Fundamentals of Information Assurance (CNS 340-401)

This course is a survey of the fundamental elements of computer security and information assurance. Topics may include privacy, secrecy, integrity, and availability; security policies; authentication; access control; risk management; threat and vulnerability assessment; common attack/defense methods; ethical issues. This course is the starting point of the MS in Computer, Information and Network Security and is an introduction to security for all computer science students.

Textbooks and printed resources

"Security in Computing", 4th edition, C.P. Pfleeger and S. L. Pfleeger, Prentice Hall.

Prerequisites

PL2 = Two quarters of Java or C++. Coding expertise is required to understand the course material.

Grading

There will be approximately bi-weekly assignments, at least one presentation, and a final.

The specifics breakdown for grading, and the late policy, will be negotiated by the in-class section. (They will also be graded based on a presentation and class participation. DL students of course will not.)

	In Class	DL
Papers(2)	45%	50%
HW (4)	45%	50%
Class participation	10%	0%

You will have at least 8 days to do the homeworks

0-24 hours late: 20 points off
> 24 hours late: not accepted

All grades are curved

Week 1

Introduction

Week 2

Cryptography and Cryptosystems

Week 3

Security Protocols and Key distribution issues

Week 4

Some Applications of Cryptography

Week 5

Midterm presentations

Week 6

Chap 3: Program Security

Week 7

Chapter 6: Protection in General-Purpose Operating Systems

Week 8

Chapter 7: Designing Trusted Operating Systems

Week 9

Network security

Week 10

Legal, Privacy and Ethical Issues in Computer Security

School policies:

Online Instructor Evaluation

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over two weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online at https://mycti.cti.depaul.edu/mycti

Email

Email is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under "demographic information" at http://campusconnect.depaul.edu is correct.

Academic Integrity Policy

This course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/

Plagiarism

The university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows: Students in this course should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own work any assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.

Incomplete

An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.

Resources for Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.

To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted either:

PLuS Program (for LD, AD/HD) at 773-325-4239 in SAC 220
The Office for Students with Disabilities (for all other disabilities) at 773-325-7290 Student Center 307