The Center is designed to educate and inform students, faculty, and the southern Nevada community. Topics range from national standards for course content and academic opportunities at CSN to job training and career path information in this rapidly evolving field.
Please browse the topics below
Skilled cybersecurity professionals are in short supply. The demand is projected to grow by leaps and bounds for the foreseeable future. Colleges and universities are responding to this demand by developing programs to educate and train women and men to fill these vital jobs.
The National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security jointly encourage higher education programs in cybersecurity. In evaluating colleges and universities for designation as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security, they lay down the standards for content and quality in cyber security education. The requirements of this designation are the gold standard for cyber security programs.
Core Knowledge Areas
The following list forms the core subject areas to be included in two-year degree programs in cyber security:
- Basic Data Analysis
- Basic Scripting or Introductory Programming
- Cyber Defense
- Cyber Threats
- Fundamental Security Design Principles
- Information Assurance Fundamentals
- Intro to Cryptography
- IT Systems Components
- Networking Concepts
- Policy, Legal, Ethics, and Compliance
- System Administration
Four-year programs must include all of the topics of a two-year program and add the following topics:
- Databases
- Network Defense
- Networking Technology and Protocols
- Operating Systems Concepts
- Probability and Statistics
- Programming
Many of these topics are part of any IT-related degree. The others are special areas specific to cyber security, and represent areas for career specialization. Some are highly technical, others are less so. Because cyber security is a relatively new career path in IT, it can be attractive both to people new to IT and to seasoned IT veterans looking new challenges.
Source: www.cyberdegrees.org/listings/top-schools/#NSA_CAE-CD_Requirements
Vision for Two-Year Schools
The following vision statement is adopted by all institutions with the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security designation and by those that aspire to that designation:
- Provide programs that commit to excellence in the field of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (IA/CD) education at community and technical college and government training institutions.
- Provide innovative, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary education and training in the IA/CD field.
- Strengthen the cyber security workforce by providing IA/CD education and training through degree and certification programs at community and technical colleges and government training centers.
- Build an effective education pipeline model with K–12 schools to encourage students at an early age to enter IA/CD fields of study.
- Provide the Nation with a pipeline of qualified students poised to become the future skilled technical workforce.
- Continuously improve the quality of IA/CD programs, curriculum, faculty, students, and other institutions.
This vision reflects a commitment to prepare students for careers in high demand, that are dynamic, challenging, and fulfilling. Because cyber threats do hit every segment of society, cyber security professionals can find jobs in any sector of the economy, in any part of the country.
Degrees
The College of Southern Nevada offers the following degrees and certificates:
- AAS Degree in CIT - Cyber Security - Compliance
- AAS Degree in CIT - Cyber Security - Digital Forensics
- AAS Degree in CIT - Cyber Security - Network Security
- Certificate of Achievement in CIT - Cyber Security - Digital Forensics
For more information about these AAS degrees and the Certificate of Achievement, contact Dr. Arthur Salmon, Director of Cyber Security program.
Courses
The following courses offered in the Computing and Information Technology (CIT) Department are relevant to the field of cyber security and appear on the Cyber Security AAS degrees and/or the Certificate of Achievement. Click or tap on the course prefix below (in parentheses) to see the course descriptions in the College Catalog.
Computing & Information Systems (CIT)
- CIT 112B - Network+
- CIT 114B - IT Essentials
- CIT 129 - Introduction to Programming (formerly IS 115)
- CIT 173 - Introduction to Linux
- CIT 174 - Linux System Administration
- CIT 211 - Microsoft Operating Systems Management
- CIT 212 - Microsoft Networking II
- CIT 213 - Microsoft 365 Security Administration
- CIT 214 - Microsoft Azure Administration
- CIT 215 - Microsoft Networking V
- CIT 217 - Security+
- CIT 263 - Project Management
Cisco (CSCO)
- CSCO 120 - Introduction to Networks
- CSCO 121 - CCNA Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
- CSCO 220 - CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
- CSCO 221 - CCNA WAN Fundamentals
- CSCO 230B - Security Operations Center Fundamentals
Cybersecurity (CSEC)
- CSEC 101B - Incident Handling & Response
- CSEC 104B - Security Essentials
- CSEC 105B - Introduction to Technical Ethics
- CSEC 110B - Introduction to Digital Forensics (formerly CF 119B)
- CSEC 112B - Introduction to Applied Windows Forensics (formerly CF 117B)
- CSEC 113B - Introduction to Linux Forensics
- CSEC 114B - Introduction to Applied Network Forensics (formerly CF 118B)
- CSEC 115B - Introduction to Applied Social Media Forensics
- CSEC 116B - Introduction to Mobile Device Forensics (formerly CF 250B)
- CSEC 117B - Introduction to Applied Internet Forensics
- CSEC 118B - Introduction to Video & Photo Forensics
- CSEC 125B - Policy, Legal, & Compliance
- CSEC 212B - Intermediate Applied Windows Forensics (formerly CF 217B)
- CSEC 225B - Governance & Risk Management
- CSEC 226B - Compliance
- CSEC 281B - Ethical Hacking
- CSEC 289B - Malware Analysis
- CSEC 290B - Security Capstone
Information Systems (IS)
- IS 100B Core Computing Competency
- IS 101 Introduction to Information Systems
Opportunities for Industry Certification
Many of the courses on the degree sheets will cover topics that also appear on industry-recognized certifications.
- Degrees and Industry Certifications
- Prepare for Cisco Certifications
- Prepare for CompTIA Certifications
- Prepare for Microsoft Certifications
CSN Sisters Institutions Cyber Centers
Faculty
Lori Scheuerman, Professor, Director of Cyber Security
Lori Scheuerman started her pursuit of IT knowledge simply wanting to know how it worked so she obtained, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications; then a master’s degree in Management of Information Systems. She worked at an ISP, became the network engineer for a large hospital organization, started her own managed services company, and worked for a company that manages the IT network of a large community college. Lori’s professional certifications now include CCIE in Security, CISSP, CEH/CNDA, and ITILv3.
Lori teaches Computer Forensics courses, Ethical Hacking, and Cisco courses.
Lily Morningstar, Cyber Security Faculty
Professor Lily Morningstar attained a master’s degree in Cybersecurity focusing on Digital Forensics from Utica University, NY. M.S. in Mathematical Modeling and Computer Science, M.Ed. Mathematics and Computer science from Stavropol Federal University, Russia. Ms. Morningstar is a doctoral student at UNLV School of Education, focusing her studies on curriculum and development in Higher Education. She has 20 years of experience in diverse technology, and education.
Professor Morningstar teaches CIT 112 Network+, CIT 173 Introduction to Linux, CIT 217 Security+, CSCO 230B Security Operations Center Fundamentals, CSEC 110B Introduction to Digital Forensics.
Michael Sthultz, Cyber Security Faculty
Michael Sthultz received his undergraduate education at Claremont Men’s College (B.A.) and the University of California , Berkeley (B.S.E.E.). His M.S. in Computer Science was completed at UNLV. He also holds or has held industry certifications in A+, AME, IC3, CCNP, CCAI, CEH, CLS, CLP, CNA, MCSE, and MCT. His industry experience includes systems engineering (IBM), programming, network administration, management, and consulting.
Michael has been a full time faculty member at CSN since 1999. His teaching specialties include the Cisco Networking Academy and Digital Forensics courses. He is the author, technical editor, and reviewer for a number of college textbooks. He also has published a number of technical articles and has a U.S. patent on a digital forensics fraud detection device.
Michael teaches Computer Forensics courses.
Advisory Council for Cyber Security and Networking
The Advisory Council meets each semester. The Council reviews current and proposed curriculum and degree requirements in cyber security and networking. This ensures that CSN graduates have the skills and knowledge needed in the cyber security/networking profession and in the local community.
Members
Rick Aker, University Medical Center (UMC)
Bill Baltas, Fortinet
Debbie Banko, Link Technology
Stephanie Benoit, Kurtz Trace3
Leo Bletnisky, Healthy Technology Solutions
Angela Cosca, Steinberg Diagnostics
Pete Elton, Institutional Cash Distributors
Cheryl Feldmeier, OTS/Synoptek
Kriste Kolasa, Dell Technologies
Joe Leavitt, SuperBook
Aakin Patel, Harry Reid International Airport
Cliff Schaut, HANU
Lori Scheuerman, Clark County Water Reclamation
James Tsang, Digital Experience Services/Synoptek
Ex Officio Members
Karen Ahern, CSN CIT Networking Program Director
Arthur Salmon, CSN Cyber Security Program Director
Lily Morningstar, CSN Cyber Security Instructor
CSN Cyber Club Coyotees
Meetings focus on cybersecurity topics and typically include presentations, guest speakers, and hands-on activities.
- Meetings every Thursday at 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- 3200 E Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas, Arberry Telecom Building, A2752
- Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jj8BwDPD8M
Faraday Cage at CSN
Press Release: New CSN Lab to Help Train Future Cybersecurity Professionals
Cyber Security Competitions
Open
- Capture The Flag: Cybersecurity Competitions: Capture The Flag
College & University
- National Cyber League: www.nationalcyberleague.org/
- National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition: www.nationalccdc.org/
High School
- CyberPatriot: www.uscyberpatriot.org/
- GenCyber: www.gen-cyber.com/
Government
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
America's Cyber Defense Agency CISA.GOV
National Security Agency/Central Security Service
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Cybersecurity News Resources
Red Canary 2023 Threat Detection Report
The Hacker News | #1 Trusted Cybersecurity News Platform
ThreatPost | The first stop for security news
Security Weekly Weekly news and updates in InfoSec, shows, and podcasts, news.
Cybersecurity Podcasts
Darknet Diaries Interesting stories from the dark side of the Internet.
CyberWire Daily The daily cybersecurity news and analysis industry leaders depend on. Published each weekday, the program also included interviews with a wide spectrum of experts from industry, academia, and research organizations worldwide.
HackingHumans Join Dave Bittner and Joe Carrigan each week as they look behind the social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines and taking a heavy toll on organizations around the world.
Caveat A weekly conversation on surveillance, digital privacy, cybersecurity law, and policy.
Watch Cyber Attacks in Real-Time
Training
- Cybrary Free and open source learning for cyber security.
CSN Library
Students, faculty, and staff have access to the following resources relevant to cyber security:
- Safari Books Online (up-to-date collection of digital books and videos on technology, including cyber security)
- Scholarly Computer Security Journals (includes cyber security)
- Complete list of Computer Science Journals
- Books and eBooks on Computer Security (includes cyber security)
Clark County Library
The public library also has cyber security resources.
Career Information
Learn about the information security profession:
- Articles highlighting information security career fields: resources.infosecinstitute.com/careers/
- Degree programs and career paths: www.cyberdegrees.org/
- Domains in Common Body of Knowledge for certification by Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP): resources.infosecinstitute.com/category/certifications-training/cissp/domains/
Job Search Resources
Please browse the topics below
Skilled cybersecurity professionals are in short supply. The demand is projected to grow by leaps and bounds for the foreseeable future. Colleges and universities are responding to this demand by developing programs to educate and train women and men to fill these vital jobs.
The National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security jointly encourage higher education programs in cybersecurity. In evaluating colleges and universities for designation as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security, they lay down the standards for content and quality in cyber security education. The requirements of this designation are the gold standard for cyber security programs.
Core Knowledge Areas
The following list forms the core subject areas to be included in two-year degree programs in cyber security:
- Basic Data Analysis
- Basic Scripting or Introductory Programming
- Cyber Defense
- Cyber Threats
- Fundamental Security Design Principles
- Information Assurance Fundamentals
- Intro to Cryptography
- IT Systems Components
- Networking Concepts
- Policy, Legal, Ethics, and Compliance
- System Administration
Four-year programs must include all of the topics of a two-year program and add the following topics:
- Databases
- Network Defense
- Networking Technology and Protocols
- Operating Systems Concepts
- Probability and Statistics
- Programming
Many of these topics are part of any IT-related degree. The others are special areas specific to cyber security, and represent areas for career specialization. Some are highly technical, others are less so. Because cyber security is a relatively new career path in IT, it can be attractive both to people new to IT and to seasoned IT veterans looking new challenges.
Source: www.cyberdegrees.org/listings/top-schools/#NSA_CAE-CD_Requirements
Vision for Two-Year Schools
The following vision statement is adopted by all institutions with the Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Security designation and by those that aspire to that designation:
- Provide programs that commit to excellence in the field of Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (IA/CD) education at community and technical college and government training institutions.
- Provide innovative, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary education and training in the IA/CD field.
- Strengthen the cyber security workforce by providing IA/CD education and training through degree and certification programs at community and technical colleges and government training centers.
- Build an effective education pipeline model with K–12 schools to encourage students at an early age to enter IA/CD fields of study.
- Provide the Nation with a pipeline of qualified students poised to become the future skilled technical workforce.
- Continuously improve the quality of IA/CD programs, curriculum, faculty, students, and other institutions.
This vision reflects a commitment to prepare students for careers in high demand, that are dynamic, challenging, and fulfilling. Because cyber threats do hit every segment of society, cyber security professionals can find jobs in any sector of the economy, in any part of the country.
Degrees
The College of Southern Nevada offers the following degrees and certificates:
- AAS Degree in CIT - Cyber Security - Compliance
- AAS Degree in CIT - Cyber Security - Digital Forensics
- AAS Degree in CIT - Cyber Security - Network Security
- Certificate of Achievement in CIT - Cyber Security - Digital Forensics
For more information about these AAS degrees and the Certificate of Achievement, contact Dr. Arthur Salmon, Director of Cyber Security program.
Courses
The following courses offered in the Computing and Information Technology (CIT) Department are relevant to the field of cyber security and appear on the Cyber Security AAS degrees and/or the Certificate of Achievement. Click or tap on the course prefix below (in parentheses) to see the course descriptions in the College Catalog.
Computing & Information Systems (CIT)
- CIT 112B - Network+
- CIT 114B - IT Essentials
- CIT 129 - Introduction to Programming (formerly IS 115)
- CIT 173 - Introduction to Linux
- CIT 174 - Linux System Administration
- CIT 211 - Microsoft Operating Systems Management
- CIT 212 - Microsoft Networking II
- CIT 213 - Microsoft 365 Security Administration
- CIT 214 - Microsoft Azure Administration
- CIT 215 - Microsoft Networking V
- CIT 217 - Security+
- CIT 263 - Project Management
Cisco (CSCO)
- CSCO 120 - Introduction to Networks
- CSCO 121 - CCNA Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
- CSCO 220 - CCNA Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
- CSCO 221 - CCNA WAN Fundamentals
- CSCO 230B - Security Operations Center Fundamentals
Cybersecurity (CSEC)
- CSEC 101B - Incident Handling & Response
- CSEC 104B - Security Essentials
- CSEC 105B - Introduction to Technical Ethics
- CSEC 110B - Introduction to Digital Forensics (formerly CF 119B)
- CSEC 112B - Introduction to Applied Windows Forensics (formerly CF 117B)
- CSEC 113B - Introduction to Linux Forensics
- CSEC 114B - Introduction to Applied Network Forensics (formerly CF 118B)
- CSEC 115B - Introduction to Applied Social Media Forensics
- CSEC 116B - Introduction to Mobile Device Forensics (formerly CF 250B)
- CSEC 117B - Introduction to Applied Internet Forensics
- CSEC 118B - Introduction to Video & Photo Forensics
- CSEC 125B - Policy, Legal, & Compliance
- CSEC 212B - Intermediate Applied Windows Forensics (formerly CF 217B)
- CSEC 225B - Governance & Risk Management
- CSEC 226B - Compliance
- CSEC 281B - Ethical Hacking
- CSEC 289B - Malware Analysis
- CSEC 290B - Security Capstone
Information Systems (IS)
- IS 100B Core Computing Competency
- IS 101 Introduction to Information Systems
Opportunities for Industry Certification
Many of the courses on the degree sheets will cover topics that also appear on industry-recognized certifications.
- Degrees and Industry Certifications
- Prepare for Cisco Certifications
- Prepare for CompTIA Certifications
- Prepare for Microsoft Certifications
CSN Sisters Institutions Cyber Centers
Faculty
Lori Scheuerman, Professor, Director of Cyber Security
Lori Scheuerman started her pursuit of IT knowledge simply wanting to know how it worked so she obtained, A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications; then a master’s degree in Management of Information Systems. She worked at an ISP, became the network engineer for a large hospital organization, started her own managed services company, and worked for a company that manages the IT network of a large community college. Lori’s professional certifications now include CCIE in Security, CISSP, CEH/CNDA, and ITILv3.
Lori teaches Computer Forensics courses, Ethical Hacking, and Cisco courses.
Lily Morningstar, Cyber Security Faculty
Professor Lily Morningstar attained a master’s degree in Cybersecurity focusing on Digital Forensics from Utica University, NY. M.S. in Mathematical Modeling and Computer Science, M.Ed. Mathematics and Computer science from Stavropol Federal University, Russia. Ms. Morningstar is a doctoral student at UNLV School of Education, focusing her studies on curriculum and development in Higher Education. She has 20 years of experience in diverse technology, and education.
Professor Morningstar teaches CIT 112 Network+, CIT 173 Introduction to Linux, CIT 217 Security+, CSCO 230B Security Operations Center Fundamentals, CSEC 110B Introduction to Digital Forensics.
Michael Sthultz, Cyber Security Faculty
Michael Sthultz received his undergraduate education at Claremont Men’s College (B.A.) and the University of California , Berkeley (B.S.E.E.). His M.S. in Computer Science was completed at UNLV. He also holds or has held industry certifications in A+, AME, IC3, CCNP, CCAI, CEH, CLS, CLP, CNA, MCSE, and MCT. His industry experience includes systems engineering (IBM), programming, network administration, management, and consulting.
Michael has been a full time faculty member at CSN since 1999. His teaching specialties include the Cisco Networking Academy and Digital Forensics courses. He is the author, technical editor, and reviewer for a number of college textbooks. He also has published a number of technical articles and has a U.S. patent on a digital forensics fraud detection device.
Michael teaches Computer Forensics courses.
Advisory Council for Cyber Security and Networking
The Advisory Council meets each semester. The Council reviews current and proposed curriculum and degree requirements in cyber security and networking. This ensures that CSN graduates have the skills and knowledge needed in the cyber security/networking profession and in the local community.
Members
Rick Aker, University Medical Center (UMC)
Bill Baltas, Fortinet
Debbie Banko, Link Technology
Stephanie Benoit, Kurtz Trace3
Leo Bletnisky, Healthy Technology Solutions
Angela Cosca, Steinberg Diagnostics
Pete Elton, Institutional Cash Distributors
Cheryl Feldmeier, OTS/Synoptek
Kriste Kolasa, Dell Technologies
Joe Leavitt, SuperBook
Aakin Patel, Harry Reid International Airport
Cliff Schaut, HANU
Lori Scheuerman, Clark County Water Reclamation
James Tsang, Digital Experience Services/Synoptek
Ex Officio Members
Karen Ahern, CSN CIT Networking Program Director
Arthur Salmon, CSN Cyber Security Program Director
Lily Morningstar, CSN Cyber Security Instructor
CSN Cyber Club Coyotees
Meetings focus on cybersecurity topics and typically include presentations, guest speakers, and hands-on activities.
- Meetings every Thursday at 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- 3200 E Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas, Arberry Telecom Building, A2752
- Discord Server: https://discord.gg/Jj8BwDPD8M
Faraday Cage at CSN
Press Release: New CSN Lab to Help Train Future Cybersecurity Professionals
Cyber Security Competitions
Open
- Capture The Flag: Cybersecurity Competitions: Capture The Flag
College & University
- National Cyber League: www.nationalcyberleague.org/
- National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition: www.nationalccdc.org/
High School
- CyberPatriot: www.uscyberpatriot.org/
- GenCyber: www.gen-cyber.com/
Government
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
America's Cyber Defense Agency CISA.GOV
National Security Agency/Central Security Service
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Cybersecurity News Resources
Red Canary 2023 Threat Detection Report
The Hacker News | #1 Trusted Cybersecurity News Platform
ThreatPost | The first stop for security news
Security Weekly Weekly news and updates in InfoSec, shows, and podcasts, news.
Cybersecurity Podcasts
Darknet Diaries Interesting stories from the dark side of the Internet.
CyberWire Daily The daily cybersecurity news and analysis industry leaders depend on. Published each weekday, the program also included interviews with a wide spectrum of experts from industry, academia, and research organizations worldwide.
HackingHumans Join Dave Bittner and Joe Carrigan each week as they look behind the social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines and taking a heavy toll on organizations around the world.
Caveat A weekly conversation on surveillance, digital privacy, cybersecurity law, and policy.
Watch Cyber Attacks in Real-Time
Training
- Cybrary Free and open source learning for cyber security.
CSN Library
Students, faculty, and staff have access to the following resources relevant to cyber security:
- Safari Books Online (up-to-date collection of digital books and videos on technology, including cyber security)
- Scholarly Computer Security Journals (includes cyber security)
- Complete list of Computer Science Journals
- Books and eBooks on Computer Security (includes cyber security)
Clark County Library
The public library also has cyber security resources.
Career Information
Learn about the information security profession:
- Articles highlighting information security career fields: resources.infosecinstitute.com/careers/
- Degree programs and career paths: www.cyberdegrees.org/
- Domains in Common Body of Knowledge for certification by Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP): resources.infosecinstitute.com/category/certifications-training/cissp/domains/
