Network and Computer Security - 2019 entry

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-requisite ECM1417

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.

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.

Security Fundamentals and Access Control:

  - Integrity, Reliability, Availability;

  - Authentication & Identification;

  - Access Control Models.

Introduction into Cryptography:

  - Symmetric and asymmetric encryption;

  - Attacking enryption*;

  - 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.

Students may be referred/deferred in the written exam, the coursework, or both, depending on their performance in the original assessment or the reasons for referral/deferral.

Basic reading:

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

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module: