CS915 Advanced Computer Security
CS915-15 Advanced Computer Security
Introductory description
The module aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in computer security from a system wide perspective, including language-based security, operating system security and network security, and to provide an enhanced and detailed understanding of selected advanced topics of current importance, such as quantum cryptography, proof-carrying code, etc.
Module aims
The module aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in computer security from a system wide perspective, including language-based security, operating system security and network security, and to provide an enhanced and detailed understanding of selected advanced topics of current importance, such as quantum cryptography, proof-carrying code, etc.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Threats and Security policy models.
Security automata, edit automata
Network security: Firewall design.
Distributed system security.
Fair exchange.
Bitcoin.
Source location privacy.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand the various security concepts such as confidentiality, privacy etc.
- Understand various security models.
- Understand the notion of security policy enforcement and classes of policies that runtime enforceable.
- Understand notions of security in E-commerce.
- Understand source location privacy in wireless sensor networks.
- Understand the technologies and techniques that support bitcoin.
- Understand the workings of firewalls.
- Understand security in distributed systems.
Indicative reading list
Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
CIA, threat modelling, authentication, security models, access control, symmetric cryptography, asymmetric cryptography, software security, web security, OS security, hardware security
Transferable skills
Able to critically analyze security systems identifying flaws, and able to build secure systems theoretically and practically
Study time
Type | Required |
---|---|
Lectures | 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%) |
Practical classes | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
Private study | 116 hours (77%) |
Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Background reading, secure programming practice, revision
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D5
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
Written report | 30% | No | |
Written report. Roughly 2000 words, 6 page hard limit. This assignment is worth more than 3 CATS and is not, therefore, eligible for self-certification. |
|||
In-person Examination | 70% | No | |
CS915 exam
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Assessment group R2
Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
---|---|---|---|
In-person Examination - Resit | 100% | No | |
CS915 resit exam
|
Feedback on assessment
Individual written feedback on each assignment
Courses
This module is Optional for:
-
TCSA-G5PD Postgraduate Taught Computer Science
- Year 1 of G5PD Computer Science
- Year 1 of G5PD Computer Science
- Year 1 of TCSA-G5PA Postgraduate Taught Data Analytics
This module is Core option list C for:
- Year 1 of TPSS-C803 Postgraduate Taught Behavioural and Data Science