Willis College
Cybersecurity Operator
Train to Become a Cybersecurity Operator in 48 Weeks
Online (Remote Classes)
Program Length:
48 weeks
Program Hours:
960
Credentials:
- ON Diploma
Study Options:
- Online
Start Dates
Ottawa
October 19, 2026
May 3, 2027
Online
August 24, 2026
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Train to Become a Cybersecurity Operator in 48 Weeks
Launch your IT and cybersecurity career with Willis College’s Cybersecurity Operator Diploma — developed in collaboration with global industry leaders Fortinet, Sophos, and Check Point. As Canada’s first multi-vendor Cybersecurity Academy, Willis College gives you the practical training and certifications employers trust.
In just 48 weeks, you’ll gain the technical foundation to configure, secure, and manage computer systems, networks, and servers in real-world environments. Through hands-on labs and live simulations, you’ll learn to detect vulnerabilities, defend against cyber threats, and support organizational security from day one.
Train using the same tools and technologies deployed by top organizations worldwide — while earning globally recognized certifications that validate your skills. Whether you’re launching your first tech career or advancing from IT support, this diploma opens doors to roles like Cybersecurity Technician, Network Support Specialist, or SOC Operator.
With flexible online learning, dedicated career support, and a legacy of excellence spanning 160 years, Willis College prepares you to enter one of Canada’s most in-demand industries — job-ready, certified, and confident.
$33.65
Average Wage/HR$52.88
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 2281, 2171
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.ca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course will cover the hardware and software foundations utilized within a hostbased computing environment. Topics covered will include assembly, installation, configuration, upgrading and troubleshooting of PC-based hosts. Students will develop hands-on experience within a scenario-based lab environment in order to identify software and hardware host-based vulnerability issues and will execute industry best of practiced remediation procedures.
This course will provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills required to configure, manage, and troubleshoot today's wired and wireless network devices. This course will also provide students with an understanding of emerging technologies such as unified communications, mobile, cloud, and virtualization technologies. Within a lab environment, students will design and implement a secure and trusted network infrastructure and will gain a solid understanding of network operations and management.
This course will teach students how to generate various technical reports that they may have to create as part of their technical career. The ability to gather technical information and express it in a well-organized and intelligible format that can be understood by management and technical peers alike is key for the dissemination of vital information. The types of reports covered will include: Network Asset Reports, Physical and Logical Network Topologies, Vulnerability Assessment Reports and Penetration Testing Reports.
Our Career Management course will introduce students to and teach them how to apply the most effective strategies to achieve employment in the career of their choice. Topics that are covered; effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, interview preparation and effective interviewing skills.
Our Career Management course will introduce students to and teach them how to apply the most effective strategies to achieve employment in the career of their choice. Topics that are covered; effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, interview preparation and effective interviewing skills.
The course is intended for students who have good Windows operating system knowledge and experience and want to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to implement the core infrastructure services in an existing Windows Server environment.
This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills to configure Active Directory Domain Services in a distributed environment, implement Group Policies, perform backup and restore, and monitor and troubleshoot Active Directory related issues.
This Advanced Windows Server® Services training allows students to learn how to provision and configure advanced services using Windows Server
This course will help introduce new features and functionality in Windows SQL dayto-day management, networking infrastructure, storage, and access control. Specific technologies covered will include Dynamic Access Control (DAC), Failover Clustering, Microsoft Online Backup, Security and Hyper-V.
In this course, students will learn to configure and manage a Microsoft Exchange Server messaging environment. This course will teach students guidelines, best practices, and considerations that will help them optimize their Exchange server deployment. It will also provide the knowledge and skills to plan, install, and manage the mailbox role, client access, transport, and Exchange infrastructure.
IT security is paramount to organizations as cloud computing and mobile devices have changed the way we do business. With large amounts of data transmitted and stored on networks throughout the world, it is essential to have effective security practices in place. Students will gain a solid understanding of network security practices including control fundamentals, security threats, network attacks, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, security controls, wireless security and Computer Forensics. Students will also learn to create advanced reports such as Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Analysis Reports.
The student learns basic network design and troubleshooting, routed and routing protocols, router configurations, LAN switching theory, virtual LANs, Novell IPX, WAN theory and design, WAN technology, PPP, frame relay, and ISDN. IT follows the track for the Cisco CCNA certification.
Linux has grown into an industry-leading software and service delivery platform that is used for everything from supercomputers and Web servers to virtualized systems and your Android phone. This growth creates a high demand for qualified Linux professionals. Students will acquire the fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience with Linux systems architecture, package management, system services, file systems, administrative tasks, security, data, and accessibility
In this course, students will gain the knowledge and understanding of commercial network security and Unified Threat Management (UTM) Solutions. Students will install and configure a live security environment implementing firewall policies, VPNs, virus detection, web filtering, application control, user authentication. Advanced level design threat management lab scenarios will include threat malware mitigation, firewall policies, SSL, IPsec and VPN tunnelling.
Job Market
Successful graduates may pursue junior or entry-level opportunities related to IT support, network operations, systems administration, and cybersecurity.
Possible job titles include:
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Network Security Specialist
- IT Security Engineer
- Network Security Operations
- 1st Level Support Engineer
- Fortinet Certified Network Security Associate
- Security Technical Representative
- Security Network Administrator
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $33.65
High Wage ($/hr) – $50.55 ($/hr) High Wage source: www.jobbank.gc.ca
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 2281/22220, 2171/21222
Source: www.noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions Requirements
Academic Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College’s Admissions Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.
For Mature Students
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
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This program is an excellent fit for:
- Tech-curious individuals ready to launch their first career in IT or cybersecurity.
- Hands-on learners who enjoy problem-solving, troubleshooting, and working with real technology.
- Career changers seeking a practical entry point into the fast-growing tech industry.
- IT support or helpdesk professionals looking to expand into cybersecurity roles.
- New Canadians pursuing Canadian-recognized credentials and global vendor certifications (Fortinet, Sophos, Check Point).
- New grads or mature students seeking job stability and growth in a high-demand, future-focused field.
Why choose the Cybersecurity Operator program?
- Start with No Previous IT Experience: Build your technical knowledge from the ground up through structured training designed for beginners and career changers.
- Train with Industry-Recognized Technologies: Gain exposure to tools and security practices associated with leading vendors such as Fortinet, Sophos, and Check Point.
- Learn Through Hands-On Cybersecurity Training: Apply your skills in practical labs focused on network defence, system administration, vulnerability management, and threat protection.
- Become Job-Ready in 48 Weeks: Prepare for entry-level IT and cybersecurity opportunities through a focused diploma program completed in under a year.
- Build a Foundation for Career Growth: Prepare for roles in technical support, network security, systems administration, and cybersecurity, with a pathway to more advanced training.
- Keep Your Skills Current After Graduation: Benefit from Willis College’s lifetime learning policy, which allows eligible graduates to refresh completed courses as technologies continue to evolve.
What You'll Learn
- Computer Hardware & Host Security: Learn to assemble, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, and secure computer systems while identifying and correcting common hardware and software vulnerabilities.
- Network Configuration & Defence: Build, manage, and protect wired and wireless networks using routing, switching, firewall, VPN, and network security technologies.
- Windows & Linux Administration: Gain hands-on experience administering Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, databases, and Linux systems in secure technical environments.
- Unified Threat Management: Learn to configure firewall policies, user authentication, malware protection, web filtering, application controls, and secure VPN connections.
- Vulnerability Assessment & Security Reporting: Develop the skills to identify security weaknesses and prepare professional network, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing reports.
- Technical Support & Career Readiness: Build practical troubleshooting, documentation, and support skills while preparing for employment and industry-recognized IT and cybersecurity certifications.
Why You'll Love Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
What Our Graduates Are Saying
"Online schooling was helpful in working around my schedule. It allowed me to gain the education I needed from the comfort of my own home. Despite online classes, you receive a quick response when help is needed."
Daphne Phillips
Addictions & Community Services Worker Graduate