This 8-week, virtual, instructor-led course focuses on applied systems and AI security rather than governance strategy or AI development. Participants work through a realistic case study to evaluate security controls, AI risks, and operational safeguards, then develop a prioritized roadmap to strengthen system security and AI oversight.
Learning is grounded in internationally recognized standards and reflects how organizations actually secure information systems and AI-enabled technologies in operational environments.
Participants also gain access to optional LevelSec professional development opportunities, including expert panels, peer networking, and career-focused sessions to support professional growth and leadership development.
What You Will Gain
By completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Assess information system security controls using ISO/IEC 27001:2022
- Evaluate AI system risks, oversight mechanisms, and accountability using ISO/IEC 42001:2023
- Identify gaps in system and AI security controls and prioritize improvement actions
- Develop a management-ready systems and AI security roadmap
- Strengthen organizational capability to securely operate AI-enabled systems
Course Modules and Schedule
- Week 1 — M1: Introduction & ISMS Overview | Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) and the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, including organizational context, leadership responsibilities, and risk planning.
- Week 2: ISO 27001 – Governance & Risk Planning | This module explores governance structures, roles and responsibilities, and risk assessment methodologies used to manage security risks within an organization.
- Week 3: ISO 27001 – Risk Treatment & Annex A Control Selection | Participants learn how organizations select and implement security controls using the Annex A framework and how risk treatment strategies are aligned with organizational priorities.
- Week 4: ISO 27001 – ISMS Support & Operation | This week focuses on operational aspects of security management, including documentation, awareness, operational controls, and managing risk within day-to-day activities.
- Week 5 : ISO 27001 – Performance Evaluation & Improvement | Participants explore how organizations monitor and measure the effectiveness of security programs through audits, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement practices.
- Week 6: ISO 42001 – AI Governance Foundations | Learners are introduced to ISO/IEC 42001, the emerging international standard for AI governance, including accountability structures and AI risk management principles.
- Week 7: ISO 42001 – Oversight, Risk & Accountability | This module focuses on the governance of AI systems across their lifecycle, including oversight, transparency, risk treatment, and audit considerations.
- Week 8: ISMS & AIMS Reporting and Roadmap | Participants consolidate their security and AI governance assessments and develop a prioritized roadmap with recommendations to strengthen organizational security and AI oversight.
This course is designed for professionals who are involved in managing, securing, or overseeing information systems and AI-enabled technologies, including:
- Cybersecurity and IT professionals responsible for systems and controls
- Professionals supporting AI systems, data platforms, or automated decision tools
- Risk and compliance practitioners working closely with technical teams
- Public sector and regulated-industry staff overseeing secure system operations
The course is suitable for both technical and nontechnical professionals. No coding or AI model development experience is required.
This course does not require hands-on technical or coding experience. Prior exposure to IT, security, or AI concepts is helpful but not required.
This is not a certification program. Participants receive a completion credential upon submitting all required assessments and applied project work.
Through funding from the Government of Nova Scotia’s One Journey Initiative, 10 full scholarships are available for Nova Scotians to complete this course in our LevelSec program.
To be eligible for this scholarship, professionals:
- Must reside in Nova Scotia
- Currently unemployed or underemployed
- Actively looking for a full-time role in IT / tech
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This program is made possible through funding by Nova Scotia's Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration's One Journey Initiative.
