BGIT Cyber Academy

Black Girls In Tech have partnered with Cisco to launch our very own Cyber Academy. As a member of the BGIT community you can now sign up to any of the available self-paced courses for free and study online and at your own pace. This initiative is part of our continued mission to provide educational resources to members of the BGIT community worldwide.The courses available range from Cybersecurity and Networking essentials to programming languages like Python and C++. Upon completion you’ll receive a widely recognised certificate as proof of completion of your chosen course.

1. Introduction to Cybersecurity

Discover the world of cybersecurity and its impact, as you uncover the most common threats, attacks and vulnerabilities.Today’s interconnected world makes everyone more susceptible to cyber-attacks. Whether you’re attracted to the relatively new world of cybersecurity as a professional, or just interested in protecting yourself online and in social media, this introductory course is the answer. It explores cyber trends, threats—along with the broader topic of cybersecurity in a way that will matter to YOU. For instance, you’ll learn how to protect your personal privacy online while gaining additional insight on the challenges companies, and governmental and educational institutions face today. No prerequisites required.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Learn what cybersecurity is and its potential impact to you.
-Understand the most common threats, attacks and vulnerabilities.
-Gain insights for how businesses protect their operations from attacks.
-Find the latest job trends and why cybersecurity continues to grow.

Length: 30 hours

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2. Cybersecurity Essentials

Learn valuable security principles to defend networks.A single breach can have huge consequences for a company, hurting the bottom line and causing disruption in the daily lives of millions of people. That is why the demand for security professionals continues to grow. Get onboard—and develop an understanding of cybercrime, security principles, technologies, and procedures used to defend networks. Then decide whether you want to pursue an entry-level networking or security professional role. Recommended if you plan to study for CCNA or CyberOps Associate Certifications. Prerequisite
Introduction to Cybersecurity or equivalent knowledge recommended.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Understand security controls for networks, servers and applications.
-Learn valuable security principals and how to develop compliant policies.
-Implement proper procedures for data confidentiality and availability.
-Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer.

Length: 30 hours

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3. Networking Essentials

Learn basic networking concepts and skills you can put to use right away, no previous networking knowledge needed.Networking is at the heart of the digital transformation. The network is essential to many business functions today, including business critical data and operations, cybersecurity, and so much more. A wide variety of career paths rely on the network -- so it's important to understand what the network can do, how it operates, and how to protect it.This is a great course for developers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and other professionals looking to broaden their networking domain knowledge. It’s also an excellent launching point for students pursuing a wide range of career pathways – from cybersecurity to software development to business and more. No prerequisites required.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Plan and install a home or small business network using wireless technology, then connect it to the Internet.
-Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using Cisco Packet Tracer.
-Practice verifying and troubleshooting network and Internet connectivity.
-Recognize and mitigate security threats to a home network.

Length: 70 hours

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4. Cloud Security

Learn to design, build, and maintain a secure cloud business environment.As organizations move to the cloud, who will keep it safe? We need information security professionals who are cloud savvy. Gain in-demand cloud skills and answer the call in this fast-growing field.In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of cloud computing and prepare for the Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK). The CCSK certificate is widely recognized as the standard of expertise for cloud security and gives you a cohesive and vendor-neutral understanding of how to secure data in the cloud.Recommended preparation: Introduction to Cybersecurity and Cybersecurity Essentials (or equivalent).

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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In-depth understanding of the full capabilities of cloud computing.
-Knowledge to effectively develop a holistic cloud security program relative to globally accepted standards , understand best practices for Identity and -Access Management (IAM), cloud incident response, application security, data encryption, Security as a Service, and securing emerging technologies.
-Prepare for Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK) certification.

Length: 35 hours

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5. Programming Essentials in Python

Learn programming from scratch and master Python. Learn Python, the versatile programming languageHow great would it be to write your own computer program? Python is a multi-paradigm programming language used by startups and tech giants like Google, Facebook, Netflix, and more. With intuitive, readable syntax, Python is a great first programming language to learn.

Programming skills open you up to careers in almost any industry and are required if you want to continue to more advanced and higher paying software development and engineering roles.This course is a great place to start learning Python – no prior programming knowledge required. Completing the course earns you a Statement of Achievement. It is split into two parts preparing you for two certifications:Part 1 (PE1: 35 hours) prepares you for PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Certification.Part 2 (PE2: 40 hours) prepares you for PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming Certification

You'll learn these core skills:
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Think algorithmically – how to analyze a problem and translate it for a computer to process.
-Design, develop, and improve multi-module computer programs.
-Analyze and model real-life problems in Object-Oriented Programming categories.
-Understand a programmer's work in the software development process.
-Learn how a program is executed in a computer environment.
-Gain skills to create and develop your own programming portfolio.

Length: 75 hours

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6. JavaScript Essentials

Learn the essentials of JavaScript and computer programming from scratch!You likely use web-based and mobile applications every day. Watching an embedded video on your news app, using the search box on Amazon, or refreshing your Instagram feed. What is powering these applications?Learn how interactive web and mobile apps are created with JavaScript – and learn to program your own! JavaScript is a text-based programming language, and this course is a great place to start learning programming.

No prior knowledge required.Programming skills open you up to careers in almost any industry and are required if you want to continue to more advanced and higher paying web, mobile app, or game development roles.Completing the course earns you a Statement of Achievement. It also prepares you for the JSE -Certified Entry-Level JavaScript Programmer certification from the OpenEDG JavaScript Institue.

You'll learn these core skills:
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Think algorithmically and analyze problems.Design, develop, and improve JavaScript programs.
-Understand a programmer’s work in the software development process and the role of fundamental development tools.
-Know how a program is interpreted and executed in an actual local and remote computer environment.
-Create and develop your own programming portfolio.

Length: 40 hours

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7. Programming Essentials in C++

As one of the most popular programming languages, C++ is hailed for its efficiency and its ease for developing games, real-time systems, and applications with graphical libraries. Take the course to learn the basics of programming in the C++ language, and the fundamental notions and techniques it uses. C++ knowledge lends itself well for landing jobs in Security, Networking and IoT fields. Don’t miss out. This first course, in the 2-course series, introduces you to the basics then progressively extends your capabilities. No programming knowledge required.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Learn the syntax, semantics, and basic data type of C++.
-Understand principles of the object-oriented model.Implement and write in C++ and resolve typical implementation challenges via language libraries.
-Prepare for the C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification (CPA).

Length: 70 hours

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8. NDG Linux Unhatched

Learn basic installation and configuration of Linux software and get introduced to the Linux command line.Ever considered a career in Linux? Or stuck in a dead-end job and exploring options for a career change? NDG Linux Unhatched allows students to wade into the shallow end of Linux, the back-end operating system used by global titans such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, NASA, Tesla, Amazon and more.Graduates walk away with a clear understanding of whether Linux is for them or not, without having to commit to more than 8 total hours of self-paced learning. To ensure you don’t get stuck, you’ll be guided step-by-step through a series of hands-on virtual machine activities. The course aligns well with a portion of the Linux exam objectives found in the LPI Linux Essentials Exam Certification. After this course, we suggest taking either NDG Linux Essentials or NDG Linux I.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Basic installation and configuration of Linux software.
-Understand the basics of the Linux Command Line Interface (CLI).
-Interact with the Linux virtual machine.
-Determine if Linux is for you or not.

Length: 8 hours

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9. NDG Linux Essentials

Gain hands-on practice with Linux commands through the Linux virtual machine embedded in the course.Nearly Every IT Job Requires Some Linux Knowledge. As one of the most successful open-source collaborations, Linux has evolved into the most reliable operating system on the planet. It’s used for embedded systems to virtually all supercomputers for a good reason. NDG Linux Essentials quickly builds your Linux knowledge and prepares you for the Linux Professional Institute Linux Essentials certificate, your proof to employers that you know Linux! Many concepts in this course are covered at a more demanding pace in NDG Linux I. No prerequisites required.I.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Acquire open-source concepts and progressively master Linux commands.Understand how Linux is used and the basics of its command line.
-Become skilled at using the Linux virtual machine for experiments.
-Prepare for LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate (PDC).

Length: 70 hours

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10. NDG Linux I

More rigorous and comprehensive than NDG Linux Essentials, this course develops your Linux mastery and prepares you for certification.As one of the most successful open-source collaborations, Linux has evolved into the most reliable operating system on the planet. It’s used for embedded systems to virtually all supercomputers for a good reason. NDG Linux Essentials quickly builds your Linux knowledge and prepares you for the Linux Professional Institute Linux Essentials certificate, your proof to employers that you know Linux! Many concepts in this course are covered at a more demanding pace in NDG Linux I. No prerequisites required.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Acquire open-source concepts and progressively master Linux commands.
-Understand how Linux is used and the basics of its command line.Become skilled at using the Linux virtual machine for experiments.
-Prepare for LPI Linux Essentials Professional Development Certificate (PDC).

Length: 70 hours

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11. NDG Linux II

It’s easy to believe that Linux has been around since the mid- ‘90s, especially, considering its wide adoption across products, markets, and industries. Further mastering Linux installation, configuring and maintenance is key to positioning yourself well and securing the IT administrator job of your choice. This is the second course in a 2-course series, preparing you for the Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 certification. Prerequisite NDG Linux I or equivalent knowledge is recommended.

You'll Learn These Core Skills:
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Augment your basic knowledge to become skilled in the Linux command line.
-Configure basic networking, using virtual machines running Linux.Perform scripting and data management; learn about interfaces, networking fundamentals and security.Prepare for certification LPIC-1 (Exam 102).

Length: 70 hours

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Become a Member today !

Looking for a community of like-minded tech enthusiasts who share your passion for learning? Look no further than BGIT! Our online community is the perfect place to connect with others who are eager to grow their skills and advance their careers in tech. With access to exclusive resources, industry insights, and networking opportunities, you'll have everything you need to thrive in today's fast-paced tech world.

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