Program Overview

Introduction to Usable Security and Privacy (CS60081)

The Usable Security and Privacy course focuses on designing secure and private systems with a user-centric approach. It combines concepts from computer systems, human-computer interaction (HCI), and secure/private system design. The course introduces core security and privacy technologies, as well as HCI techniques for conducting robust user studies.

Course Description

All secure and privacy-preserving systems are ultimately used by humans, who might or might not understand the intended usage of these systems. The course will cover topics like passwords, definitions of privacy, usable encryption, authentication, privacy of archival data, usability of crypto libraries, and privacy notices.

Instructor

• Mainack Mondal

Teaching Assistants

• Srishty Gandhi
• Hardik Pravin Soni

Course Information

Credit (L-T-P)

• 3-0-0

Background Knowledge

The course assumes some familiarity with basic computer science/mathematics concepts, including:

• Probability and statistics
• Computer Networks and Operating systems basics
• Basics of security (symmetric/asymmetric encryption/decryption, hashing, access control lists)
• Computer programming (preferably in Python)

Lectures

Scheduled lecture timings are:

• Wednesday: 11:00 am - 11:55 am
• Thursday: 12:00 pm - 12:55 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Textbook

No specific books are required. However, publicly available research papers/book excerpts will be posted for reading and quizzes/viva.

Coursework

The coursework consists of three tests and a project (in groups of 2-3). Submissions will be through CSE Moodle.

Communication

The course schedule will be updated regularly. Microsoft Teams will be used for general discussion and questions about course material.

Course Evaluation Components

Mid and End Sem

• 60% of the final grade will be based on mid/end semester examinations.

Term Project + Assignment

• 40% of the final grade will be based on a term project and assignment.
• Students will work on course projects in small groups.
• The project involves several steps, including:
  • Creating a group and picking a project topic
  • Meeting with the instructor and TAs to develop the project idea
  • Submitting a report specifying research questions, hypotheses, study design, and more
  • Designing questionnaires, scripts, scenarios, and interview protocols
  • Developing prototypes and software necessary for the user study
  • Submitting an ethics committee approval application
  • Conducting a study with at least 5 participants
  • Giving a final presentation and submitting a final report

Honor Code

Collaboration on assignments is prohibited. Each student must write out their own solutions to problem sets. Consulting another student's solution or submitting solutions copied from any source constitutes cheating.

Grading

The course grade will be calculated as follows:

• Mid/end semester examination: 60%
• Term project + One assignment: 40%

Wellness

If a personal emergency arises that might impact work in the class, students should inform the instructors via a private chat message so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Copyright Policy

All teaching materials in this class are copyrighted. Reproduction, redistribution, and other rights solely belong to the instructor. Violating this copyright policy will be considered an academic integrity violation.