Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI
Nationally Recognised Qualification
Course Overview
Newly Launched - Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI (ICT40120)
Cyber threats have changed fast over the past few years. Attackers are using AI to write phishing emails, generate deepfakes, and find weaknesses in networks at a speed that used to require a whole team. Security professionals are using AI right back, for log analysis, threat detection and incident triage. This course is built for people who want to step into cyber security with both feet on the ground: solid technical fundamentals, hands-on practice, and a working understanding of where AI fits in.
Across 20 units, you'll work through the practical side of network security, server management, virtual machines, cloud services and threat analysis. You'll also study how artificial intelligence and machine learning are being applied across ICT, and where the new opportunities and risks sit for security teams.
By the end of the course, you'll be ready for entry-level cyber security and ICT support roles. You'll have the technical depth to actually do the job, and the AI awareness to stay employable as the field keeps shifting.
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What You'll Learn
This qualification gives you practical cyber security and ICT skills through online coursework, scenario-based tasks and a simulated workplace. By the end, you'll be able to:
- Gather, analyse and interpret cyber security threat data
- Install, configure and test network security across business environments
- Manage network and data integrity in corporate networks
- Install and manage servers, including the hardware side of network builds
- Build, run and troubleshoot virtual machines for safe testing and isolated environments
- Configure cloud services using major providers
- Securely handle personally identifiable information (PII)
- Spot opportunities to apply AI, machine learning and deep learning in security and ICT work
- Promote workplace cyber security awareness and good day-to-day practice
- Support ICT system software and resolve client issues
- Apply introductory programming for scripting and automation tasks
- Comply with IP, privacy and ethics requirements in ICT settings
The focus is on real cyber security work, backed by strong systems and infrastructure skills.
Technologies Covered
Cyber Security · Networking · Servers · Virtualisation · Python · Cloud Services · Hyper-V · Microsoft Tools · Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Upskilled Partners with FinTech Australia
Upskilled partners with FinTech Australia to give students direct exposure to leading fintech brands and potential job opportunities in the sector. All technology students receive free access to Upskilled's Technology Job Portal - a platform connecting you with employers actively hiring for the skills you're building.
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Course Units Overview
The 20 units in this course are grouped to build cyber security capability on top of strong systems, networking and infrastructure foundations, with AI awareness running right through the program.
Core ICT Foundations
These units establish ethical, collaborative, and professional skills required across all ICT and cyber security roles.
- ICTICT451 Comply with IP, ethics and privacy policies in ICT environments
- ICTICT443 Work collaboratively in the ICT industry
- BSBCRT404 Apply advanced critical thinking to work processes
Cyber Security Operations and Risk Management
This stream covers the day-to-day of cyber security work: identifying threats, managing risk, protecting sensitive information and building good security habits across the workplace.
- BSBXCS404 Contribute to cyber security risk management
- BSBXCS402 Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices
- BSBXCS303 Securely manage personally identifiable information and workplace information
- ICTCYS407 Gather, analyse and interpret threat data
Network and Infrastructure Security
These units cover the hands-on side: building, securing and managing the network and the kit it runs on. This is where this course goes deeper than the standard cyber stream, with extra units on servers and hardware.
- ICTNWK421 Install, configure and test network security
- ICTNWK423 Manage network and data integrity
- ICTNWK546 Manage network security
- ICTNWK422 Install and manage servers
- ICTNWK429 Install hardware to networks
- ICTNWK420 Install and configure virtual machines
Systems, Cloud and Monitoring
These units cover keeping systems running, monitoring their health and getting cloud services configured properly.
- ICTSAS436 Evaluate ICT system status
- ICTSAS441 Support ICT system software
- ICTCLD401 Configure cloud services
IT Support and Problem Resolution
This unit prepares you to handle client ICT problems from first call through to resolution.
- ICTSAS432 Identify and resolve client ICT problems
Programming Foundations
A grounding in programming concepts to support scripting, automation and basic coding tasks that come up in cyber security work.
- ICTPRG302 Apply introductory programming techniques
AI and Emerging Technologies
These units introduce the technologies shaping the future of cyber security and ICT, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning.
- ICTICT426 Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and practices
- ICTAII401 Identify opportunities to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning
Key Skill Areas
You'll build skills across four main areas:
Cyber Security Skills
- Threat identification and analysis
- Cyber security risk management
- Network and data integrity protection
- Secure handling of sensitive and personal information
- Promoting cyber awareness across the workplace
Network, Systems and Infrastructure Skills
- Network security setup and testing
- Server installation, management and hardware build
- Virtual machine creation and management
- Cloud service configuration
- System monitoring and troubleshooting
AI and Emerging Tech Awareness
- Spotting where AI, machine learning and deep learning can be applied in ICT and security
- Evaluating emerging technologies and their impact on security work
- Understanding how AI is changing both attacks and defences
Professional and Workplace Skills
- Critical thinking and incident analysis
- Ethical, IP and privacy compliance
- Collaboration in ICT and security teams
- Client support and clear communication
- Programming basics for automation
Career Outcomes
Possible Careers
This qualification suits people aiming for entry-level and junior cyber security and ICT roles, including:
- Cyber Security Support Officer
- ICT Security Technician
- Junior Cyber Analyst
- Network Security Support Officer
- Security Operations Support (SOC Assistant)
- IT Support Officer (Cyber Focus)
- Systems Support Officer
It also gives you a clear path into higher-level cyber security, networking and ICT qualifications.
Industry Outlook
Find out why cyber security is one of the hottest occupations to be in:
Market Growth
+16% YoY
Salary
$100K+ Annual Salary
Payment Options
Government funding
At both a state and federal level, government commitment to upskilling the Australian workforce has resulted in a comprehensive framework of funding schemes and incentive opportunities. As a result, many Upskilled participants are provided incentives by the Government to undertake training and/or find that their courses are heavily subsidised.
Government funding options for:
Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI
Major schemes include:
An Upskilled education consultant will contact you within 48 hours
Studying with Upskilled
What's Included?
By choosing Upskilled's ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI, you'll gain access to resources that enhance your online learning experience, making it interactive and engaging:
Our Trainers
Upskilled IT trainers are industry professionals with extensive experience and expertise, dedicated to providing practical, hands-on learning. They are committed to helping students develop the skills to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-evolving tech industry.
Hear from our past students
I completed my Diploma in IT with Upskilled. I was very happy with my experience. This was done entirely online. I had access to all the online materials required through their portal which was very easy to navigate and find. Each course within my diploma was broken into into smaller modules, covering learning material and then an assessment over the materials provided.
I was really worried that I would struggle completing a diploma if I started one but they had so many areas for support including online courses and access to email the tutors directly through out my course. I want to give special thanks to my tutors especially Russell James for all their help and guidance through the course. I could not reccomend this enough!
Upskilled made the learning extremely user friendly and engaging for remote Study. The only downside being my overall commitment to finishing! Through the education and learning I took from the CERT IV in ICT I was able to obtain an ICT Manager position at my work which was the goal of mine when I first commenced study through Upskilled.
I could not have achieved the position I have been offered without the learnings I have taken forward in this course and I want to take the time to encourage others to undertake study through Upskilled.
I had a great time learning computer programming in upskilled. The support is amazing and the study aid is amazing. Trainers MD and Matthew are very helpful. Vikram who is my instructor for cloud computing is very supportive and patient. I have enjoyed every bit of my subject even the most boring ones. I recommend upskilled. It is a great learning institution that encourages a supportive and a holistic learning environment. They also make you think beyond the box. My study here enabled me to perform a lot of process improvement, and near automation of some of the most important process we do at our work. I only wish upskilled offers gaming development and gaming art in their future courses as i am leaning to those specialties. But overall, the study is definitely worth it. Do it now. Start your year and build something your future self would thank you. I know i did. I mean thanking myself. Not you.
How to enrol
What you need to know
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for the ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI course. To ensure you get the most out of your training, the following process applies:
Recommended Skills and Resources:
- English literacy and numeracy skills at a Year 10 level.
- Access to a modern computer with high-speed internet.
- Access to a device with audio/video recording capabilities.
- Basic computing skills, including video creation and uploading.
Self-Paced Learning and Course Duration
Upskilled's flexible, self-paced courses let you balance personal and work schedules. With a training plan to keep you on track, most students complete the course in 12-18 months, but motivated learners can finish faster. Speak with an Education Consultant to discuss your study and completion goals.
Assessment
The ICT40120 - Certificate IV in Information Technology - Focus on Cyber Security and AI online course includes research-based assessments where you'll answer questions based on covered concepts. You'll also work on scenario-based projects and build a portfolio of digital assets (photography, audio, video, text) to showcase your skills when applying for jobs.
Work in a Simulated Workplace
Gain practical experience by working on real-world tasks in a simulated ICT workplace. Access this environment through our MyUpskilled platform and develop job-ready skills while completing online assessment tasks.
Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit Transfer
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Credit Transfer (CT) with supporting evidence of prior education or work experience. This can reduce your study load or course duration. Speak with your Education Consultant before enrolment for details, or download the application from MyUpskilled after enrolment. A trainer will assess your eligibility.
Dedicated IT Trainers
Our IT trainers are dedicated professionals with the skills and knowledge to keep you updated on the latest industry trends. They offer qualifications in web development, cybersecurity, and networking, providing the guidance you need to succeed in IT.
The IT faculty fosters a supportive learning environment with 'Ask Me Anything' Zoom sessions, where you can receive guidance and collaborate with fellow students.
FAQs
Because that's where the work is heading. Security teams are dealing with AI-generated phishing, deepfakes and faster automated attacks, and they're also using AI tools themselves for threat detection, log analysis and incident response. Cyber professionals who understand both sides are more useful on day one and stay employable as the tools and threats keep changing. This course gives you the cyber security training to do the job, plus the AI awareness to keep up as the field shifts.
The course has one dedicated artificial intelligence unit, ICTAII401 - Identify opportunities to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning, which covers where AI, machine learning and deep learning can be applied in ICT and business settings. Around that unit, AI shows up throughout the course as context: how it's reshaping the threats security teams face, how it's being built into security tools, and what entry-level cyber professionals need to understand to work alongside it.
This is a Certificate IV in Information Technology with a cyber security and AI focus. It's not an AI engineering qualification. If your goal is to become an AI specialist or build machine learning models from scratch, you'd be looking at a different study path. If your goal is to enter cyber security with practical skills and a working understanding of AI, this course is built for you.
Demand for cyber security skills in Australia keeps climbing. Businesses, government agencies, and not-for-profit organisations all need people who can protect systems, respond to incidents and manage risk. A few reasons people pick this field:
- Strong job demand across every industry, not just tech
- Competitive starting salaries that grow quickly with experience and certifications
- Practical, problem-solving work that doesn't get repetitive
- Clear progression paths into senior roles and specialisations
- Many roles support remote and hybrid working
- The work matters: you're protecting real people and real organisations from real harm
Adding AI awareness to your cyber security training puts you ahead of people who only have one side of that equation.
Graduates can step into a range of entry-level cyber security and ICT roles, including:
- Cyber Security Support Officer: monitoring systems and supporting the security team day to day
- Junior Cyber Analyst: helping with threat detection and incident response work
- Network Security Technician: managing the security of network infrastructure
- IT Help Desk Officer (Security focus): first-line support with a security lens
- Systems Support Officer: keeping servers and systems running and patched
- Cloud Support Technician: helping configure and secure cloud environments
The qualification also sets you up for further study in diplomas, advanced diplomas and industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Yes. The training aligns with networking and security certification pathways from Microsoft, Cisco and AWS. You'll cover the foundations you need to take on entry-level industry certifications after the course, and you'll get exposure to the kinds of tools and tasks those certifications test you on.
Yes. The qualification you receive on completion is the nationally recognised ICT40120 Certificate IV in Information Technology. The "Focus on Cyber Security and AI" part describes how Upskilled has packaged the elective units to suit students who want to work in cyber security in an AI-influenced workplace. Your testamur (the actual certificate) reads Certificate IV in Information Technology, which gives you full flexibility to apply for any job that calls for the qualification.
The standard Cyber Security focus course covers similar ground but leans slightly more toward documentation, help desk and web markup units. This course swaps those out for three more hands-on infrastructure units: Install and manage servers, Install hardware to networks, and Support ICT system software. It also makes the AI angle explicit, calling out how artificial intelligence is reshaping the work cyber security professionals do today. If you want the more infrastructure-heavy version of the cyber stream with AI awareness built in, this is the one to pick.
Each Cert IV in IT stream packs the same core qualification with different elective units to suit different career goals. The Cyber Security and AI focus is built for people aiming at security roles in an AI-influenced workplace. The Programming stream is built around writing code and building applications. The Web Development stream covers designing and publishing websites. The Networking stream goes deep on routing, switching and network design. The Systems Administration Support stream focuses on infrastructure and system maintenance. Pick the one that lines up with the type of work you want to do day to day.