JUSTICE INSTITUTE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Cybersecurity micro-credential programs launched

The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is increasing access to cybersecurity training with three new micro-credential programs designed to introduce students to skills now in high demand.

The micro-credential programs being offered by JIBC are Basics of Defending Against Cybercrime, Essentials of Investigating Cybercrime, and Malware Detection & Protection Basics.

The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills provided funding to JIBC in support of the development of these micro-credentials, defined as recognizing "stand-alone, short duration learning experiences that are competency based, align with industry, employer, community and/or Indigenous community needs and can be assessed and recognized for employment or learning purposes."

"Through the creation of these micro-credentials, JIBC is responding to students, including those already established in careers, who want approaches to learning that don't require commitments to the longer programs that are typical in academia," said Dr. Stuart Ruttan, JIBC's Dean, School of Criminal Justice & Security. 

"These micro-credential programs are very short in duration, perhaps much more financially affordable than longer programs, and provide competency-based learning focused on a few competencies and skills."

The three new micro-credential programs are:

• Basics of Defending Against Cybercrime: designed to provide learners with an understanding of how cybercriminals use technology to their advantage. It looks at how cybercrime can harm businesses and individuals; how social media is used; and how people can protect their personal information against cybercrime. 
• Essentials of Investigating Cybercrime: designed to teach students methods used to investigate cybercrime, including how to sift quickly and effectively through the mass of information available online, and how to protect their own personal information.
• Malware Detection & Protection Basics: designed to provide an understanding of the different types of malware and how to protect against it, both on an individual and organizational level.

The programs are all part-time and delivered online asynchronously to allow students to learn at their own pace. All are designed for open enrollment and do not require a degree as a pre-requisite. Applications are being accepted now for the programs through Education Planner B.C.

Once admission is granted, students can begin registering for program courses. They can start taking courses as of Jan. 15. 

These programs will be of interest to a general audience wanting a basic understanding of cybersecurity, and also to those looking for entry into the fields of cybersecurity and public safety in general. B.C. job market data indicates there will be more than 27,000 jobs in this subject area between 2019 and 2029, and not all of these positions will require degrees and diplomas.
 
However, completion of these micro-credentials can be put towards more advanced credentials at JIBC in related fields. Once completed, each micro-credential will count as one credit. After completing all three programs, the three credits earned may be applied toward an academic program in either law enforcement studies or emergency management at JIBC. 

For more information on these and other intelligence analysis programs at JIBC, visit intelligence analysis.