Course Overview
This hand-on course offers and in-depth overview of key topics in information technology (IT) security and how to apply best practices for securing computer systems. COMP 3704 starts with an introduction to IT security principles prior to discussion risk terminology, IT security controls, policies, and standards. Topics include security awareness, risk mitigation and control administration. Data and application security, cryptography, information handling best practices, privacy and regulatory issues are also discussed. Labs and exercises include vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, incident response, disaster recovery, and forensic analysis to gain practical experience. COMP 3704 is a required course in BCIT's Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC) and the Computer Systems Technology (CST) FLEX Diploma. Upon completion of this course, successful participants will be able to identify common cyber threats and use standard controls to protect information assets.
Domestic fees
$723.18
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe IT Security fundamental concepts.
- Recognize common application IT security issues.
- Describe key cryptography concepts and know when to apply them.
- Apply public key cryptography and related infrastructure to achieve security goals.
- Recognize common attack vectors such as social engineering.
- Secure an IT system using authentication, authorization. and access control technologies.
- Describe penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
- Implement a disaster recovery plan, incident response and forensic procedures.
- Apply security controls to desktop, server, mobile, and embedded systems.
Effective as of Winter 2025
Related Programs
Applied IT Security Foundations (COMP 3704) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Applied Data Analytics
Certificate Part-time
- Applied Network Administration and Design
Associate Certificate Part-time
- Computer Systems
Diploma Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of COMP 3704 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 45002
Dates
Sep 08 - Nov 24 Loading
- CRN 45002
- $723.18 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 08 - Nov 24 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE12 Rm. 321 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Md Navid Bin Anwar
Course outline
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 36 hours on campus. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Winter 2027
Below is one offering of COMP 3704 for the Winter 2027 term.
CRN 93858
Dates
Jan 12 - Mar 30 Loading
- CRN 93858
- $723.18 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 12 - Mar 30 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:00 | Burnaby SE12 Rm. 327 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Rahim Virani
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course offering. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Important information
- Course is 36 hours on campus. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.