- Why Cyber and Digital Security
- Course Overview
- Course Content
- Why IBAT College?
- Career Opportunities
- Lecturer Profile
- How to Apply
- Testimonials
Why Cyber and Digital Security
Cyber security protects the data and integrity of communication and computing assets belonging, or connecting, to an organisation's network. Its purpose is to defend those assets, and organisational data, against all threat actors throughout the entire life cycle of a cyber attack.
According to a survey of Irish businesses by Magnet Networks (published in November 2017) a massive 48% of all businesses in Ireland still have no cyber security policy in place and 171,000 businesses in (Ireland) could be vulnerable to crippling ransomeware attacks. On a more global scale, techcentral.ie, in its report ‘Cyber attack surface facts, figures and stats for 2017 to 2022’, indicates that the growth of cyber security, due to the impact of cyber crime, is phenomenal:
- Cyber crime damages will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021.
- Global spending on cybersecurity will exceed $1 trillion cumulatively from 2017 to 2021.
- Amazon (6.7% of job postings in cybersecurity) and KPMG (5.5%) were the top two companies hiring in this field in Ireland in 2019.
- PwC’s 2018 Irish economic crime survey found that the incidence of cybercrime (61%) in Ireland is double that experienced by global companies.
- The shortage of cyber security professionals in the EMEA region has touched 291,000 in 2019, up from 142,000 in 2018.
"Evolving IT security threats and the corresponding need for greater data protection is feeding demand for IT security roles with increased demand for dedicated cyber-security functions."
According to Brian MooneyIrish Times, 07 March 2017)
This course is designed for
The course is geared towards participants who wish to obtain a broad understanding, rather than those who are already involved in the technical aspects, of cyber security, although both groups will find the course valuable. An engineering or computing background is not required to benefit from this course. The course provides a framework on which individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the pressing issues of cyber security can obtain the information they need to make the best decisions for the defence of their organisations.
Course Overview
This diploma examines how the Internet has grown as a global phenomenon over the past twenty years, bringing with it the threat of crime in a variety of forms. Decision makers must be familiar with the basic principles and best practices of cyber security to best protect their enterprises, and digital assets. The programme will discuss the laws that are in use to try and regulate the internet, and also discuss and assess the various threats posed by internet crime in its many varieties.
This diploma is suitable if you wish to obtain a broad understanding of cyber security, rather than if you are already involved with the technical aspects although, either way, you will find the course valuable. An engineering or computing background is not required to benefit from this course.
The course provides a framework on which you may immerse yourself in the pressing issues of cyber security and obtain the information you need to make the best decisions for the defence of your organisation, and its digital infrastructure.
What is a Professional Diploma?
An IBAT Professional Diploma is a focused, short duration practical course that consolidates, upskills and/or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that do not lead to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Course Content
During the programme you will learn the fundamentals of securing both clean and corrupted systems, protecting personal data, securing simple computer networks, and safe Internet usage.
You will obtain an understanding of key terms and concepts in cyber law, intellectual property and cyber crimes, trademarks and domain theft. The course will also incorporate approaches for incident analysis and response. You will be introduced to the principles of web security and learn approaches for risk management and best practices in relation to cyber and digital security.
Modules
- Introduction to Information Security Fundamentals & Best Practices
- Protecting Your Computer & its Contents
- Securing Computer Networks – Basic of Computer Networking Theory
- Secure Communications & Information Security Best Practices
- Privacy Guidelines & Safe Internet Usage
- Ethics in Cyber Security & Cyber Law
- Intellectual Property
- Professional Ethics
- Internet Fraud
- Cybercrimes
- Secure Software & Browser Security
- Cookies & Browser Storage
- Managing a Business Information Continuity Plan
- Vulnerabilities & Controls
- Information Risk Management
- Risk Response Development & Control
- Security Policy, Compliance, & Business Continuity
- Cyber Incident Analysis & Response
Why IBAT College?
Career Potential
Maximise your career potential as you remain working while obtaining a professionally relevant, career enhancing, qualification at the same time.
Excellent Lecturing Staff
Learn from friendly and highly qualified academic staff, with industry experience, in small class-sizes, and guest lecturers who are experts in their fields.
Student Experience
Being part of a culturally diverse student nationality mix at IBAT College Dublin, with learners from over 30 different countries, gives you the opportunity to learn culturally different working methods first-hand, and the fundamentals to succeed in a globally connected network once you graduate.
City Centre Location
With our campus located in Dublin city centre, in Temple Bar, you are close to all major transport hubs making it easy to attend classes in between work and home.
Programme Material
Printed course notes are supplied for the first lecture. All subsequent notes are then available to download/view/print through the student virtual learning (Moodle) platform.
Career Opportunities
According to the Techcentral.ie report ‘Cyber attack surface facts, figures and stats for 2017 to 2022’ there are significant career prospects in this field – ‘the cybersecurity unemployment rate is 0%, and there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021’.
This course is an ideal launch pad for someone considering a future role in this field, including
- ICT Cyber Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Team Member/Lead
- Advisory Consultant - Cyber Security
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Cyber Security Engineer
- Managers dealing with Cyber Security teams
Lecturer Profile

Thomas Owen
Thomas has been working in information technology and security for over 20 years of which 18 have been spent in supervisory and management roles. Throughout his extensive career, he has gained an expert knowledge of cybersecurity in financial services, higher education and the healthcare sector.
In addition, Thomas has held a variety of different positions including as Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at large financial institutions, which he says has been his biggest career achievement.
Prior to working, Thomas received his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management from Texas A&M University. Currently, he works with Accenture Security as a Senior Security Manager. Alongside this, Thomas is pursuing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance.
Areas of Expertise
- GDPR
- Cybersecurity
- Ethical hacking
- Management
- Information security
- Data privacy
Qualifications
Thomas holds the following professional qualifications: CISSP, HCISPP, CEH, C|CISO, Security+, Network+, CCENT, MCA, MCP, MCTS, PCIP, PCI-ISA, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT.
Meet Thomas Owen, Cyber and Digital Security Lecturer
Entry Requirements
This course has been developed for those with little or no prior cyber and digital security experience, but a desire to understand appropriate approaches for risk management and best practices in relation to cyber and digital security.
An engineering or computing background is not required to benefit from this course.
How to Apply
Don’t miss out because you’re unsure.
You can contact or apply to us directly using the the "Contact Us" or "Apply Online" options below, this will reserve your place and also give us the key details to start your application, a member of our admissions team will then contact you with further details, or alternatively you can simply "Ask us a Question" using the form below.
You can also "Book a One-to-One" with one of our course specialists who will provide you with additional guidance on your application, you can set up a meeting by:
- Calling us at: +353 1 8075 055
- Email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We also have flexible payment plans, please contact us to discuss your options or visit the college anytime and our course specialists will be more than willing to discuss any queries you may have.
We look forward to meeting you.
Testimonials
“Delighted to have completed my diploma in Cyber and Digital Security from IBAT College Dublin. I decided to pick this up during lockdown to keep myself busy and it was one of the best decisions I made ?”
As one of the largest specialist IT security consultancy in the country, Integrity360 secure the networks, infrastructure and information of some of the leading companies in both Ireland and the UK.
We pride ourselves on hiring and retaining a highly skilled workforce. Cybersecurity, by is very nature, is an ever evolving and expanding industry so ensuring that we have a training matrix in place to upskill our teams is very important.
In 2020 we engaged with Ibat College Dublin to sign up our Inside Sales Team to achieve their Diploma in Cybersecurity. The content provided on this course provided the team with a working knowledge of the core Cybersecurity Frameworks, an overview of risk management and the legal requirements aligned to GDPR. The course was delivered online 1 night a week and the team had access to playback of lecture recordings and the Moodle student support with resource material. The lecturer and course were a perfect match for our requirements and I am happy to advise that all our team came through with distinctions." - Patrick McHale , Integrity 360
