Module Details

Module Code: COMP8050
Title: Security for Software Systems
Long Title: Security for Software Systems
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: Software Development Life Cycle (or SDLC) defines a methodology to develop a software in a structured manner. Security challenges exists at every stage of this process from design, coding, testing and deployment. This module focuses on how to incorporate security into the various stages of the SDLC and will also explore the main mitigation techniques and typical code exploitation techniques. In addition, security issues particular to web applications will be explored.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Integrate security into web applications and test such applications for vulnerabilities
LO2 Assess the conditions that would lead to attacks as a result of insecure software development practices.
LO3 Apply and categorise mitigations for various forms of software based attacks
LO4 Apply Threat Modelling Techniques in the construction of a secure software system
LO5 Revise the security of code using various analysis techniques
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Threat Modelling and Secure Software Development Lifecycle
Applying Threat Modelling to a software project, DREAD, STRIDE, Microsoft's SDLC.
Code Review and Secure Coding
Static and manual tools and approaches to code review. Secure coding in various high level languages.
Attacks based on vulnerable software
Attack techniques on software based around modern and traditional methods including Buffer and Heap Overflow, Return-to-LibC, ROP, UAF, SEH Based Attacks
Mitigations
Techniques to mitigate the main forms of attack on software including Stack Cookies, ASLR, DEP, SafeSEH, CFG, and EMET in general.
Security of Web Applications
OWASP Top 10, Cross-Site Scripting, SQL Injection, Cross Sire Request Forgery, Secure Session handling.
Other Related Issues
Cryptographic Systems. Authentication Systems e.g Kerberos
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,3,5
Assessment Description
Students will be assigned projects centering on attack methods such as buffer overflow, heap overflow etc. and possibly involving secure coding.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Assessment Description
Students will be assessed on assigned practical work centred on the security of Web Applications.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Formal Examination.
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Directed learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Directed Learning Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mark Dowd, John McDonald, Justin Schuh. (2007), The Art of Software Security Assessment: Identifying and Preventing Software Vulnerabilities, Addison-Wesley, [ISBN: 9780321444424].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Edward Griffor. (2016), Handbook of System Safety and Security: Cyber Risk and Risk Management, Cyber Security, Threat Analysis, Functional Safety, Software Systems, and Cyber Physical Systems, Syngress, [ISBN: 9780128037737].
  • Adam Shostack. (2014), Threat Modeling: Designing for Security, Wiley, [ISBN: 9781118809990].
  • James Ransome, Anmol Misra. (2013), Core Software Security: Security at the Source, Auerbach, [ISBN: 9781466560956].
  • Gene Kim, Patrick Debois, John Willis. (2016), The Devops Handbook: How to Create World-Class Agility, Reliability, and Security in Technology Organizations, Trade Select, [ISBN: 9781942788003].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 7 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management and Cybersecurity 7 Elective
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 7 Mandatory