Study information

Network and Computer Security - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLENetwork and Computer Security CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM2426 MODULE CONVENERProf Achim D. Brucker (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 150
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Network and computer security is now widely recognized as a vital aspect in the design, development, and implementation of today’s computer systems. Billions have been spent on strengthening the security of computer systems to defend against hacking, malicious code, data theft, denial-of-service attacks, etc. This module will provide a solid understanding of the main issues related to security in modern computer systems and networks. You will learn the foundations of computer security, techniques to secure complex systems, and gain practical skills in assessing the threats to the security of networked computer systems.
 
Pre-requisites:
  • ECM1400 OR ECM1417 (Understanding a programming language (e.g., Python) and web technologies (e.g., HTML/JavaScript, HTTP, SQL), e.g., as taught in ECM1400 or ECM1417)
  • ECM1415/ECM1416 OR MTH1001/2 (Algebra, Logic, and basic probability theory, e.g., as taught in ECM1415 and ECM1416 or MTH1001/2)
 
If you obtained the required knowledge using an alternative pathway, please contact the module for waiving the required module.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to create awareness of the need for security and introduce security mechanisms in modern computer systems. We will explore topics such as fundamentals of computer security, technology and principles of network security, cryptography, authentication and digital signatures, access control mechanisms and software security. The module gives you practical hands-on experience of testing security applications, applying security methods, and protecting networked systems.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:


Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the concepts, issues, and theories of cryptography and security;

2. Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of security technologies, tools, and services;

3. Gain practical experience of developing solutions to networks and computer security challenges.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

4. Show an awareness of the need for network and computer security;

5. Demonstrate good design and development skills.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

6. Demonstrate practical knowledge of current security methods and tools.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Security Fundamentals and Access Control:
- Integrity, reliability, availability;
- Authentication & identification;
- Access control models.
 
Introduction into Cryptography:
- Symmetric and asymmetric encryption;
- Attacking encryption;
- Signatures.
 
Security Protocols:
- Authentic and secure communication;
- Formal modelling of security protocols;
- Formal analysis of security protocols.
 
Software Security:
- Software vulnerabilities;
- Secure software development;
- Security testing.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 72 Guided Independent Study 78 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & Teaching activities 22 Lectures
Scheduled learning & Teaching activities 50 Workshops/tutorials
Guided independent study 50 Individual assessed work
Guided independent study 28 Guided Independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Laboratory exercises 10 x 15 minutes All  Oral

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam 70 90 min Winter Examination 1,2,4,5 Oral on request
Coursework 30 50 hours 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Written exam - closed book Written exam- closed book (90 mins) All August Ref/Def Period
Coursework Coureswork All Augus Ref/Def Period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set R.J. Anderson Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems 1st John Wiley 2001 0471389226
Set Bishop, Matt Computer Security: Art and Science 2nd Addison Wesley 2018 978-0321712332
Set B. Chess and J. West Secure Programming with Static Analysis 1st Addison Wesley 2007
Set N. Daswani, C. Kern and A. Kesavan Foundations of Security: What Every Programmer Needs to Know Apress 2007
Set Michael T. Goodrich and Roberto Tamassia Introduction to Computer Security Addison Wesley 2011 0-32-151294-4
Set A.J.Menezes, S.A. Vanstone and P.C.V. Oorschot Handbook of Applied Cryptography 5th CRC Press 2001 0849385237
Set Pfleeger, C. P., Pfleeger, S. L., Margulies, J Security in Computing 5th Prentice Hall 2015 978-0-13-408504-3
Set D. Stuttard and M. Pinto The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Finding and Exploiting Security Flaws O'Reilly 2011
Set John R. Vacca Computer and Information Security Handbook 2nd 2013
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM1400, ECM1417, ECM1415, ECM1416, MTH1001, MTH1002
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 8th February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Network, computer security, confidentiality, cryptography

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.