Overview
As the Internet becomes more pervasive, so do the threats to the security of our computer systems and communications. This unit provides you with grounding in security technology. You will study common network security attacks, then the technologies to defend against those attacks. These technologies include cryptography, access control, authentication, firewalls, and wireless network protocols. This unit provides security knowledge that is required for industry standard certification exams, such as CompTIA.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: COIT12206 OR COIT13147
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation and students' informal feedback.
Students appreciated the quality of the unit and the material/topic covered in this unit.
Keep the same topic and maintain the quality of the unit.
Feedback from Student evaluation and students' informal feedback.
Students appreciated the assessment tasks especially the Assessment two - Report.
Keep the current assessment structure.
Feedback from Student evaluation.
The tutorials could include more hands-on exercises reducing some of the theoretical questions.
Include more hands-on exercises in the next offering.
- Describe key security concepts and principles
- Discuss how common security attacks and defences work
- Explain the role of cryptographic mechanisms in providing computer and network security
- Apply access control technologies, including firewalls and authentication, to secure computer networks
- Explain threats and defences that are specific to wireless networks.
Australian Computer Society (ACS) recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is in use in over 100 countries and provides a widely used and consistent definition of ICT skills. SFIA is increasingly being used when developing job descriptions and role profiles.
ACS members can use the tool MySFIA to build a skills profile at https://www.acs.org.au/professionalrecognition/mysfia-b2c.html
This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA. The SFIA code is included:
- Information Security (SCTY)
- Penetration Testing (PENT)
- Network Support (NTAS)
- Security Administration (SCAD)
- Problem Management (PBMG)
- Data Analysis (DTAN)
- System Design (DESN)
- Incident Management (USUP)
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 45% | |||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 45% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
CompTIA security+ guide to network security fundamentals
Edition: 6th (2017)
Authors: Ciampa, M
Cengage
Boston Boston , Massachusetts , USA
ISBN: 978-1-337-28878-1
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Both paper and eBook versions can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- VirtualBox - A Virtualization Software Package
- Wireshark - Network Protocol Analyser
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
y.lin@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Security
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Threats
Chapter
Chapter 2 & 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Hash Algorithms and Symmetric Cryptographic Algorithms
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Asymmetric Cryptographic Algorithms (Digital Signature and Certificate)
Chapter
Chapter 3 & 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Public Key Infrastructure and Cryptographic Transport Protocols
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 1 Due: Week 5 Friday (13 Aug 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Network Security Devices, Design, and Technology
Chapter
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Administering a Secure Network
Chapter
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Access Management
Chapter
Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Identity Management
Chapter
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Wireless Network Security
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Mobile and Embedded Device Security
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 2 Due: Week 11 Friday (1 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Summary of the Unit.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
For any queries, please contact the unit coordinator: Dr Yufeng Lin (Email: y.lin@cqu.edu.au).
1 Online Quiz(zes)
There will be two online quizzes (Quiz 1 and Quiz 2).
The quizzes will consist of a series of True/False, Multiple Choice, and Analytical questions. Questions will be randomly selected from a pool of questions on topics from weeks 1 to 4 for Quiz 1 and from weeks 5 to 10 for Quiz 2.
You are unlikely to be asked the same questions as other students, nor the same questions in subsequent attempts at the quiz.
The time limit for each attempt is 1 hour. The quiz automatically closes - if you have not submitted an attempt at the quiz by the due date, you will receive zero.
You are allowed to attempt the quizzes multiple times and the result of your last submission will be your final marks of the quiz. Details will be provided on the Moodle unit website.
2
Quiz 1 is due on Friday in week 5 and Quiz 2 is due on Friday in week 11. See Moodle website for more details.
Quiz marks and answers will be released immediately after the deadline of each quiz.
The quizzes are automatically graded by the system based on the selection of correct or incorrect answers.
Each attempt will be marked after you submit your answers.
The result of your last submission will be your final marks of the quiz.
Late submissions will not be accepted for the quizzes. If you are not able to complete a quiz before its deadline, you will receive zero marks. You should ensure that you complete the quizzes ahead of the due date and time to avoid last-minute problems with technology preventing them from completing the Quizzes on time.
- Describe key security concepts and principles
- Discuss how common security attacks and defences work
- Explain the role of cryptographic mechanisms in providing computer and network security
- Apply access control technologies, including firewalls and authentication, to secure computer networks
- Explain threats and defences that are specific to wireless networks.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Competence
2 Written Assessment
This assessment (Short-Answer Questions) is designed to test students’ understanding of information security including the basic concepts of information security, threats, cryptography, public key infrastructure, and cryptographic transport protocols. The assessment task contains a series of short-answer questions related to the contents in weeks 1-5. Further details, including what you are required to submit, will be available on the Moodle unit website.
Week 6 Friday (27 Aug 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (10 Sept 2021)
Assessments will be returned through Moodle. Late submissions with or without extension approvals may be returned after the above date.
For short-answer questions, the answers will be assessed in regard to accuracy, clarity, and details.
Detailed marking criteria will be provided on Moodle. Assignments received 14 days or more after the due date will not be marked and will receive zero.
- Describe key security concepts and principles
- Discuss how common security attacks and defences work
- Explain the role of cryptographic mechanisms in providing computer and network security
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
3 Written Assessment
This is an individual assessment. In this assessment task, you will analyse a scenario given in this assessment item, develop and produce a written report on the given tasks. You are required to present a topic about network security in the provided scenario. This assessment includes two parts as follows:
Part A: You will draft a report for the provided scenario with the given tasks. The written report is due on Friday, week 12.
Part B: There will be a presentation on a topic about network security you are interested in. Presentation slides and a recorded video of the presentation are due on Friday, week 12.
Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
This is an individual submission. All Students need to upload their report, presentation slides with the link of the recorded presentation on Moodle.
Report results with the feedbacks will be returned on the Certification of Grades.
You will be assessed on your ability to analyse the given scenario and provide answers/solutions to the questions related to the case scenario.
For more details, including marking criteria, please refer to the assessment specification which can be found on the Moodle unit website.
Assignments received 14 days or more after the due date will not be marked and will receive zero.
- Apply access control technologies, including firewalls and authentication, to secure computer networks
- Explain threats and defences that are specific to wireless networks.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
