This programme intends to help participants to understand basic computer and networking knowledge, as well as essential cyber security technologies to allow them to apply in personal and work environment. Participants shall be able to identify potential security threats and apply early intervention to common cyber security problems.

This programme comprises of the three modules with a total of 90 contact hours:

1) Fundamentals of Computer and Networking (30 hours)
This course will introduce the basics of computer and networking to participants, including technologies most applicable to everyday life. Topics include:
a. History and evolution of computer and networking
b. Representation of data in the computer
c. Computer Organization and Architecture
d. Operating Systems Basics
e. Introduction to Network and Data Communication
f. OSI model, Topologies and TCP/IP
g. Network Infrastructure - Hardware, Software and Services
h. Network Address Schema, Routing and Protocols
i. Network Management and Security Basics

2) Introduction to Secure Programming Practices (30 hours)
This course will introduce to participants the basic computer programming concepts and elementary secure coding practices in order to enable them to understand the origins of computer security vulnerabilities and common security pitfalls. Topics include:
a. Computer Programming Basics
b. Data structure and Memory Management
c. Function and Subroutine
d. Overview of Computer and Internet Security
e. Fundamental Secure Coding Concepts and Practices
f. Case Studies - Common programming security pitfalls and preventive measures

3) Practical Cyber Security (30 hours)
This course will explain practical cyber security applications to be used for personal and office environment, including selection of equipment, cost calculation and implementation plan. Topics include:
a. Information Security concepts - confidentiality, integrity, and availability
b. Internet Security - threats/vulnerabilities/risks and remedies/prevention/defense measures (hardware / software / policies)
c. Network Security Management - user and resource management, hardware and software tools, incident handling, recovery planning
d. Authentication and Encryption - theories, methods and common usages
e. Personal Usage - personal computers, mobile computing, e-commerce, social media and web applications
f. Workplace Usage - workstation and mobile devices management, network and server security, internet security (firewall), physical security, policies and governance
g. Mini Project - Planning a simple computer network and setup basic security measures.

Assessments will be in forms of assignments, projects, presentation, tests and final exams.

To qualify for the award of 'Certificate in Cyber Security', students are required to have an attendance rate of 70% or above and obtain overall pass grade for each module.

This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 3).

Course Code: 34C121150
CEF Course Name : Certificate in Cyber Security

A. Online enrollment: (Temporarily Unavailable)

Please submit your application via online enrollment system (click "Online Enrolment" button at programme webpage). Upon the completion of online enrollment (including "Computer Knowledge and Other Skills" field), please email copies of the supporting documents to scs-it@cuhk.edu.hk:
• Copies of academic qualifications (e.g. award certificate / final transcript);
• Copies of proof of working experience, if applicable (e.g. reference letter or employment letter).


B. Enrollment by paper form:

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
• A duly completed "Enrolment Form for Certificate and Diploma/Professional Programmes" (please include the "Computer Knowledge and Other Skills" field);
• Copies of academic qualifications (e.g. award certificate / final transcript);
• Copies of proof of working experience, if applicable (e.g. reference letter or employment letter);
• Application Fee of $150 (please refer to "Part B - Methods of Payment" listed in the Enrollment Form).

Please submit to the enrolment form and supporting documents to any one of our School's Enrolment Centres in-person; OR post to the Programme Team at:

17/F, Oriental Centre, 67 Chatham Road South,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
(Attn: Information Technology Programme Team - Application of Certificate Programme in Cyber Security)

Admission will be assessed on a first-come-first served basis for qualified applicants. Thus, early enrollment is encouraged.