Learning Hub

The Cyber Centre Learning Hub is your source for cyber security and COMSEC training. Our services are available to those working within the Government of Canada (GC), other levels of governments, and with critical infrastructure organizations.

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We offers basic, advanced, and specialized courses and workshops that assist the community to achieve enhanced cyber security and COMSEC knowledge, and skills. Also, the Learning Hub's Cyber Skills Development team works with the academic community to build cyber security talent and capacity in Canada.

Featured courses

Eclypt encryption drives (210)

A hands-on oriented course, which introduces the user to Eclypt procurement requirements, basic set-up and initialization procedures and device management, handling, and accountability.

Cyber security in the GC boot camp (915)

Participants will learn about hacking methodology, the Dark Web, software exploitation, attack surfaces, telecommunications vulnerabilities, wireless hacking, and multiple countermeasures.

Emission Security (EMSEC) (215)

This emission security (EMSEC) course introduces to radio frequency and electromagnetic fields and explains how compromising emanations (CE) from information technology (IT) equipment processing classified data can be unintentionally exfiltrated from restricted security zones.

 

Discover the latest additions to the Learning Hub’s ever-evolving training catalogue.

New! Course: 623 Introduction to Cyber Security for Educators

The Learning Hub is pleased to announce the launch of the new course 623 – Introduction to Cyber Security for Educators. Through a mix of interactive content, knowledge checks, and valuable resources, this self-paced online course presents educators with the necessary tools to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect themselves and transfer their newfound knowledge to their students. Educators will also learn the importance of understanding the vulnerabilities that impact the education sector, and the importance of the overall cyber security skills in all disciplines and everyday life in today’s digital world.

Updated!  Course 107: Cyber Security Fundamentals

The Learning Hub is pleased to announce the launch of the updated course 107 – Cyber Security Fundamentals. This course presents cyber security terminology, concepts, and processes through an interactive mix of lectures, discussions, examples, and group activities. It helps participants establish a solid foundation of cyber security awareness and understanding.

New! Course 625: Cyber Security for Small and Medium Organizations

The Learning Hub is proud to announce an exciting addition to our elearning curriculum: 625-Cyber Security for Small and Medium Organizations. Designed and developed in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), this self-paced online course is well suited for anyone looking to improve their organization's cyber security posture. The modules, which each take 20 to 60 minutes to complete, are designed for learners with minimal technical knowledge. Each module includes:

  • an explanation of the importance of the security control
  • a case study, highlighting what can go wrong without proper measures in place
  • knowledge checks and quizzes to test understanding

Updated!  Course 530: Introduction to the Government of Canada Cyber Security Event Management Plan (GC CSEMP)

The Cyber Security Event Management workshop is a non-technical course aimed at introducing incident handlers to GC and departmental incident handling policies, processes, and requirements. The content of the course has been updated to reflect the latest changes to the Government of Canada Cyber Security Event Management Plan (GC CSEMP). The course has also been revamped into a new 2-day format which includes a new practical review in the format of a tabletop exercise which will offer participants an opportunity to gain a bit of hands-on experience while walking through a cyber security incident.

New! Course 277: Tactical Key Loader (TKL)

Are you a Communications Security (COMSEC) Custodian, designated COMSEC authority, or technical authority responsible to maintain, handle, distribute, or use the TKL?

The TKL is the latest T3MD (Tier 3 Management Device) approved by CSE to manage, store, and distribute cryptography. It is a minimized, ruggedized, lightweight replacement for legacy key fill devices that delivers next generation capabilities, including the ability to connect directly to one another and load keys in seconds. You will be introduced to foundational COMSEC concepts and policies such at key types, fill vs issue, red vs black key, and the COMSEC incident guidelines and reporting procedure. Additionally, you will be become familiarized with the components and features of the TKL, supplemented by hands-on training, including conducting the initial setup, receiving and distributing keys, and filling an End Cryptographic Unity (ECU).

Updated! Course 231: Controlling Authority/Command Authority Key Material Support Plan (KMSP)

The Learning Hub is pleased to announce the launch of the updated version of the course 231 – Key Material Support Plan. This updated course describes the roles and responsibilities of the appointed authorities, the families of Accountable COMSEC Material, cryptonet key requirements, and the development of a KMSP.

Updated! Course 115: Foundations of cloud security in the Government of Canada

The Learning Hub is pleased to announce the launch of the updated version of the course 115 – Foundations of cloud security in the Government of Canada. This updated course describes cloud computing within a GC context, the factors to consider before adopting cloud computing, the roles of various GC departments, and the GC’s Cloud Adoption Strategy.

New! Course 336: Cyber security considerations for citizen developers

The Cyber Centre Learning Hub is pleased to announce the launch of the Cyber Security Considerations for Citizen Developers instructor-led course. The concept of citizen developers is defined as employees who create application capabilities for consumption by themselves or others, using available tools that require little to no coding or programming experience. In these circumstances, security may not be top of mind.

This course covers cyber security as it relates to coding including vulnerabilities, countermeasures, and coding principles.

The overall goal of the training is to:

  • implement cyber security best practices to reduce vulnerabilities associated with citizen development/data analysis practices
  • empower citizen developers/data analysts to program/code with cyber security in mind
 
 

Discover the Learning Hub’s collaborative learning initiatives.

CyberSecure Canada

CyberSecure Canada, in collaboration with the Learning Hub, has developed a free bilingual eLearning series designed to help small and medium organizations improve their cyber security knowledge and obtain a CyberSecure certification. The series consists of 14 self-paced modules designed for learners with minimal technical knowledge. Each module takes about 20-60 minutes to complete. The modules cover automatic patching, how to secure your systems, develop an incident response plan and provides an employee awareness training plan. Although the modules have been designed as standalone courses, it is recommended to complete the entire series to improve your overall cyber awareness and resilience.

CyberSecure Canada eLearning Series

Online course for researchers and academic administrators

Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, in collaboration with the Learning Hub, have developed an online course to better equip Canadian researchers with the knowledge and resources to protect their research. The Cyber Security for Researchers online course provides participants with an overview of the cyber threat environment, offers advice on cyber hygiene best practices, and provides practical cyber security resources to researchers and academic administrators. You can access the course by logging on to the Safeguarding Your Research portal. The course is free and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Collaboration with the Canada School of Public Service

The Discover GC Cloud online course is now live! The Canada School of Public Service, in collaboration with the Learning Hub, developed the Discover GC Cloud online course. The course is meant to provide a basic understanding of cloud computing essentials for public servants in all disciplines. This online self-paced course introduces cloud computing and explains what it is and how it is used in the Government of Canada. If you are a public servant, you can access the course by logging on to GCcampus. The course takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

Université de Montréal Collaboration

The Learning Hub collaborated with SERENE-RISC, the smart cybersecurity network hosted by the Université de Montréal, to help create their new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) called « La cybersécurité en milieu universitaire ». The goal of this course is to increase cybersecurity awareness within the academic community. The course is available through the Edulib platform (French only), takes approximately three hours to complete, and is free of charge.

While the course is only available in French, the Cyber Centre’s contribution can be viewed in English and French in the Learning Hub’s pre-recorded videos section under the title “Cyber Security Risks for Travelling University Employees”.

 
 

Discover our training facility, registration information, and other general information relevant to your learning experience.

Course registration

The Learning Hub uses a Learning Management System (LMS) to allow participants to self-register on any instructor-led training and to participate in self-paced online courses.

Once you register for a course, you will receive an automated course confirmation and periodic reminders. If you cannot attend a course, you must send us an email, at least 10-business days prior to the course start date, to cancel your registration at no charge.

Training facility

Our training facility is located at 1625 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa, Ontario.

Virtual platform

We use Webex and MS Teams to deliver our instructor-led virtual courses.

Course certificate

If you participate in an online course, you will receive the course certificate by email. You can also access your course certificate at any time through your LMS account.

If you participate in an instructor-led course, you can retrieve your course certificate from your LMS account within two to three days after course completion.

Security clearance

Most of our training is unclassified. If the training requires a Level II security clearance (or Secret), it will be indicated in the course description.

 
 

Discover the Learning Hub’s course fee structure and payment method.

Cost recovery authority

The Learning Hub operates under the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat vote netted revenue authority (VNR). The VNR authority directs the Learning Hub to generate revenues to fund our program. This includes fees related to course development, course delivery, and required equipment.

Course fees

Visit our training curriculum or our course calendar to view individual course fees. Fees related to dedicated group training will be calculated based on our standard cost model. Please note that you can participate in our self-paced online courses at no charge. You may also retake any instructor-led training, at no charge, within five years of enrolling.

Payment method

All government employees must pay via Interdepartmental Settlements (IS). IS are created as an agreement between two government departments or agencies that operate within the Consolidated Revenue Fund to transfer funds. IS codes consist of two different sets of codes:

  • IS organization code: 4-digit code which identifies the organization within your department which is responsible for the purchase order
  • IS reference code: The Purchase Order (PO) or Funds Commitment (FC) number.

Contact your administrative officer or accounting operations team to obtain your IS codes. These codes must be provided during the course registration process.

Employees who are not employed by the federal government must pay by credit card. Please contact us to arrange your credit card payment: education@cyber.gc.ca.

Course fees are collected after the training has occurred.

 
 

Discover the Learning Hub’s formal COMSEC training as outlined in the IT Security Directive for the Control of COMSEC Material in the Government of Canada (ITSD-03A).

Mandatory training for COMSEC custodians and alternate COMSEC custodians

COMSEC Custodians and Alternate COMSEC Custodians must attend formal COMSEC Account Management training (Course 230) within 6 months of appointment.

In addition to course 230, COMSEC custodians and alternate COMSEC custodians must also attend training related to their account’s accounting systems (EKMS or DIAS).

COMSEC custodians and alternate COMSEC custodians should also attend formal cryptographic equipment courses before using cryptographic equipment.

For more information, see below:

Mandatory:

Recommended:

Additional courses to consider

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is an integral part of the Learning Hub’s approach in identifying, assessing, and recognizing knowledge and skills that have been acquired through training and work experience. To properly assess your request towards the desired COMSEC formal training, please contact us to apply for a PLAR.

COMSEC Training for DND/CAF COMSEC Custodians

All DND/CAF COMSEC custodians are required to communicate with 766 Comms Squadron for their COMSEC Account Management training. For all other COMSEC related courses (e.g., SKL, TACLANE), all DND/CAF COMSEC staff are eligible to take training with the Cyber Centre Learning Hub.

 
 

Courses offered by the Learning Hub are based on Government of Canada policies, directives, standards, and best practices. While government centric, they are intended to be complementary to cyber/IT security courses offered by private training companies. For those looking for generic or technical cyber and IT security training, we invite you to contact a private cyber security training provider.

Who can attend – All courses

  • All Government of Canada employees; and
  • Non-GC employees from:
    • any Canadian crown corporation
    • any Canadian provincial, territorial, or municipal government
    • any Canadian publicly funded institution (e.g. hospitals, school boards, social services)
    • any organization under contract with the GC
    • any organization that is registered to operate in Canada and that is in receipt of federal funding
    • any organization that is registered to operate in Canada, that has a valid interest or investment in national security and that is considered a critical infrastructure partner as defined by Public Safety Canada’s ten sectors
    • any organization that is registered to operate in Canada and that is responsible for the security or administration of IT systems of importance to the GC

Who can attend – Elearning courses only

  • Any organization or company that is registered to operate in Canada
  • Students attending a Canadian post-secondary institution

Please note that account requests must reflect your work or school email address. Personal emails (such as Hotmail, Gmail, etc.) are not accepted. If you are uncertain whether you meet the above criteria, please contact the Learning Hub to determine your eligibility.

Special note regarding COMSEC courses: only personnel who work within an approved COMSEC account or require access to Accountable COMSEC Material to perform their duties are eligible to attend.

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