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FREE Cyber Security Short Course

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*Online Only
*2 Weeks Duration

Acreddited Cyber Security Course

Enrolment Period Closes: 31st of August 2026

ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology
(Cyber Security & Cloud Engineering)

EQC Institute offers accredited Cyber Security courses online where you will learn the practical art of Cyber Security and real world tools such as Social Engineering, Phishing, Scams, Hacking, Pen Testing and more.

Course Description

The ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security & Cloud Engineering) is a nationally recognised cyber security course that immerses you in the dynamic field of digital protection. You can begin this cyber security course with no prior experience and learn in a practical, industry focused way, that gets you ready to start working in the industry. You’ll learn essential cyber security skills, such as countering phishing threats and securing network systems as well as cloud security and penetration testing.

Payment Options and No Up-front Fees

Eligible students can pay no fees upfront by deferring the payment to a VET Student Loan. This means the course fee can be deffered and paid out of your take home salarly once you meet the income threshold. See below for more information. Course fees paid direct are done so on a monthly cycle.

Click here to see if you're eligible.

Some of the Tools You'll Learn
Course Subjects
  • S01: Fundamentals of Cyber Security
  • S02: Cyber Security Application
  • S03: Cloud Security (Cloud Computing & Security)
  • S04: Network Security & Hardware
  • S05: Cyber Investigations
  • S06: Cyber Security Business Application
Core Topics
  • Introduction to the Cyber Security Industry: You’ll gain core and invaluable skills in navigating the cyber security field, acquiring knowledge of professional roles, industry benchmarks, and cutting-edge trends to launch your career.
  • Mind of the Criminal: You’ll learn to think like a cyber criminal, studying their strategies and motivations to predict attacks, enhance protections, and outwit digital adversaries.
  • Phishing: You’ll gain key skills in the art of detecting phishing attempts, learning to scrutinize suspicious emails, secure user credentials, and deploy anti-phishing measures to shield organizations.
  • Social Engineering: You’ll hone skills to counter manipulative ploys like pretexting, developing techniques to identify psychological tricks, craft training programs, and bolster human defenses.
  • Cyber Security Tools: Practically learn Cloudflare, AWS, Kali Linux, Wireshark, Cisco Packet Tracer, Virtual Machines, Nessus, NMap and more.
  • Penetration Testing: You’ll study ethical hacking, learning to simulate cyber attacks, uncover system vulnerabilities, and propose robust defenses to strengthen security.
  • Firewalls & DDoS: You’ll gain skills in firewall management, developing skills to configure traffic filters, block unauthorized access, and monitor threats dynamically.
  • VPN (Virtual Private Networks): You’ll learn to deploy secure VPNs, acquiring techniques to encrypt data flows, protect remote connections, and ensure network confidentiality.
  • Malware Prevention: You’ll learn how to check if your computer has malware and then how to remove and protect against it
  • Hardware and Wifi: Learn how to set up a basic Wifi system and about Cyber Security Hardware like servers and networking tools.
  • Feasibility Reports: You’ll develop analytical skills to evaluate security solutions, learning to assess risks, estimate costs, and draft strategic reports for decision-making.
  • Entry Requirements

    To enter this qualification you must:

    • Have minimum level of English and Numeracy Skills required
    • Demonstrate study capacity
    • Complete application form to be reviewed by entry team
    Course Details
    Subjects
    6
    Delivery
    100% online
    Study Type
    Course Coach
    Optional Classes
    Online Lectures
    Enrolment Period End
    31st August 2026
    Nationally Accredited Qualification
    Apply Now
    Enroll Now
    Apply to see if you are eligible:

    Let us know if you are interested in our courses and our team will contact you with further information.

    Initial Application

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    "Recently finished studying a Diploma of Information Technology with EQC and couldn't be more happy with the process. Feel like we were really taught all the necessary information in order to begin a career in the field."

    EQC Student
    2026

    "Great place to learn, great teachers and an encouraging environment that facilitates actual learning unlike large lectures at a major universities."

    EQC Graduate
    2025

    “I really enjoyed my student life with EQC Institute. Thank you so much for providing this opportunity.”

    EQC Graduate
    2025
    Our Education Team
    EQC trainer - Ashlee
    Ethan
    Educator
    EQC Trainer - Harry
    Harry
    Educator
    EQC trainer - Isabella
    Isabella
    Educator
    EQC trainer - David
    David
    Educator
    EQC Trainer - Emma
    Ashlee
    Educator
    EQC Institute of Technology is a Government Accredited, Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering Formal Qualifications in Technology, Cyber Security, AI Programing and Cloud Engineering.

    RTO Number 45758 | CRICOS #03952E
    Real Cyber Security Industry Demand
    3700+

    Active job listings Australia wide according to SEEK.com 28/6/2026 for "Cyber Security"

    $95k-$115k

    Average annual salary for an entry level Cyber Security role. Top level role annual salaries ranging upto $350k.

    58%

    Over half of Australian organisations report unfilled Cyber Security roles.
    Source: e2 Cyber, 2026

    University Pathways


    EQC Institute's ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology qualifies for articulation with credit into a number of university Bachelor programs. This means our students can progress into approved programs with credit up to 1 year, and in a number of cases direct entry into Year 2 (depending on the university).

    Terms and conditions may apply at the relevant university and how to inquire with each university is listed below. Contact us for more information.

    EQC and Curtin University Pathway, Showing Curtin University Campus in Perth
    Curtin
    University

    1 year of credit - Start with direct entry into year 2 (eligible bachelor course).

    EQC and Uni of Newcastle Pathway, showing University of Newcastle Campus location.
    Newcastle
    University

    1 year of credit - Start with direct entry into year 2 or 70 unit credits (eligible bachelor course)

    EQC and Edith Cowan University Pathway, Showing campus location.
    Edith Cowan
    University

    1 year of credit - Start with direct entry into year 2 (eligible bachelor course).

    EQC and Griffith University Pathway, Showing the Griffith Uni Campus location
    Griffith
    University

    Case by Case basis. We will support you with your application

    Start Now - Pay no upfront fees with VET Student Loan
    Skills assure, Proud to be a QLD Gov subsidised training provider. EQC Institute
    Eligibility Requirements

    To access a VET Student Loan for this course, you must: 

    i. Be an Australian citizen, a permanent humanitarian visa holder usually resident in Australia, a Pacific Engagement visa holder usually resident in Australia, or a qualifying New Zealand Special Category visa holder;
    ii. Be academically suited to the course — shown through a Year 12 certificate (Senior Secondary Certificate of Education), an AQF Certificate IV or higher qualification, or by achieving the required level in our approved language, literacy and numeracy assessment (full details in our Student Entry Procedure;
    iii. Hold a Unique Student Identifier (USI);
    iv. Have HELP balance remaining;


    VSL Fee Periods and Census Dates 2026

    The Essentials

    VSL Statement

    Equinim College trading as EQC Institute of Technology (RTO 45758). EQC Institute of Technology CRICOS 03952E. A VET Student Loan will not be approved for students who do not meet the eligibility requirements. A VET Student Loan gives rise to a VETSL debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid. VET Student Loans information, eligibility, fees, census days and our published procedures are available on the website.
    What Are Census Dates?
    Your tuition fees are spread evenly across [3] sequential fee periods, each containing a census day — so your debt builds gradually as you progress, not all at once. The unit fees and census days for this course are published on our website. A census day is your deadline to change your mind without cost. If you withdraw from a unit on or before its census day, you will not incur a VETSL debt for that unit, and any tuition fees you’ve paid up front for it will be refunded. After the census day, you’re liable for that unit’s fees. If you are eligible for a subsidy, the set subsidy amount will be paid by the Queensland Government upon successful processing of your enrolment. Our friendly team will assist you to determine your eligibility and complete your enrolment as simply as possible.

    VSL Enrolment Steps

    From here to enrolled — your six steps
    1.    Check your eligibility — the criteria above, plus our entry requirements in the Student Entry Procedure on our website.
    2.   Apply to enrol — submit your application with your evidence of identity, citizenship or residency, and academic suitability.
    3.   Complete your entry assessment — if you’re relying on an LLN assessment, we’ll arrange it and give you your results promptly.
    4.   Enrol — before you enrol we’ll give you full written information about your fees, the loan and your rights; once enrolled you’ll receive your Statement of Covered Fees and Fee Notice. Fees listed as covered by your loan can never be charged to you personally.
    5.    Apply for your VET Student Loan — we set up your eCAF and the system emails you your login. Complete and submit it no earlier than 2 business days after you enrol, and by 11:59 pm AEST on or before the census day of the first unit you want the loan to cover.
    6.    Start studying. During your course you’ll confirm you’re still studying via short progression forms (about every 4 months) —completing them keeps your loan active. Before each census day you’ll get a Fee Notice showing exactly what you’re being charged, and within 28 days after each census day, a Commonwealth Assistance Notice confirming your loan amount and debt. If anything in a notice is wrong, you have the right to have it corrected.

    Course Breakdown
    6 Subjects
    Subject 1: Fundamentals of Cyber Security
    What You'll Learn:
    Think like an attacker — understand who's targeting Australian businesses, what they're really after, and how they get in
    Operate confidently in the terminal — the environment every real cyber professional works in
    Tear apart modern phishing campaigns and identify AI-generated attacks most people can't spot
    Use OSINT to see what attackers see — scrape a real LinkedIn profile and understand how AI phishing is built in under five minutes
    Recognise and defend against social engineering, deepfakes, and voice cloning at the human level
    Assess third-party vendor risk before it becomes the breach that takes a business down
    Subject 2: Cyber Security Application
    What You'll Learn:
    Deploy and secure a live web application end-to-end on Cloudflare
    Lock down access with real IAM controls — the same way modern SaaS companies do it
    Configure next-gen firewalls, rate limiters, and SSL the way production engineers actually configure them
    Defend a live app against real DDoS attacks while it's running
    Understand how to Audit a business against the Essential 8, ISO 27001, and Australian Privacy Act — and know what to fix
    Subject 3: Cloud Security (Cloud Computing & Security)
    What You'll Learn:
    Stand up a secure AWS environment from a blank account to production-ready
    Launch, encrypt, and lock down EC2 instances and S3 storage the way enterprise teams do it
    Deploy a containerised application to the cloud using Docker on EC2
    Architect cloud environments using the shared responsibility model — knowing exactly where your job ends and AWS's begins
    Build private, encrypted networks in AWS with VPN deployment
    Audit every action in a cloud environment using CloudTrail — the same forensic trail used in real breach investigations
    Subject 4: Network Security & Hardware
    What You'll Learn:
    See a network the way attackers and defenders see it — across all seven OSI layers
    Run reconnaissance scans on test systems using Kali Linux and NMAP
    Capture and decode live network traffic with Wireshark — including watching a DDoS attack unfold
    Stand up a working SIEM in Splunk — ingest logs, write SPL queries, and build alerts that catch real attacks
    Understand and defend the hardware layer — TPM, Secure Boot, firmware tampering, and side-channel attacks
    Run vulnerability scans on systems using Nessus and interpret what the results actually mean
    Subject 5: Cyber Investigations
    What You'll Learn:
    Navigate the Australian cyber investigation ecosystem and know exactly which agency owns which case
    Preserve digital evidence under pressure without destroying it — the difference between a prosecution and a dismissal
    Triage and extract data from seized devices using the same tools field investigators use (ADF, Cellebrite, Magnet)
    Run professional OSINT investigations across platforms, metadata, and archived web history
    Trace stolen money through international banks and across blockchains using real forensic tools (Chainalysis, TRM)
    Run a victim through the full 12-step incident response sequence from first call to referral
    Subject 6: Cyber Security Business Application
    What You'll Learn:
    Translate cybersecurity risk into a business case real decision-makers will actually fund
    Recognise AI-accelerated threats in action — voice cloning, deepfakes, and phishing at industrial scale
    Test an LLM for prompt injection vulnerabilities and defend against the OWASP Top 10 for AI
    Write Python that does real cyber security work — network tools, encryption, hashing, and automation
    Run a full penetration test in Kali Linux — recon, exploit, reverse shell, and password cracking
    Apply Australian AI governance and ethics to real business workflows before the regulators force you to
    Cyber Course FAQ's
    What are the course subjects?

    S01. Fundamentals of Cyber Security
    S02. Cyber Security Application
    S03. Cloud Security (Cloud Computing & Security)
    S04. Network Security & Hardware
    S05. Cyber Investigations
    S06. Cyber Security Business Application

    *All components of this course focus on real-world contexts and practical client scenarios*

    What are the units?

    We’ve made your units very easy to study by grouping them under  subjects, so you have less doubling up and your study is more efficient and meaningful.

    CORE UNITS
    BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
    BSBXCS402 Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices
    BSBXTW401 Lead and facilitate a team
    ICTICT532 Apply IP, ethics and privacy in ICT environments
    ICTSAS527 Manage client problems
    ICTICT517 Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation

    ELECTIVE UNITS
    ICTCYS613
    Utilise design methodologies for security architecture
    ICTSAS524
    Develop, implement and evaluate an inciden tresponse plan
    ICTSAS526
    Review and update disaster recovery and contingency plans
    ICTCLD505
    Implement cloud infrastructure with code
    ICTCLD506
    Implement virtual network in cloud environments
    ICTCLD507
    Build and deploy resources on cloud platforms
    ICTCLD508
    Manage infrastructure in cloud environments
    ICTICT426
    Identify and evaluate emerging technologies andpractices
    ICTICT427
    Identify, evaluate and apply currentindustry-specific technologies to meet organisational needs
    ICTCLD512
    Respond to cloud security incidents
    ICTNWK546
    Manage network security
    ICTICT424
    Address cyber security requirements
    ICTCYS407 Gather, analyse and interpret threat data
    ICTCYS610 Protect critical infrastructure for organisations

    What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

    On completion of the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security & Cloud Engineering), you will be equipped with a diverse set of highly sought-after skills. As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, every industry is urgently seeking professionals who can protect their systems, data, and people.

    Industries hiring Cyber Security professionals right now:


    Finance & Insurance: detecting fraudulent transactions, encrypting sensitive payment data, and enforcing enterprise-wide security policies

    Healthcare: protecting patient records, securing health wearable APIs, and conducting breach forensics investigations

    Retail & E-Commerce: implementing transaction authentication, defending against phishing attacks, and deploying anti-malware solutions

    Telecommunications: securing 5G infrastructure, applying cryptographic network protocols, and monitoring for intrusions across large-scale networks

    Manufacturing: locking down IoT device networks, implementing intrusion detection systems, and fortifying supply chain data pipelines

    Web & Software Development: conducting application vulnerability testing, performing security code audits, and patching exploitable weaknesses before deployment

    Data & Cloud Hosting: architecting secure cloud environments, executing penetration tests, and leading incident response when breaches occur

    Education: securing e-learning platforms, managing user access controls, and performing vulnerability assessments across institutional networks

    Gaming & Entertainment: hardening game servers against attacks, implementing robust authentication protocols, and monitoring platforms in real time

    Government & Defence: safeguarding critical national infrastructure, responding to state-level cyber threats, and enforcing compliance across sensitive systems

    Are there any entry requirements?

    There are no prior qualifications required before entering this Diploma.

    As part of assessing your suitability to study the course, the College will be required to assess your LLND (Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital literacy), academic suitability and study load capacity. The College reserves the right to cancel an enrolment application if the suitability requirements are not achieved.

    Apply to see if you are eligible:

    Let us know if you are interested in our courses and our team will contact you with further information.

    Initial Application

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    Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

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    At EQC Institute we appreciate the importance of creating an environment where students can enjoy, prosper and grow together. As such, we have taken a proven by research approach in how we set up every space.

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    Apply to see if you are eligible:

    Let us know if you are interested in our courses and our team will contact you with further information.

    Initial Application

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    Frequently Asked Questions
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