Computer Security and Forensics: A.A.S.

Program Mission

The mission of the Computer Security and Forensics program is to prepare students to work in the field as a skilled computer security expert to meet the growing need in our society to keep information safe and accessible through focused study on hardware, software, networking, remote access, and cryptographic systems. Students will obtain the ability to analyze and investigate security breaches, perform forensic analysis, identify and prevent potential weaknesses in network configurations, respond to computer and network incidents and establish policies and procedures within legal guidelines to protect companies. By providing students with small class sizes, attentive faculty, and dynamic courses, students will be equipped with the analytic and investigative tools and the legal and ethical knowledge necessary to be employed to help any business prevent security breaches or recover from criminal activity.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of modern programmers.
Apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Analyze a computer system using appropriate software tools to discover and remove malicious code or spyware and perform a forensic analysis of a computer system or storage media in accordance with established law enforcement guidelines.
Establish and maintain safe and secure methods of protecting digital data and communications.
Respond in a systematic and coordinated manner in the event of a computer or network incident.
Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively.

Millions of dollars are lost each year in the U.S. due to identity theft, computer crime and mishandled information. This creates a need for a trained workforce ready to prevent and help businesses recover from such criminal activity.

Graduates of SUNY Broome’s Computer Security & Forensics A.A.S Degree program are prepared to work in technical or business environments to help design, maintain and secure computer networks while also using legal and investigative procedures to respond to a variety of incidents. As a Computer Security Forensics technician, you will keep computers, data and networks safe from intruders and malicious code — and maintain a safe and reliable computing environment.

Program Notes

Upon graduation, you could be ready for entry level positions as a Computer Operator, IT Technician, Security Technician, or Forensic Technician in any environment—anywhere in the country—that has networked computers, conducts business via the Internet, or maintains sensitive information. Or, you may choose to transfer to Champlain College or SUNY Cobleskill to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Forensics or Network and Information Security.

Prospective Students

As a student in this dynamic program, you will learn about the history and evolution of computer security and forensics, and will gain the tools to analyze and investigate security breaches. You will also explore the legal and ethical aspects of computer security and forensics. You will learn to:

analyze computer systems utilizing the latest software
discover and remove malicious code and spyware
establish and maintain safe and secure methods of protecting digital data and communications
respond in a systematic and coordinated manner in the event of a computer or network incident
identify security weaknesses in network configurations
design effective solutions to mitigate attacks and losses due to identified weaknesses
establish policies and procedures for compliance with moral, legal, and ethical standards and guidelines
perform a forensic analysis of computer systems and storage media in accordance with established law enforcement guidelines