Offered by SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera
Note: This program provides preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam but does not include the official exam. Learners who complete this program will be ready to register separately for the exam through CompTIA.
Introduction
School districts have never faced greater cybersecurity risks. Ransomware, phishing, and data breaches are now daily threats to K–12 systems—disrupting instruction, exposing student data, and costing districts millions in recovery and downtime.
The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, offered by SchoolDay Academy and powered by Coursera, equips district IT professionals with the tools, frameworks, and defensive strategies to strengthen system security and resilience. In just four to six months (at about 10 hours per week), participants gain hands-on experience with cybersecurity tools, incident response, and threat management—earning a respected credential from IBM, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.
Why This Course Matters for School Districts
Cyberattacks on schools are increasing at alarming rates. A 2024 K–12 Security Information Exchange (K12 SIX) report found that the education sector now accounts for nearly 30% of all reported ransomware incidents. The average recovery cost for a U.S. district breach exceeds $1.5 million, not including reputational damage or learning loss.
That’s why building cybersecurity capacity inside the district is no longer optional—it’s essential.
By completing the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, district IT professionals will:
- Protect district networks and data from malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks.
- Implement NIST-aligned cybersecurity frameworks to strengthen data governance.
- Use real-world tools for penetration testing, forensics, and threat analysis.
- Monitor and respond to incidents to minimize downtime and recovery costs.
- Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ certification to validate technical expertise.
Upskilling IT staff in cybersecurity ensures faster response, reduced dependency on costly contractors, and stronger protection for students, staff, and systems.
What You’ll Learn
This 14-course program, developed and taught by the IBM Skills Network Team, provides a full spectrum of cybersecurity skills and hands-on experience.
You’ll learn to:
- Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across district networks and devices.
- Secure operating systems and databases used in instructional and business systems.
- Conduct penetration testing and digital forensics to analyze real-world attacks.
- Apply compliance frameworks and regulations relevant to K–12 environments.
- Leverage generative AI tools to automate cybersecurity workflows and reporting.
Disclaimer: Completion of this program prepares learners for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam, which is not included. Learners register separately through CompTIA.
Applied Learning Projects
Throughout the certificate, participants complete hands-on projects that simulate real-world threats and responses within education technology environments, including:
- Investigating and responding to a simulated ransomware attack on a school network.
- Securing district data systems and cloud environments.
- Analyzing vulnerabilities in operating systems and database configurations.
- Building an incident response plan and presenting mitigation strategies.
- Using cybersecurity tools for penetration testing and malware analysis.
By program completion, participants will have a portfolio of applied cybersecurity projects—demonstrating the ability to protect, detect, and respond to cyber threats in district settings.
Why SchoolDay Academy Recommends This Course
SchoolDay Academy (SDA) helps districts protect instruction through professional learning that strengthens internal technical capacity. The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate aligns perfectly with this mission—empowering IT staff to manage cybersecurity threats proactively.
This credentialed program stands out because it:
- Prepares learners for the CompTIA Security+ exam, the gold standard for cybersecurity roles.
- Builds hands-on security expertise across operating systems, networks, and databases.
- Strengthens district compliance with state and federal cybersecurity mandates.
- Introduces AI-assisted defense and automation for faster incident response.
- Reduces costs by building internal cybersecurity capacity rather than outsourcing.
Districts that invest in cybersecurity training safeguard both their data and their instructional continuity—ensuring learning never stops due to a preventable breach.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a student safety issue. The IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate helps districts defend their networks, protect student and staff information, and maintain trust with their communities.
Reminder: This course includes preparation for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam but does not include the exam. Learners register separately through CompTIA.
Start the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate today—available exclusively through SchoolDay Academy, powered by Coursera—and give your district the protection, confidence, and resilience it needs in today’s digital landscape.