Willis College
Security Operations Analyst
Learn the Skills Behind Security Operations
Online (Remote Classes)
Program Length:
45 weeks
Program Hours:
960
Credentials:
- ON Diploma
Study Options:
- Online
Start Dates
Online
October 19, 2026
January 11, 2027
March 8, 2027
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Learn the Skills Behind Security Operations
Build the skills to detect, investigate, and respond to today’s cyber threats. The 45-week Security Operations Analyst program prepares you for the fast-paced world of Security Operations, combining foundational IT knowledge with hands-on cybersecurity training.
You’ll learn how modern networks, operating systems, servers, and security infrastructure work before progressing into security monitoring, log and traffic analysis, SIEM, incident investigation, threat hunting, endpoint and identity security, cloud security, and detection technologies. You’ll develop practical skills for identifying suspicious activity, investigating security incidents, validating alerts, and supporting effective cyber defence.
The Security Operations Analyst program is designed to reflect the realities of today’s cybersecurity landscape, with training aligned to the skills needed in modern Security Operations Centres (SOCs). You’ll gain experience working with the tools, technologies, and security telemetry used by cybersecurity professionals to monitor environments and uncover threats.
$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 introduces students to the foundational principles and practical skills required to assemble, configure, upgrade, and troubleshoot computer hardware systems. Students learn how major components operate, how to install and maintain them safely, and how to diagnose and resolve common hardware issues using industry-standard tools and methods.
This course introduces students to core networking principles, including network models, cabling, addressing, Ethernet technologies, subnetting, routing, and IPv6. Students learn how data moves across networks, how to design IP addressing schemes, and how routers, switches, and other devices operate. Practical exercises include creating subnets, configuring basic network components, and developing small network plans.
This course provides students with the practical skills required to install, configure, and administer modern operating systems. Learners work with both graphical and command-line environments, manage system resources, configure user access, perform basic automation tasks, and troubleshoot common OS issues. Students gain practical cross-platform experience on cross-platform skills in Windows and Linux, including configuration, scripting, resource management, and system optimization.
This course provides students with the skills needed to install, configure, and manage Windows Server domain environments. Learners work with Active Directory, Group Policies, file services, and domain administration tools, while also gaining experience with PowerShell automation and virtualized Windows Server environments.The course emphasizes practical implementation and real-world administration techniques used in modern domain networks.
This course provides students with the fundamental skills required to operate effectively within a helpdesk environment. Learners gain hands-on experience with ticketing workflows, incident documentation, prioritization, communication, and customer interaction techniques.The course emphasizes problem-solving, service management concepts, and proven strategies for delivering consistent, high-quality support through professional helpdesk operations.
This course develops the essential communication and documentation skills required in technical and IT environments. Students learn to plan, write, and present clear technical information, prepare project documentation, and communicate effectively with different audiences. Emphasis is placed on professional writing, technical project reporting, research practices, and the use of digital tools to produce accurate, well-structured technical documentation.
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of modern cybersecurity, including security principles, access control, network protection, operational security, and incident response. Using a structured approach aligned with entry-level industry expectations, learners develop the essential knowledge needed to understand security threats, apply defensive controls, protect systems, and support organizational resilience.
This course provides learners with the foundational skills required to administer cloud environments across modern infrastructure platforms. Students gain experience working with virtual networks, computer instances, application hosting services, data platforms, cloud storage, backup systems, and disaster recovery tools.
This course introduces students to the principles, technologies, and best practices used to design and build enterprise network infrastructures. Learners explore switching, routing, wireless networking, IP addressing, security controls, network services, and high-availability architectures. The course also covers modern trends in network automation and centralized management, preparing students to design scalable, secure, and efficient enterprise network environments.
This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of network defense and cybersecurity. Learners examine threat actors, vulnerabilities, malware, cryptographic principles, social engineering, wireless threats, and attack techniques. Using industry-recognized models such as the Cyber Kill Chain, students identify malicious behaviors, analyze attacker actions, and reconstruct cyber incidents. The course builds essential skills for recognizing, assessing, and reporting security threats in modern network environments.
This course provides students with practical skills in administering, securing, and troubleshooting Linux-based server systems. Learners work with system services, user and storage management, networking, permissions, logging, firewalls, automation, and virtualization technologies. Emphasis is placed on command-line proficiency, security controls, scripting, and real-world operational practices essential for managing modern Linux server environments.
This course introduces students to the deployment, configuration, and rule development of network security devices and appliances. Learners gain hands-on experience installing security tools, identifying configuration components, creating basic and protocol-specific detection rules, and validating alert behavior. The course builds foundational skills for monitoring, detecting, and responding to malicious network activity using modern security appliances.
This course provides students with the skills to collect, process, and centralize security logs and network traffic for analysis. Learners work with audit logs, Sysmon, network TAP/SPAN configurations, packet capture tools, metadata, filtering techniques, and centralized forwarding solutions.
This course provides students with a practical understanding of how to secure cloud platforms, data, applications, and operations. Learners explore cloud architecture, shared responsibility models, data protection strategies, workload security, identity management, governance, and compliance requirements.
This course provides students with practical skills in modern security operations, including log analysis, incident investigation, threat hunting, and network traffic analysis. Learners examine SOC processes, endpoint and identity telemetry, cloud security monitoring, SIEM data ingestion, and packet analysis techniques.
The Career Management course provides students with strategies for achieving employment in their chosen career fields and offers practical guidance for applying these techniques. Topics covered include effective job search methods, creating compelling cover letters and strategic resumes, interview preparation, and developing strong interviewing skills.
This capstone project requires students to apply SOC analysis, threat detection, log collection, attack reconstruction, rule writing, and defensive operations skills to investigate and secure a simulated organization. Students perform detection engineering, traffic analysis, incident reconstruction, and security control deployment while producing a full analyst report and remediation plan.
Job Market
Successful graduates of the Security Operations Analyst program may pursue junior or entry-level opportunities related to IT support, network operations, systems administration, and cybersecurity. Possible job titles include SOC operator, cyber security operator, infrastructure security analyst, network security analyst, network security administrator, data security analyst. Job titles and requirements vary by employer.
A vendor certification is not a job title. Certification pathways can strengthen a résumé, but employers may also ask for experience, a broader college or university credential, security clearance, programming knowledge, or additional certifications. Job Bank notes that a college program in information technology, network administration, or another computer-related field is usually required for cybersecurity analyst roles, while some employers may require vendor training or certification
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $33.65
High Wage ($/hr) – $50.55 ($/hr)
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 2281/22220, 2171/21222
Source: www.noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions 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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Frequently Asked Questions
No prior programming or cybersecurity background is required. The program is structured to guide beginners through fundamental IT and networking principles before introducing advanced threat detection, system security, and operational lab practice.
The program is delivered online, offering flexible access to theoretical instruction and interactive virtual labs. Students participate in scenario-based cyber attack simulations and gain practical experience with industry-standard security tools from anywhere in Canada.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions across corporate Security Operations Centers (SOCs), IT consultancies, and government agencies. Typical job titles include Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, Information Security Specialist, and Network Security Analyst.
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 threat hunting.
- Career changers seeking a practical entry point into the fast-growing tech industry.
- IT support or helpdesk professionals looking to expand into cybersecurity or security operations center roles.
- New grads or mature students seeking job stability and growth in a high-demand, future-focused field.
Why choose the Security Operations Analyst program?
- Canada’s First Multi-Vendor Cybersecurity Academy: Developed in partnership with Fortinet, Sophos, and Check Point, this program offers direct exposure to the same tools and technologies used by global cybersecurity professionals — a first in Canadian career education.
- Hands-On Cyber Lab Training: Students train in both virtual and physical cyber labs, practicing real-world network defense, threat detection, and system administration on live equipment — not just simulations.
- Globally Recognized Certifications: The Security Operations Analyst program content aligns with leading vendor and industry certifications (Fortinet NSE, A+, Net+, CCNA, Linux+, CompTIA Security+), ensuring graduates leave with credentials employers recognize.
- Direct Pathway to Advanced Cybersecurity Roles: The Security Operations Analyst Diploma builds a technical foundation that connects seamlessly to advanced IT security certifications, creating a clear career ladder.
- Job-Ready in Under a Year: Students graduate in 47 weeks, prepared for entry-level IT and cybersecurity roles focused on monitoring environments, identifying suspicious activity, investigating threats, and responding to security incidents—with support from Career Services for resume development, interview preparation, and employer introductions.
- Designed for Beginners, Backed by Experts: No prior IT experience required — the Security Operations Analyst program bridges the gap between curiosity and career, equipping students with the technical confidence to thrive in Canada’s growing cybersecurity sector.
What You'll Learn
- Monitor and Detect Cyber Threats: Monitor security data, identify suspicious activity, and recognize potential cyber threats.
- Investigate and Respond to Security Incidents: Investigate security alerts, analyze incidents, and follow established response and escalation procedures.
- Work with Modern Security Technology: Work with SIEM data, security appliances, endpoint and identity telemetry, logs, and network traffic.
- Hunt for Threats and Understand Attacker Behaviour: Analyze security and network data to identify malicious behaviour, investigate potential threats, and uncover indicators of compromise.
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.
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