CE708-7-AU-CO:
Computer Security
2023/24
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
17 June 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
CE823
MSC G40012 Advanced Computer Science,
MSC G400CH Advanced Computer Science,
MSC H60112 Computer Networks and Security,
MSCIG402 Computer Science,
MSCII100 Computer Science (Integrated Masters, Including Placement Year)
This course gives an introduction to computer security and cryptography, and then goes on to consider security as it relates to a single, network connected, computer.
Introductory material is independent of any operating system but the consideration of tools will focus on those available for Linux, partly because its open-source nature facilitates this and partly because it is widely used on server systems. The introduction to cryptography will be used to consider its use in encryption and authentication.
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to computer security and cryptography and consider security according to a single network connected computer exemplified using the linux operating system.
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Identify and describe common security vulnerabilities
2. Identify and describe different types of attack on computers
3. Recommend security tools and procedures to protect against specific types of attack
4. Describe the nature of malware, how it may be identified and the attack mitigated
5. Explain the distinction between different types of cryptography and identify common algorithms that are weak and strong
6. Describe the use of cryptography in certification and authentication
Outline Syllabus
1. Introduction:
Principles of security and privacy, introduction to the different types of computer attack
Common security policies, techniques and tools:
Good administrative procedures for computer systems. Data security (e.g. good backup policy).
Combating social engineering. Tools for identifying system vulnerabilities. Monitoring for break-ins. Recovering from a break-in.
2. Overview of Encryption:
Applications of encryption to computer security. Types of encryption algorithms.
Examples of encryption algorithms commonly used.
3. User Authentication:
Methods of user authentication. One way functions and MD5., Biometric access control (e.g. fingerprint, iris etc.). Other techniques (e.g. smartcard).
4. Protecting passwords from attack:
Good and bad passwords. Methods to crack passwords and policies/techniques to reduce the problem.
5. Malicious software:
History. Classification. How viruses spread. Identifying malware.
Antivirus software.
6. Risk analysis
Analysis of risk. Steps in risk analysis. Using risk analysis to select new controls.
No information available.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 - Lab Report |
|
33.33% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 - Lab Report |
|
33.34% |
| Written Exam |
Progress Test 1 |
|
33.33% |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Early Exams
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Michael Barros, email: m.barros@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Michael Barros
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
Yes
No
Yes
Dr Anthony Olufemi Tesimi Adeyemi-Ejeye
Available via Moodle
Of 71 hours, 20 (28.2%) hours available to students:
50 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
1 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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