Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Computer Security

• Unit Code

  CSI1101

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit covers the threats to computer systems and the countermeasures that can be put in place to minimise them. The areas covered are: aims of computer security and general computer security threats, malicious code including viruses, trojan horses, worms and other forms of hostile executable code. Students also consider the history and fundamental concepts of encryption, current encryption techniques and the social issues that surround the use of such techniques.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded CSI2201, CSI4102, CSI5122

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Discuss the aims of computer security and analyse security breaching attacks in the context of these aims.
2. Explain the history of encryption and the application of current forms of encryption, their role in society and the issues that surround their use.
3. Explainthe range of surveillance techniques and countermeasures.
4. Identify a range of network and Internet related security issues including current types of attacks and appropriate countermeasures.
5. Investigate a range of security issues relating to operating systems and PC systems.
6. Outlineand develop the skills required to stay informed of current security issues as new attacks and countermeasures continue to be reported.

Unit Content

1. Aims of computer security; computer abuse and misuse.
2. Current attacks and vulnerabilities including denial of service attacks.
3. Current cryptographic techniques and technologies.
4. Eavesdropping techniques and countermeasures.
5. Encryption fundamentals, including the history of cryptographic techniques and cryptanalysis.
6. Encryption techniques used for ensuring authenticity, integrity, non-repudiation and copy-protection.
7. Identification, Authentication and Authorisation including passwords, smartcards and biometrics.
8. Internet and E-commerce security issues.
9. Malicious and hostile code including viruses, trojan horses, worms, backdoors, trapdoors and spyware.
10. Network security including firewalls.
11. Operating system security, models of security and security evaluation criteria.
12. PC security including current security tools.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, workshops and sets of self-assessment questions.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

^ Mandatory to Pass

Text References

• ^ Stallings, W., & Brown, L. (2015). Computer Security Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). Essex, CM: Pearson.
• Basta, A., Basta, N., Brown, M. (2014). Computer Security and Penetration Testing (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology.
• Schroeder, S. (2012). The lure. Boston, MA: Course Technology.
• Boyle, R., & Panko, R. (2013). Corporate computer security (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education.
• Brooks, R. (2014). Introduction to computer and network security. Florida: CRC Press.
• Ciampa, M. (2014). Security Awareness: Applying practical security in your world (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology.
• Gollman, D. (2011). Computer Security (3rd ed.). Chichester, England:John Wiley & Sons.
• Easttom, C. (2012). Computer security fundamentals (2nd ed.). Indianapolis: Pearson.

Journal References

• Journal of Network Forensics Note: Reference material in this topic area changes very rapidly and for current issues a constant perusal of material on the Internet is required.
• Computer Security Journal
• Computers and Security
• Journal of Information Warfare

^ Mandatory reference

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