Computer Security (U03025)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 9 ? Acronym : INF-3-CS

Computer Security is concerned with the protection of computer systems and their data from threats which may compromise integrity, availability, or confidentiality; the focus is on threats of a malicious nature rather than accidental. This course aims to give a broad understanding of computer security. Topics range from security risks, attacks, prevention and defence, through some current technology solutions, and down to formal approaches to validating security protocols and the mathematical principles underlying cryptography and cryptographic algorithms.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Successful completion of Year 2 of an Informatics Single or Combined Degree, or equivalent by permission of the School. For some parts of the course, good mathematical ability and basic understanding of logic (predicate calculus) are highly desirable. An ability to program in Java may be assumed for practical exercises.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Parallel and Distributed Computing, (School of Informatics, Schedule O)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
08/01/2007	12:10	13:00	Lecture Theatre G10, Darwin Building + Outhouses	KB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	KB
Lecture	Thursday	12:10	13:00	KB

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

After taking the course, a student ought to:
- Recognise the security threats against computer systems, and have at least a high-level idea of the ways to address them.
- Apply techniques and design principles underlying security solutions, including aspects of cryptography and security protocols.
- Be able to analyse simple security protocols using a formal method.
- Be able to use the World Wide Web to research the latest security alerts and information.