Computer Security Syllabus
Version: 20201010
Module description
With the increasing value of data stored on computer systems and the prevalence of viruses,
malware and hacking, computer security has become a crucial part of the work of computer
scientists. With an understanding of the modern security landscape, you will be able to write
better, more secure software. The module will prepare you to think about security issues in
your further studies and professional work.
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the need for computer security and
the technologies that support it. It has both a theoretical component that will teach you
mathematical underpinnings of security systems and a practical element that will help you
discover the pitfalls of security design and to comprehend the mathematics underlying the
protocols by working on small examples.
The module consists of the following topcis:
1. Introduction to computer security and malware
2. Network security
3. Operating system security
4. Understanding cryptography
5. RSA public-key cryptography
6. Cryptographic protocols and key management
7. Blockchain protocols, part 1
8. Blockchain protocols, part 2
9. Security models
10. Social Issues in Computer Security
Module goals and objectives
The learning objectives for this module are:
1. Understanding the several ways in which computer systems can be attacked and how
defences can be implemented
2. Understanding the role that cryptography plays within the broader subject of computer
security and how it is used in blockchain technology
3. Understanding how to Implement simple cryptographic algorithms
4. Assessing the security needs given a particular situation
5. Designing and breaking the security systems
6. Analysing case studies and problems for given situations
Textbook and Readings
This module makes use of a wide range of reading material which you will encouter as you work
through the course. The material is available via the online library and it includes journal and
magazine articles as well as some textbook references. There will also be discussion prompts
asking you to do some independent research using online sources.
Module outline
The module consists of 10 topics, each of which spans two weeks.
Week 1
Introduction to computer security and malware
Topic 1 Introduction to computer
security and malware Week 2
Malware analysis
Topic 2 Network security Week 3
Network security - DoS attacks and botnets
Week 4
Network security - defence with firewalls and
intrusion detection systems
Topic 3 Operating system security Week 5
Operating system security - filesystems and
windows
Week 6
Operating system security - GNU/Linux, Android
and containerisation
Topic 4 Understanding cryptography Week 7
Understanding Cryptography - history, asymmetric
and asymmetric
Week 8
Understanding cryptography - transposition and
substitution
Topic 5 RSA public-key cryptography Week 9
RSA public-key cryptography - primes, Phi and
security
Week 10
RSA public-key cryptography - proof that RSA
works
Week 11
Topic 6 Cryptographic protocols and Cryptographic protocols and key management,
key management
part 1
Week 12
Cryptographic protocols and key management,
part 2
Week 13
Topic 7 Blockchain protocols, part 1 Blockchain protocols, part 1
Week 14
Blockchain protocols, part 2
Week 15
Topic 8 Blockchain protocols, part 2 Blockchain protocols, part 3
Week 16
Blockchain protocols, part 4
Week 17
Topic 9 Security models Security models, part 1
Week 18
Security models, part 2
Week 19
Topic 10 Social Issues in Computer Social Issues in Computer Security, part 1
Security
Week 20
Social Issues in Computer Security, part 2
Activities of this module
The module is comprised of the following elements:
Lecture videos. In each topic, you will find a sequence of videos.
Readings. Each topic may include several suggested readings. These are a core part of
your learning, and, together with the videos, will cover all of the concepts you need for
this module.
Practice Quizzes. Each topic will include practice quizzes, intended for you to assess your
understanding of the topics. You will be allowed unlimited attempts at each practice
quiz. There is no time limit on how long you take to complete each attempt at the quiz.
These quizzes do not contribute toward your final score in the class.
Discussion Prompts. Each topic includes discussion prompts. You will see the discussion
prompt alongside other items in the lesson. Each prompt provides a space for you to
respond. After responding, you can see and comment on your peers' responses. All
prompts and responses are also accessible from the general discussion forum and the
module discussion forum.
How to pass this module
The module has two major assessments each worth 50% of your grade:
● Assessed coursework. There is one assessed coursework, in the middle of the module.
This involves some written research work and some cryptography work.
● Unseen examination.
Activity Required? Deadline Estimated time % of final
week per course grade
Midterm Yes 1-10 25 hours 50%
coursework
End of term Yes 22 25 hours 50%
examination
