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Pearson BTEC Level 3 · Extended Diploma in IT

Unit 4: Cyber Security and Encryption

Protect digital assets through risk assessment, cryptographic controls, and security policies assessed in an external timed task.

Unit Explanation

What is Unit 4 — Cyber Security and Encryption?

The Cyber Security and Encryption (Unit 4) unit addresses one of the fastest-growing technology fields, combining threat analysis with practical security controls.

Learners study encryption methods, authentication mechanisms, and organisational policies that mitigate cyber risk in connected enterprises.

Assessment is delivered as an external timed task requiring applied problem-solving under examination conditions.

Core Strategic Value

  • •Threat Intelligence: Classify vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and actor motivations.
  • •Cryptographic Controls: Explain symmetric, asymmetric, hashing, and certificate use cases.
  • •Governance: Design policies for access, awareness training, and incident response.
Granular Curriculum

What You Will Study

This unit develops practical, industry-aligned competencies across 4 core learning modules:

1. Threat Landscape & Risk Management

Analyse malware, DDoS, social engineering, and insider threats

Conduct risk assessments with likelihood and impact ratings

Evaluate physical and logical security control layers

Map security responsibilities across IT and business teams

2. Encryption, Authentication & Network Security

Explain encryption algorithms and key management practices

Compare VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and segmentation strategies

Implement multi-factor authentication and password policies

Review wireless security standards and configuration hardening

3. Legislation, Ethics & Security Culture

Interpret data protection and computer misuse legal frameworks

Promote security awareness and phishing simulation programmes

Evaluate ethical hacking and responsible disclosure principles

Assess vendor and supply chain security risks

4. External Timed Task & Incident Scenarios

Respond to supervised briefs on security design and mitigation

Document incident response steps and forensic considerations

Recommend encryption solutions for defined business cases

Present justified security improvements within time limits

ASSESSMENT METRICS

Structure & Parameters

Official UnitUnit 4 — Cyber Security
QualificationBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT
Assessment TypeExternal Timed Task
FocusSecurity Analysis & Controls
GradingPass / Merit / Distinction
ThemesEncryption & Policy Design
Career LinksCybersecurity Analyst Roles
Timed Task StrategyPractice structured responses for scenario-based security incidents—define the threat, impact, control, and monitoring step within tight time boxes.
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Assessment Policies & Logistics

Submission Windows

Internal and external assessment deadlines follow Pearson BTEC session calendars. Confirm key dates with ICT Business School at enrollment.

Academic Integrity

All coursework and exam submissions must meet Pearson authenticity standards. Plagiarism checks and verification apply to every unit.

Learner Support

Access tutor feedback, assignment briefings, and resubmission guidance through our structured BTEC support pathway at ICT Business School.

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