Step into the world of ethical hacking, cybersecurity awareness, and digital protection in this five day, project based learning program. Designed for students interested in understanding how systems, networks, and data are protected, this course uses Java programming to build real security tools while introducing foundational cyber defense concepts. No prior coding experience is required.
Throughout the program, students explore how cyber professionals think, analyse risks, apply prevention strategies, and secure information using techniques like encryption, hashing, and bot prevention. Guided by expert mentors, each learner develops practical Java skills, logical reasoning, and a cybersecurity mindset.
Learning Outcomes
Students will learn to:
- Understand ethical hacking principles and digital responsibility
- Apply encryption techniques to secure text and sensitive information
- Implement hashing algorithms such as SHA-256 for password protection
- Create CAPTCHA style challenges to prevent automated attacks
- Build secure login features using authentication and session logic
- Think strategically like a cyber defender to predict and prevent threats
5 Day Learning Plan
Day 1 – Introduction to Cybersecurity and Encryption
- Overview of ethical hacking and Java setup. Students learn encryption fundamentals and build a tool that converts plain text into coded messages.
- Mini Project: Secret Message Encryptor
Day 2 – Password Protection and Hashing
- Students learn why passwords must never be stored in plain text and implement SHA-256 hashing for secure storage.
- Mini Project: Password Protector
Day 3 – CAPTCHA Creation and Bot Detection
- Students explore automated threats and build a logic based CAPTCHA generator to block bot access.
- Mini Project: CAPTCHA Generator
Day 4 – Secure Login System Development
- Students build a secure login portal using hashed credentials, input validation, and basic session logic.
- Mini Project: Secure Login Portal
Day 5 – Cyber Defense Integration and Showcase
- Students combine all components into a single Cyber Shield Dashboard and present how each tool strengthens security.
- Final Project: Cyber Shield Toolkit
By the end of the course, students will understand key cybersecurity concepts, recognize common vulnerabilities, and build real tools that demonstrate how modern systems defend against digital threats.
This course is available for "remote" learning and will be available to anyone with access to an internet device with a microphone (this includes most models of computers, tablets). Classes will take place with a "Live" instructor at the date/times listed below.
Upon registration, the instructor will send along additional information about how to log-on and participate in the class.
