Program Overview

Course Description

The course SENG2250 - System and Network Security is concerned with the protection of information in computing systems and networks. It addresses concepts and techniques for securing distributed applications, which are becoming increasingly significant as organisations and users rely on networked applications for critical business decisions.

Course Content

The course covers the following topics:

• Course overview
• Cryptographic techniques
• Key management and distribution
• User authentication
• Access control
• Operating system security
• Distributed system security
• Network security
• Application security

Enrolment Requirements

The assumed knowledge for this course includes:

• A basic understanding of the structure and function of operating systems
• A basic understanding of computer networks and network protocols
• Discrete math (number theory)
• Programming skills (Java or Python or C++)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identify key security requirements and trends in a distributed networked computing environment
2. Describe security threats and apply security functionalities to counteract security threats
3. Apply security techniques and mechanisms to develop secure systems and protocols
4. Utilise analytical skills to evaluate security protocols and mechanisms
5. Evaluate authentication and access control security functionalities in distributed systems and networks

Availability

The course is available in Semester 2.

Contact Hours

The course includes:

• Laboratory sessions: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks, starting from week 2, delivered face-to-face on campus
• Lecture sessions: 2 hours per week for 13 weeks, starting from week 1, delivered face-to-face on campus

Assessments

The assessments for this course include:

• Assignment 1 - Security Fundamentals: a written assignment worth 10%, completed individually
• Assignment 2 - Authentication and System Security: a written assignment worth 15%, completed individually
• Assignment 3 - Network Security and Secure Coding: a written assignment worth 25%, completed individually
• Formal Examination: an online open book formal examination worth 50%, completed individually, with a compulsory requirement to obtain at least 40% to pass the course

Additional Information

This course is available as an elective.

Course Details

• Study level: Undergraduate
• Course level: 2000-level
• Units: 10
• College: College of Engineering Science and Environment
• School: School of Information and Physical Sciences