MPCS 56511 Introduction to Computer Security (Autumn 2022)

Section	1
Instructor(s)	Rossell, Shelley (shelley)
Location	None
Meeting Times
Fulfills	Core Systems Elective

Syllabus

*Please note: This is the syllabus from the 2021/22 academic year and subject to change.*

Description

This course introduces security principles and practices across a range of fundamental Security domains. It will emphasize both offense (attacker mindset) and defense (technical and non-technical controls).

Topics

Threat Landscape
Encryption
Authentication and access control
Endpoint security
Network security
Web and application security
Risk management
Monitoring and Incident response

Coursework

Homework assignments, including required readings from free online resources
Labs
Quizzes
Final project

Learning objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students should:

Understand common threats and protections for endpoints, networks, and web applications
Demonstrate knowledge of encryption, authentication and access controls, policies, frameworks, risk, monitoring, and incident response
Have hands-on exposure to tools attackers and defenders use
Understand basic threats, protections, and tradeoffs
Learn how to have a security mindset

Course Prerequisites

MPCS 54001: Networks (recommended, but not required)

Other Prerequisites

Familiarity with Linux command line
Familiarity with TCP/IP and network routing recommended

Overlapping Classes

This class is scheduled at a time that does not conflict with any other classes this quarter.

Eligible Programs

Masters Program in Computer Science MS in Computational Analysis in Public Policy (Year 2) MA in Computational Social Science (Year 1) MA in Computational Social Science (Year 2) Bx/MS in Computer Science (Option 1: Research-Oriented) Bx/MS in Computer Science (Option 2: Professionally-oriented - CS Majors) Bx/MS in Computer Science (Option 3: Profesionally-oriented - Non-CS Majors) MS in Molecular Engineering