CSC3632 : System and Network Security
CSC3632 : System and Network Security
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Narges Khakpour
- Lecturer: Dr Vipin N. Sathi, Dr Carlton Shepherd
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To explore in depth the different mechanisms used to protect the security of systems and network, and to manage the corresponding risk.
Outline Of Syllabus
• Cryptography: simple and practical introduction to symmetric and asymmetric encryption, hashing and
signature.
• Malicious code: XXS, Code Injection, Reverse Engineering
• Network Security: Firewall, IDS, Packet Analysis, Security protocols
• Authentication and Authorisation: Biometrics, Access Control
• Risk Management: Threat Modelling, Risk Assessment
• Privacy: k-anonymity
• Human Factors: Usability, Behavioural security
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
To be able to:
• Assess and incorporate the cyber, physical and social factors involved in system and network security into
system design and implementation
• Adopt an adversarial mind-set when facing a new system
Intended Skill Outcomes
To be able to:
• conduct practical attacks in a controlled environment
• conduct a risk assessment of a realistic system and make security recommendations
• design a security policy and enforce it
• use and apply a range of security and privacy analysis tools and techniques
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Lectures |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 70 | 0:30 | 35:00 | Lecture material, recorded videos max 30minutes, interactive material, articles, formative exercises |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Revision and prep plus final exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 40 | 1:00 | 40:00 | Practical coursework |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 20 | 0:30 | 10:00 | Active participation to discussion forum |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 11 | 3:00 | 33:00 | Drop-in session for the practical coursework (in-person, not recorded) |
| Guided Independent Study | Student-led group activity | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Formative coursework (group work) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 40 | 0:30 | 20:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Talks given by the module leader and invited speakers (recorded) |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture material is made available on Canvas, and consists of a selection of short recorded videos, interactive website and written content. Learners are expected to follow-up on this material and to actively participate to a discussion forum, prompted by some of the interactive material. A module talk each week enables the module leader to discuss about key points of the module and to reflect on the ongoing forum discussions. The coursework consists of practical attacks done in a virtual controlled lab, with drop-in sessions where learners can ask questions and get support for the exercises. A formative coursework is done as a group, where learners have to solve a critical thinking assessment.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 75 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | 25 | Demonstration of attacks and security mechanisms (equivalent of 1500 words) |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 1 | M | Security Analysis (group work, 1500 words). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examination is an appropriate way to assess knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings and practical skills on small-scale problems. The examination involves application exercises and critical thinking.
The coursework assessment gives an opportunity to assess practical skills in a controlled environment, while the formative assessment is a security analysis (critical thinking) done as group work.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC3632's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- CSC3632's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.