP modules 1 to 3, it introduces you to cyber-attack and cyber-defence techniques. You will take part in a penetration test against a fictional company network, discovering weaknesses and vulnerabilities; exploring how malicious actors could exploit these to gain access to systems and services.
You will also learn how to conduct:
- low level malware analysis
- network incident response
- basic computer and network forensics
The assessment is not part of the residential course and must be booked following a minimum two-week period of consolidation after the module.
All the module content will be instructor taught using DCA classroom facilities; whiteboard, DCA network and PowerPoint. This will be conducted at the Defence Academy. You can apply via the 'Register your interest' button above and selecting dates highlighted as classroom delivery.
To progress further through the CFP, you must complete and pass the Module 4 Assessment. Full details of the assessment can be found on the CFPEX4 page.
What you will learn
You will learn/develop:
- network scanning and reconnaissance
- vulnerability discovery and exploitation
- malware usage and persistence methods
- malware identification, triage, and analysis
- network analysis using common defensive cyber tool suites
How this course will help your career
Each module in the Cyber Foundation Pathway builds sequentially on the learning from preceding modules. Successful completion of this module will enable you to proceed to the next module to further build your cyber skills.
Entry requirements
Who can attend this course
- Military
- MOD civil servants
- Partners across government (PAG)
Before you attend
Prior to undertaking Module 4 you are required to have SC clearance and:
- completed all the pre-requisite elements for Module 3
- completed the required Module 3 learning (in a DCS classroom or remote classroom) or passed the Module 3 assessment
Further clarity of the CFP module pre-requisites can be found on our explanatory page.
Additional information
How the course will be taught
- Face-to-face/Residential
How you will be assessed
Assessment of this module will be based on an invigilated two-hour, multiple-choice, exam. The exam will have a theory and practical element where you will be expected to be able to conduct a short penetration test against a virtual network. The pass mark is 70%. The assessment is not part of the course.
You may only book the CFPEX4 assessment once you have successfully completed all prior CFP assessments (Modules 1 to 3) and taken a minimum two-week period of consolidation on completion of the Module 4 learning.