Module: Computer Security

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Computer Security
Module Code	CA6002I (ITS) / CSC1163 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Irina Tal
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

This module will give the students a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of computer security. It will cover the basic components of computer security, It will examine different threat vectors, and the policies and mechanisms that address these threat vectors. The module will investigate trust, and its various meanings in the context of computer security. The module will address security assurance and security-by-design.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate the basic components of security; confidentiality, integrity and availability
2. Compare the different access control mechanisms.
3. Compare and critically evaluate the various security policies; confidentiality, integrity and hybrid policies.
4. Examine different standards and approaches to control policies and control mechanisms
5. Examine the various authentication models and mechanisms.
6. Identify and understand assurance and security-by-design in the context of computer security.
7. Examine vulnerability analysis and intrusion detection.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Online activity	36	Lectures
Assignment Completion	24	No Description
Independent Study	120	No Description
Total Workload: 180

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Basic components of Computer Security
Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. Trust. Assumptions. Foundational Results

Access Control
Types of Access Control policies. Policy languages.

Security Policies
Confidentiality, Integrity and Hybrid policies such as Bell-LaPauda, Biba, Clarke-Wilson, Chinese Walls, Role-Based Access Control.

Security Standards
Various standards used in security (e.g. ISO 29100 family), control policies and control mechanisms, assurance, security-by-design.

Vulnerability Analysis
Penetration testing. Vulnerability classifications.

Intrusion Detection
Principles. Models (Anomaly, Misuse, Specification). Architectures for intrusion detection.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	40%	Examination Weight	60%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	The assessment will involve various tasks such as the analysis of a Computer System in terms of threats and appropriate policies and mechanisms to address these threats; code analysis from the perspective of applying secure coding standards, vulnerability analysis.	40%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Matt Bishop: 2019, Computer Security: Art and Science, 2nd, 978-032171233

Other Resources

None