Study Guide

Objectives

In Xamk's cybersecurity training, you will gain a broad view of the different areas of cybersecurity. You will recognize the threats related to cybersecurity and the processes and technologies needed to protect against them. You can carry out a risk analysis and plan and implement continuity management. You are familiar with the principles of cybersecurity auditing and the related guidance. You understand the methods of penetration testing and the importance of testing in cyber defense. You can also perform basic level penetration testing. You understand the importance of technological solutions in combating, detecting, and recovering from cyber threats. You can apply technology to harden systems. You will also learn to utilize the latest researched information in developing new solutions and operating models.

Degree programme description

The extent of the studies is 60 ECTS credits.

The curriculum consists of programme-specific core studies (25 ECTS credits), complementary studies (5 ECTS credits) and the master’s thesis (30 ECTS credits).

Basics of cyber security 10 ECTS
• Cyber security management, 5 ECTS
• Cyber security of network infrastructure, 5 ECTS

Applied cyber security 15 ECTS
• Cyber security audit, 5 ECTS
• Defensive cyber security, 5 ECTS
• Offensive cyber security, 5 ECTS

Complementary competence 

You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide supply of Xamk Master School’s common studies according to your interests. 
 
These common studies cover courses both in Finnish and English and include the following:  
• Digitality and technology in society
• International operating environments and communication
• Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
• Research and development
• Language studies

You can also choose complementary competence studies from other universities, if they are at the level of master’s degree.  

In case you have previously completed studies at the level of EQF 7, and they match the objectives of the degree, they can be accredited as part of your studies. More information is provided by the Degree Programme Coordinator. 

Implementation of studies

The studies can be completed while working full time since they are carried by means of blended learning, including lectures and cooperative learning sessions, online learning, and project-based learning. On average, there are three on-campus teaching days per month. The on-campus lessons are arranged on Kotka Campus on Thursdays 4.30 pm – 8.00 pm.

Studies are instructed in Finnish. Study materials, however, are in English, and the teachers are constantly seeking for opportunities to invite international visiting lecturers. The master’s thesis is written in Finnish and can be aimed, along with some other assignments, at developing the operations of one’s own employer, thus bringing mutual benefit.

RDI and cooperation with world of work

The degree programme is multidisciplinary, providing you with the opportunity to meet professionals from various fields during your studies. Together with your teachers, they challenge you to practise your critical thinking and argumentation skills. As a result, you not only gain new perspectives on your own field, but also contribute to the development of other fields.
The networks created with experts during the studies are also a considerable advantage for you after graduation. This is something that students graduating from Xamk Master School consider one of the most important aspects of the education.

Development-oriented approach to work

At Master School, you learn to retrieve and process field-specific research data and apply it to your own work. Learning is research-based, development-oriented and aimed at promoting innovation.
You can also carry out research work and other assignments as part of Xamk’s research, development and innovation (RDI) projects.
RDI specialists are an essential part of Xamk Master School, building bridges with the world of work. Among Finnish universities of applied sciences, Xamk stands out as the largest in the field of RDI activities; the total number of ongoing projects per year is nearly 200.

Learning environments

The cybersecurity training utilizes its own CyberLab learning environment, which includes its own data center, security control room, and network. CyberLab also produces the VirtualLab learning environment, a virtualized cybersecurity training environment. The environment is available regardless of time and place with a modern Internet browser.

VirtualLab is optimized for RDI, testing, teaching, and piloting use. The start-up of even large training environments is quick, for example, you can get your own data center in just minutes. Typical exercises carried out in VirtualLab include penetration testing exercises, various technology-specific exercises, and larger entities such as operator networks or information systems. The exercises can be pre-prepared so that the student can immediately start practicing the subject to be studied. Users can also build their own testing environments. One user can have several simultaneous exercises in use, and they can also be linked to each other into large entities.

The scenarios of the exercises can be offensive or defensive cyber exercises, installation exercises of operating systems and server solutions, configuration exercises of networks, or building an entire data center, including the installation of virtualization operating systems and programming of application accelerators. If the work is not finished, work can continue at home via a remote connection. The system also enables virtual remote teaching in almost all IT laboratory work. VirtualLab is not based on commercial products but is implemented by Xamk.

The CyberLab learning environment's own network, data center, and cybersecurity management center are widely used in learning projects and theses. Our own network and machine room enable working with the production environment and provide a genuine touch to the technologies in use. In the cybersecurity management center, you will learn to detect and react to cybersecurity anomalies. The CyberLab learning environment also includes physical security systems.