Summary of the course

This course covers core principles of computer security. Topics include : user authentication; access control (discretionary, mandatory, role-based); security auditing; database security; software security, common vulnerabilities, and secure coding practices; malicious software; and operating system security.

Textbooks and printed resources

Computer Security: Principles and Practice (3rd edition), W. Stallings and L.Brown. Pearson, 2015, ISBN 978-0-13-377392-7

Prerequisites

CSC 407

Office Hours

During classes, I will be in my office, CDM 838, as follows:

• M 3:15pm - 4:15pm
• T 11:45am - 12:15pm
• T 1:30pm - 4:30pm

During Finals week, I will be in my office as follows:

• W 9:30am - 11:15am
• W 2:00pm - 2:45pm
• Th 11am - 12:00pm
• Th 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Assignments and Grading

Overview

This is a hands-on course in computer security. There will be five (5) homework assignments, a midterm exam and a final paper in lieu of a final exam.

Sec. 1. Homework Assignments

• The homework exercises are designed to reinforce learning the concepts covered in class. Some involve programming, others involve the use of software tools.
• You should complete these exercises individually in order to maximize your benefit; however, you may discuss the problems with your classmates.
• We will review the assignments during the following class; therefore, all assignments are due by the beginning of the next class.
• Each homework is worth five (5) points. Moreover, I will devise some of the questions for the midterm exam from these assignments.

Sec. 2. Midterm Exam

• The midterm exam will test your knowledge of the material covered by the lectures, readings, and homework assignments up to the date of the exam.
• The exam is worth twenty-five (25) points.

Sec. 3. Final Paper

• The final paper will be written individually and focus on an area of computer security of your choosing.
• The topic must differ significantly from the material presented during the course.
• Although the paper may be based solely on literature research, a paper based on your own research project would also be acceptable.
• The paper must be at least 2500 words in length without any repetition; it should not exceed 3500 words.
• A framework for the structure of the final paper will be posted on D2L.
• The final paper is worth fifty (50) points.

Sec. 4. How Your Grade for the Course Is Calculated

Your final grade for the course is simply the addition of points from the homework assignments, the midterm exam, and the final paper.

I will not curve the course grades; therefore, you must earn at least seventy (70) points in order to pass the course.

Alternative grade procedure for midterm exam: If you have a documented disability, such as a history of extreme test taking anxiety, please see me for accommodation.

Policy on Working Together

Each student is expected to turn in original work for the assignments and final paper. Copying code or other documents from another person is considered a serious violation of the university's academic integrity policy (see below).

Course Schedule

TBD

Attendance

Although attendance is encouraged in order to foster participation, it is not mandatory.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/. If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at: http://cdm.depaul.edu/enrollment.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential. To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at: csd@depaul.edu.
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

School Policies

Policies of the school are explained on the webpage for this course on my.cdm.depaul.edu.