Cyber Security
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| COMP4121 | Computer Science | 4 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- COMP4121
- School
- Computer Science
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
Cyber security is an essential consideration for the protection of IT-based devices, systems, networks and data, providing safeguard and reassurance to the organisations and individuals that rely on them. We provide coverage of both technical and human/organisational perspectives. Students gain an understanding the principles of cyber security, including attacks, vulnerabilities and secure designs. You will gain knowledge and practical experience across a range of key cyber security topics, including foundational concepts and principles, access control, device and system security, authentication, cryptographic mechanisms and applications, network and Internet security, security management, risk assessment, cyber-attacks and threat intelligence, intrusion detection and incident response, and human aspects. You will learn about the challenges and attacks that need to be considered when designing and implementing secure systems, along with associated approaches to ensure that security is addressed appropriately.
Target Students
Available to Level 3 and 4 students in the School of Computer Science. Students should not take this course if they have taken or planto take COMP3006 Computer Security. This module is not available to students not listed above without explicit approval from the module convenor(s). This module is part of the Operating Systems, Networks and Security theme in the School of Computer Science.
Classes
Lectures will cover the core material spanning the breadth of the cyber security topic domain, as indicted in the module summary. The practical sessions will involve hands-on use and application of security technologies, as well as exploration of wider case study and problem-based scenarios.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework: Two pieces of coursework, assessing the technical and human/organisational aspects of cyber security, respectively. Reassessment is by examination.
- 60% Exam (2-hour): Examination. Reassessment is by examination.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To develop an understanding of the nature and scope of the cyber security and its relevance in protecting data confidentiality, integrity and availability across a range of devices, systems and networks.To understand the nature of attacks and vulnerabilities in principle and in existing systems.To develop core skills to select, apply and implement security controls necessary for the security of a system.To recognise and evaluate the organisational and human impacts of cyber security, and the related impacts of technology choices and decisions in these contexts.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of the important security properties (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Authenticity, Accountability, Non-Repudiation).
- Knowledge of security controls and protocols.
- Knowledge of practical attacks on real systems and an understanding of classes of attacks on generic systems.
- Knowing and understanding secure practices on a technical, human and organisational level.
Intellectual Skills
- To understand security controls and protocols on a fundamental level, and an ability to analyse novel controls and protocols.
- To identify the existence of attacks on insecure systems, and to propose the appropriate security controls to improve the security of the system.
- To analyse and reflect upon the effectiveness of security and protection decisions in practical contexts.
Professional Skills
- To design and implement cyber security solutions, taking appropriate account of the context and constraints.
- To recognise the professional issues involved in the design, development and deployment of cyber security solutions.
Transferable Skills
- To think independently while giving due weight to the arguments of others.
- To understand complex ideas and relate them to specific problems or questions.
- To communicate ideas effectively in writing to specific problems or questions.
- To communicate ideas effectively in writing.