Durham College highlights networking, cybersecurity exercises and an Oshawa technology talk for computer students

Durham College highlighted several recent activities for students in its Computer Systems Technology and Computer Systems Technician programs, including a networking event with the ISACA Toronto Chapter, hands-on cloud and cybersecurity exercises, and a talk from the City of Oshawa’s manager of cybersecurity and infrastructure operations. The college described the activities in a blog post dated Oct. 30.

For local residents, the post offers a snapshot of how Durham College students are connecting with industry groups and municipal staff in Oshawa through program-related events and exercises.

The college reported that more than 50 students attended a networking event hosted in partnership with the ISACA Toronto Chapter. The post said attendees included students from Computer Systems Technology, Computer Systems Technician, Computer Systems Technician – Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, and Computer Programming and Analysis.

According to the post, speakers at the event discussed certifications and professional networking, and shared their career paths. The college also listed “continuous learning and adaptability” among the topics covered.

The blog post also described a simulated cloud exercise called an “AWS Jam” for third-year Computer Systems Technology students. In the activity, students worked in teams in a live Amazon Web Services environment and used cloud services to troubleshoot problems, the college said.

Students also participated in the Cisco Cyber Games Americas 2026 Learn-A-Thon, the post said. The college said students used a self-paced “Ethical Hacker” course to explore cybersecurity concepts, ethical hacking methodologies and security practices.

In another activity described in the post, second-year Computer Systems students took part in a session through Durham College’s partnership with TeachingCity Oshawa. The speaker was Steve Patterson, Manager of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Operations for the City of Oshawa.

The college said Patterson discussed how networking, infrastructure and cybersecurity support municipal projects such as Next Generation 9-1-1 and Advanced Vehicle Systems. The post also said he offered advice on certifications, professional development and recruitment.

The blog post also noted that Durham College holds annual events including an IT Student Expo and a Hack-a-Thon, which it said are held in March and April.