Overview
In this unit, you will learn how to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information and network services in business organisations. You will study the fundamental cryptographic techniques that many of the security mechanisms are built upon. You will also study network security attacks, including malware, denial of service, and application vulnerabilities, and the corresponding countermeasures. Through computer laboratory activities, you will gain hands-on experience in analysing attacks and deploying defences, including securing web applications, establishing access control mechanisms, and applying encryption in wired and wireless networks.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisite: COIT20261 Network Routing and Switching
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 - 2019
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 Postgraduate 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 evaluations and Moodle forum posts by students
Some of the tutorial tasks are hard to follow, as they rely on tools not seen before (e.g. Linux commands) and/or assumed networking knowledge.
While the written instructions are detailed, they can be quite long. Consider providing short additional video demonstrations to introduce the new tools and review the assumed knowledge.
Feedback from Staff feedback, analysis by unit coordinator
Online quizzes may not be encouraging continuous study or accurately reflecting student performance.
Include in-class quizzes, which should encourage students to prepare and attend tutorials, as well as provide accurate assessment of their own knowledge.
- Explain vulnerabilities and attacks, as well as their countermeasures
- Use and compare cryptographic techniques for securing computers and networks
- Design security controls for organisations, such as firewalls, authentication, and access control
- Develop and deploy network security technologies, including encryption software, VPNs and wireless security
- Assess emerging threats and security controls.
- Information Security (SCTY)
- Security Administration (SCAD)
- Information Assurance (INAS)
- Technical Specialism (TECH)
- Consultancy (CNSL)
- IT Governance (GOVN)
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 15% | |||||
3 - Written Assessment - 45% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Knowledge | |||||
2 - Communication | |||||
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
4 - Research | |||||
5 - Self-management | |||||
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
7 - Leadership | |||||
8 - 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 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||
2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 15% | ||||||||
3 - Written Assessment - 45% |
Textbooks
Computer Security: Principles and Practice, Global Edition
Edition: 4th (2018)
Authors: William Stallings and Lawrie Brown
Pearson
ISBN: 9781292220635
Binding: eBook
Additional Textbook Information
You can buy a perpetual license of the ebook for this textbook from the publisher Pearson: https://pearson.com.au/9781292220635
Or for a slightly cheaper price you can rent a the ebook for 180 days: https://pearson.com.au/9781488665066
Also, paper copies ares still available from the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- VirtualBox
- WinSCP or FileZilla
- Wireshark
- Microsoft Windows on CQU Lab computer and/or personal computer
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.d.gordon@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Network Security
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Malware and Network Attacks
Chapter
Chapters 1 and 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Cryptography
Chapter
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Introduction to Firewalls
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Firewalls and Proxies
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Authentication
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Access Control
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Internet Security
Chapter
Chapter 22
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Virtual Private Networks
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Wireless Network Security
Chapter
Chapter 24
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Review and Assignment Completion
Chapter
-
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
You will undertake five (5) quizzes on Moodle throughout the term: three (3) of the quizzes must be taken in your assigned tutorial class, while two (2) of the quizzes you may take in your own time (within limits - see below). Each quiz will cover lecture and tutorial topics from the weeks leading up to that quiz. Each quiz will consist of multiple choice questions, short answer
questions and/or calculations. There will be multiple independent
questions in each quiz. All quizzes are individual assessment.
Each quiz will be time limited, typically allowing you between 15 and 30 minutes to complete the quiz. Quiz time limits, topics, number of attempts allowed and open/close times can be found on Moodle. Read on for more details about in-class and out-of-class quizzes.
In-class quizzes
The three (3) in-class quizzes must be taken in your assigned tutorial class. The quiz will open shortly after the start of your tutorial class, and will close after the time limit has been reached. You will be allowed only a single attempt at the in-class quiz, with the score for that attempt counting towards your grade.
In-class quizzes will be held during the tutorials in weeks: 3, 7 and 10. In-class quizzes will be supervised. While they will be open book, you are not allowed to communicate with anyone (including other students or people online) while the quiz is open.
You will not be allowed to take an in-class quiz at any time outside of your assigned tutorial, unless an Assessment Extension Request is approved. The quiz will close at the same time for all students in your tutorial. If you arrive late for the tutorial, you will not be granted extra time. Changes to in-class quiz times can only be granted with approval by the Unit Coordinator.
For students studying via distance (online), the Unit Coordinator will
negotiate with you a time at which you can undertake a supervised quiz
via Zoom screen sharing. Distance (online) students will therefore need access to a webcam, speakers and microphone (e.g. headset).
All students will have the opportunity to take an ungraded practice quiz at least two (2) days before their allocated in-class quiz. The practice quiz will have questions similar to the in-class quiz, although it may be of a different length and have a different number of questions. The practice quiz will give you an indicator of the styles of questions and topics to be expected in the in-class quiz. The practice quiz is ungraded - it does not count towards your grade.
Out-of-class quizzes
The two (2) out-of-class quizzes may be taken between the open and close time. Each quiz will be open for at least one (1) week, that is, it will open at least one week before the due date. You will be allowed multiple attempts (at least 2), with your highest score counting towards your grade.
Out-of-class quizzes will be due Monday 10am (AEST) on weeks: 5 and 12. Out-of-class quizzes are unsupervised. While they will be open book, you are expected to complete the quiz on your own, without the assistance of others.
Preparation of your computer and Internet
You are assumed to have a working computer and Internet connection during term, and especially during times when attempting a quiz. Technical problems, such as a computer crash or loss of Internet connection, will not usually be a reason for an extra attempt or extension. You are expected to prepare your computer before the quiz starts. If problems outside of your control occur during an in-class quiz, report immediately to your tutor, who may either extend the time or allow you to undertake the quiz at another time (with the Unit Coordinators approval). If problems occur during an out-of-class quiz, you will have the other attempt to rely on. Only in extenuating circumstances will Assessment Extension Requests be granted for quizzes.
5
Other
See the task description.
One week after the due date
In most cases, quiz answers will be automatically marked, with marks awarded based on the correctness of the answer within the context of topics covered in lectures and tutorials. Questions may be worth different marks, with the marks indicated in the quiz. If quiz answers are manually marked (e.g. explanation style questions), then marks will be awarded based on the correctness and clarity of the answer.
When multiple attempts are allowed on a quiz, the highest score of those attempts will count towards your grade. As results and solutions may be released shortly after the due date (or in the case of in-class quizzes, after the final tutorial group), late submissions are not accepted. Making no attempts before the due date will result in a score of 0.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Explain vulnerabilities and attacks, as well as their countermeasures
- Use and compare cryptographic techniques for securing computers and networks
- Design security controls for organisations, such as firewalls, authentication, and access control
- Develop and deploy network security technologies, including encryption software, VPNs and wireless security
2 Written Assessment
This assignment requires you to apply knowledge from the lectures and workshops to solve practical problems, as well as to explore new topics not covered in detail in lectures. You will use software to observe communications across a network, and apply the knowledge to identify security issues and/or design security mechanisms, study and apply cryptographic tools, as well as research and report on state-of-the-art security malware, vulnerabilities and attacks, and possible countermeasures. There will be multiple questions on different topics, and you will be expected to submit a report containing answers to all the questions. The report may be a mix of short answers, diagrams, tables, and short essays with references. In addition to the report, you may be required to submit files produced as output from relevant network security software. You are assumed to have familiarity with the tools and techniques covered in the tutorials, e.g. VirtualBox and virtnet.
This assignment is an individual assessment, and while discussion of questions is encouraged, you must develop and write your own answers, and complete any software tasks on your own. Questions, and expected structure/format of the report, can be found on Moodle.
Week 6 Monday (26 Aug 2019) 10:00 am AEST
Week 8 Monday (9 Sept 2019)
The assignment consists of multiple questions, each marked separately. In general, to obtain full marks the answer must be correct, and when an explanation is required, the answer must demonstrate understanding of the problem, solution and tradeoffs.
When additional files are required to be submitted (e.g. output from software), those files must be in the correct format, including with specified filename, and contain content demonstrating that you have correctly performed the task associated with the question. Failure to submit a required file, submission of a file in the incorrect format, or submission of a file that is effectively the same as another student's (when independently performing the tasks would not normally produce the same output), will result in all answers dependent on that file receiving 0 marks.
Mark allocation for each question, the expected format of the answer and any additional files, and details of the marking criteria can be found in the assignment on Moodle.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Explain vulnerabilities and attacks, as well as their countermeasures
- Use and compare cryptographic techniques for securing computers and networks
- Assess emerging threats and security controls.
3 Written Assessment
This assignment requires you to apply knowledge from the lectures and workshops to solve practical problems, as well as to explore new topics not covered in detail in lectures. You will use software to identify and defend against security attacks in network communications, design and implement network and computer access control and authentication mechanisms, and identify problems and design solutions for securing communications in a private/public network. There will be multiple questions on different topics, and you will be expected to submit a report containing answers to all the questions. The report may be a mix of short answers, diagrams, tables, and short essays with references. In addition to the report, you may be required to submit files produced as output from relevant network security software. You are assumed to have familiarity with the tools and techniques covered in the tutorials, e.g. VirtualBox and virtnet.
This assignment is an individual assessment, and while discussion of questions is encouraged, you must develop and write your own answers, and complete any software tasks on your own. Questions, and expected structure/format of the report, can be found on Moodle.
Review/Exam Week Monday (14 Oct 2019) 10:00 am AEST
Certification of Grades day
The assignment consists of multiple questions, each marked separately. In general, to obtain full marks the answer must be correct, and when an explanation is required, the answer must demonstrate understanding of the problem, solution and tradeoffs.
When additional files are required to be submitted (e.g. output from software), those files must be in the correct format, including with specified filename, and contain content demonstrating that you have correctly performed the task associated with the question. Failure to submit a required file, submission of a file in the incorrect format, or submission of a file that is effectively the same as another student's (when independently performing the tasks would not normally produce the same output), will result in all answers dependent on that file receiving 0 marks.
Mark allocation for each question, the expected format of the answer and any additional files, and details of the marking criteria can be found in the assignment on Moodle.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Design security controls for organisations, such as firewalls, authentication, and access control
- Develop and deploy network security technologies, including encryption software, VPNs and wireless security
- Assess emerging threats and security controls.
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.