Diploma response to cyber threats

With high-profile data breaches becoming all too common, there is a growing need for New Zealand organisations to invest time, money, and personnel in protecting and storing data. UCOL is responding to this need by offering the New Zealand Diploma in Cybersecurity.

UCOL will deliver the oneyear fulltime Level 6 diploma at its Palmerston North campus in conjunction with Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland, using Unitech’s established programme and resources.

The programme is eligible for fees-free study under the Government’s Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund until December 31.

Providing internationally relevant technical skills in cybersecurity, the programme covers information systems security, cyber law and regulations, cryptography, network security, security risk assessment, cybersecurity governance and practices, incident handling, and ethical hacking and testing.

Students will learn through a combination of in-person, online, and in-work learning. They will attend lectures by UCOL staff and industry experts, facilitated through Unitec, from organisations such as SecOps and Datacom. The programme will also include industry placements, giving learners the opportunity to apply and develop their skills in a real workplace.

Major data breaches and denial of service (DoS) attacks have become common. In 2021, organisations including New Zealand Post, Inland Revenue, MetService, ANZ, and Kiwibank were the target of a DoS attack that took their websites offline or prevented customers from using their services.

Advantage Computers managing director Brad Pearpoint says it is difficult to find staff suitably qualified in cybersecurity.

“There is a high demand, not only in New Zealand, but also globally,” he says. “This qualification develops the skills of the people the industry is looking for.”

The course starts on February 28. Applicants will need to have completed a Level 5 ICT qualification or above, or have relevant work experience.