This course serves as an introduction to the core principles and practices of computer
security. It covers essential concepts such as threat identification, risk assessment,
cryptography basics, network security, and access control. Through lectures, hands-on
exercises, and case studies, students will gain foundational knowledge to understand,
analyze, and mitigate security risks in computer systems and networks.
Course Objectives
1. Introduction to Cyber Security: Understand the importance of computer security in
safeguarding digital assets.
2. Identify common threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
3. Learn fundamental principles of cryptography and its role in securing data.
4. Explore basic network security concepts and techniques.
5. Understand the principles of access control and its implementation in computer
systems.
6. Develop critical thinking skills to analyze and address security challenges effectively.
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Computer Security
Overview of computer security principles and objectives
Importance of computer security in modern computing environments
Legal and ethical considerations in computer security
Module 2: Threats and Vulnerabilities
Common types of threats (e.g., malware, phishing, social engineering)
Vulnerability assessment and risk management
Case studies of security breaches and their impact
Module 3: Cryptography Basics
Introduction to cryptography and encryption techniques
Symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms
Digital signatures and hash functions
Module 4: Network Security Fundamentals
Basics of network security architecture
Firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and VPNs
Secure communication protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS)
Module 5: Access Control Principles
Access control models (e.g., discretionary access control, mandatory access
control)
User authentication methods (e.g., passwords, biometrics)
Role-based access control (RBAC) and access control lists (ACLs)
Module 6: Security Policies and Procedures
Development and implementation of security policies
Incident response and disaster recovery planning
Compliance with regulations and standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA)
Module 7: Secure Software Development
Basics of secure software development practices
Common software vulnerabilities and secure coding techniques
Introduction to secure development lifecycle (SDL)
Module 8: Emerging Trends in Computer Security
Overview of current trends and challenges in computer security
Security implications of emerging technologies (e.g., IoT, cloud computing)
Ethical considerations in cybersecurity research and practice
Module 9: Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Introduction to ethical hacking concepts and methodologies
Penetration testing techniques and tools
Reporting and remediation of security vulnerabilities
Module 10: Final Project
Capstone project to apply course concepts in a real-world scenario
Students will propose and develop a security solution for a given case study
Presentation of project findings and recommendations
Assessment:
Quizzes, exams, and assignments to assess understanding of course material
Participation in class discussions, labs, and group activities
Evaluation of the final project and presentation
