CPSC5127–Introduction to Network SecurityClass Meets: MW 1.30-2.45PM in CCT 407

Instructor(s): Dr. Lydia Ray
Office: CCT 429Office phone: (706) 565-3615
Department phone: (706) 568-2410Department FAX: (706) 565-3529
Office Hours: MT10:00 AM-12:00 PM; W 3-4 PM.; via e-mail, phoneand by appointment
e-mail address:
homepage:/ray

Catalog Description of Course: Prerequisite:CPSC 2108 Data Structures (preferably with a grade of C).

As described in the CSU catalog, this course is a basic introduction to the issues of software security with a focus on raising the students’ awareness of the difficulties of maintaining a secure software environment. The course includes lab work. It reviews traditional security techniques and discusses the vulnerabilities of such methods. The course emphasizes well-written software as a prerequisite to network security and highlights security implications of common programming mistakes.

Required textbook(s)

Title: Computer Security Fundamentals

Author: Chuck Easttom

Publisher: Pearson Education, Prentice Hall

ISBN: 0-13-171129-6

Copyright year: 2006

Recommended textbooks

Title: Information Security Illuminated

Authors: Michael G. Solomon and Mike Chapple

Publisher: Jones and Bartlett

ISBN: 0-7637-2677-X

Copyright year: 2005

Learning objectives

  • Students will learn the traditional security techniques used today.
  • Students will have an understanding of the vulnerabilities of these traditional methods.
  • Students will learn about well-written software as a prerequisite to network security.
  • Students will gain knowledge of email and web security, wireless and IM threats.
  • Students will learn the security implications of common programming mistakes.
  • Students will learn about network security topologies and security baselines.
  • Students will understand intrusion detection concepts and cryptography in relation to security.

Online interface

WebCT will be the primary method of interaction in this course. You may log in at the in-class introduction on the first day of classes, Oct. 16, 2006. Your login name is your lastname_firstname and initial password is your birth date in form ofDDMMYY. If you have used WebCT previously for any of your classes, the old password will still work. If you don’t know what your CSU ID is, go to and click on “What is my CSU ID?” at the bottom. Please explore the online interface and become familiar with the following components: discussion boards, navigation, calendar, email, assignments, more resources and the syllabus. As we move along in the semester, more tools will be added to enrich the learning experience. If you cannot log in to WebCT, please email me with error details.

Assessment criteria

7 assignments (may involve lab work)5 points each / 30 points total (counts for 30%)

2 mid-term exams20 points each / 40 points total (counts for 40%)

1 comprehensive final exam30 points (counts for 30%)

Total points possible100 points maximum / 100%

Grading scale

A: 90-100 % B: 80-89 % C: 70-79 % D: 60-69 %F: below 60 %

Assignments

7 assignments will be given that build upon the concepts covered in the textbook and have to be completed on your own time. Assignment questions usually involve external research outside the textbook and classroom. There may be a mix of conceptual and hands-on activities on assignments. It is recommended that you start the assignment as soon as possible to avoid last-minute glitches. In this course, assignment deadlines typically occur on Mondays (by midnight). Assignment deadlines are not flexible for any reason. Late assignments are not accepted for credit. Assignment submissions are usually via email. The lowest assignment grade out of 7 will be dropped; only the 6 best will be considered.

Online etiquette

CSU is committed to open, frank, and insightful dialogue in all of its courses. Note that the online interface hides cues such as inflection, facial gestures, intonation and body language. Diversity has many manifestations, including diversity of thought, opinion, and values. Students are encouraged to be respectful of that diversity and to refrain from inappropriate commentary. Should such inappropriate comments occur, I will intervene as needed. University disciplinary action may be recommended if deemed appropriate. Students as well as faculty should be guided by common sense and basic etiquette. The following are good guidelines to follow:

  • Never post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that is known to be illegal.
  • Never post harassing, threatening, or embarrassing comments.
  • If you disagree with someone, respond to the subject, not to the person.
  • Never post content that is harmful or abusive; racially, ethnically or religiously offensive; vulgar, sexually explicit or otherwise potentially offensive to readers.

Exams

2 mid-term exams and 1 comprehensive final exam are planned. You will be given advance notice of these exams. Multiple choice, true/false, fill in the blanks, short answer and programming questions may appear on these exams. All exams are expected to be your own work. If you miss an exam, no make up will be allowed. Exams will be given in class and are closed book, closed notes. Exams may also be given in lab.

Extra credit

Although 7 assignments are scheduled, only the best 6 grades will be counted for credit. There are no other extra credit opportunities anticipated for this course.

Tentative weekly schedule

Week # / Description of topics / Work due
1
(10/19-22) / Familiarization with WebCT; Chapter 1 / Start Assignment 1 (Asn1)
2
(10/24-29) / Chapter 2 / Complete and submit Asn1
3
(10/30-5) / Chapter 3; 1st mid-term = Nov. 2 (Ch. 1-3) / Submit Asn2
4
(11/7-12) / Chapter 4 / Submit Asn3
5
(11/14-19) / Chapter 5 / Submit Asn4
6
(11/21-22) / 2nd mid-term = Nov. 21 (Ch. 4-5) / Submit Asn5
7
(11/28-12/3) / Chapter 6 / Submit Asn6
8
(12/5-10) / Chapter 7, Chapter 8 / Submit Asn7
9
(12/12) / Final exam = 12/12/05 (comprehensive) / Course ends 12/12/05

Instructor responsibilities

As an instructor of this course, I am responsible for:

  • posting lecture notes online in a timely manner
  • responding to student concerns via email or on discussion boards in a timely manner (within 24 hours usually if I am in town)
  • actively participating in online activities and monitoring the course
  • logging in to WebCT at least twice daily to study new developments
  • posting assignments and important announcements in a timely fashion

Student responsibilities

As a student in this course, you are responsible for:

  • managing your time and maintaining the discipline required to meet course requirements
  • covering all readings, online and offline, in a timely manner
  • actively participating in online activities and adhering to course deadlines
  • reading any e-mail sent by me and responding promptly
  • logging in to WebCT at least once daily to study new developments

“I didn’t know” or “I didn’t look on website” is not an acceptable excuse for failing to meet the course requirements. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, you do so at your own risk.

Software required

1. Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher, with the ability to administer your own machine.

2. Microsoft Office 2000 or higher, or equivalent (e.g. OpenOffice on Linux)

3. Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, or equivalent browser

4. Other software as needed for assignments and exams

Class Attendance: Class attendance is the responsibility of the student, and it is the student's responsibility to independently cover any materials missed. Class attendance and participation may also be used in determining grades. It is your responsibility to sign a roll sheet for every class meeting. At my discretion, I may drop you from the course for more than 6 absences. Missing an exam or quizis considered an absence. Missed classes caused by participation in documented, formal, University-sponsored events will not count as absences provided you notify me of such anticipated absences in advance and as soon as possible.

You are responsible for all class work missed, regardless of the reason for the absence(s). Late assignments will not be accepted, so if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to make alternate arrangements. No makeup exams or quizzes will be given, so please make sure you are present for all exams/quizzes. Refer to the CSU Catalog ( Policy) for more information on class attendance and withdrawal.

Academic dishonesty
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, activities such as cheating and plagiarism. It is a basis for disciplinary action. Collaboration is not permitted on assignments or exams/quizzes in this course. Any work turned in for individual credit must be entirely the work of the student submitting the work. All work must be your own. You may share ideas but submitting identical assignments (for example) will be considered cheating. You may discuss the material in the course and help one another with debugging, however, I expect any work you hand in for a grade to be your own. . A simple way to avoid inadvertent plagiarism is to talk about the assignments, but don't read each other's work or write solutions together. Keep scratch paper and old versions of assignments until after the assignment has been graded and returned to you. If you have any questions about this, please see me immediately.
For assignments, access to notes, textbook, books and other publications is allowed. Stealing, giving or receiving any code, diagrams, drawings, text or designs from another person (CSU or non-CSU) is not allowed. Having access to another person’s work on the system or giving access to your work to another person is not allowed. It is your responsibility to keep your work confidential.
No cheating in any form will be tolerated. The penalty for the first occurrence of academic dishonesty is a zero grade on the assignment or exam/quiz; the penalty for the second occurrence is a failing grade for the course. For exams/quizzes, access to any type of written material or discussion of any kind (except with me) is not allowed. ( Dishonesty/Academic Misconduct)
Getting help
Student assistants in the ComputerCenter can help you with basic computer-related problems such as logging on to the network, saving your work, etc., but they are not obligated to help you with your assignments. There are several tutors at the Department of Computer Science who can help you with the assignments. Their schedule is posted in the Computer Science department. You can always contact me during my posted office hours, by e-mail, or by appointment.

CSU ADA statement
If you have a documented disability as described by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 933-112 Section 504) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and would like to request academic and/or physical accommodations please contact Joy Norman at the Office of Disability Services in the Center for Academic Support and Student Retention, Tucker Hall (706) 568-2330, as soon as possible. Course requirements will not be waived but reasonable accommodations may be provided as appropriate.

Please return the following information to me as soon as possible.

CPSC 5127Fall 2006

Student’s name: ______(please print)

Where can I reach you in case it becomes necessary? **

Email address that you use regularly: ______

Phone number(s): ______

Declaration: I have read, understood and agree to abide by the policies mentioned in the syllabus pertaining to the course. In particular, I agree to abide by the assignment policy/late work policy, attendance policy,academic dishonesty policy, website policy and exam policy.

(You must sign and date below).

Signature: ______Date: ______

** Optional information