Module Details

Module Code: COMP8022
Title: Network Security
Long Title: Network Security
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: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: Network security is the activity associated with maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data traversing a network infrastructure. In this module, the learner will evaluate Internet security and encryption, firewalls, sniffing and packet crafting, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), IPv6 security and Network Intrusion Detection and Response Systems (NIDRS).
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and critically assess threats to network security, and data loss.
LO2 Install, configure, and evaluate firewalls in terms of their security effectiveness.
LO3 Configure and appraise Network Intrusion Detection and Response Systems (NIDRS).
LO4 Explain, install and configure Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology.
LO5 Evaluate the security of Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) Systems
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).
12702 COMP6027 Networking Fundamentals
12816 COMP8022 Network Security
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.
Students should have a basic knowledge of Computer Networking, especially the main Networking protocols.
 
Indicative Content
Internet Security & Encryption
Encryption of static data, IPSec, AH, ESP, IKE, ISAKMP/Oakley, Tunnel mode, Transport mode, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), SSH Tunneling, Cloud Security Issues.
Firewalls
Packet Filters (ACLs), Stateful, Stateless, Bastion Host, Circuit Level, Application Gateway, SOCKS, DMZ, Host-Based Firewall, Egress Filtering, Network Address Translation (NAT), Multi-homing, IPTables/NetFilter, implementing NAT, Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW).
Sniffers and Packet Crafting
Libpcap, dSniff, Wireshark, tcpdump, Mitigation of Sniffer Attacks, ARP Cache Poisoning, Port Stealing, Switch flooding, DNS and IP Spoofing, Session Hijacking, Sequence Numbers, Ettercap, idle host scanning, Default TTLs, Countermeasures, Packet Crafting using eg hping, scapy.
Intrusion Detection & Prevention
Types of IDSs, Deployment of IDS systems, inline, passive, taps, span ports, Network IDSs, Anomaly based Detection and Signature based Detection, Evasion Techniques, False Positives, NIDS implementation using e.g. Snort, Suricata. Data Loss Prevention.
IPv6 Security
IPv6 Header, Extension Headers, IPv6 packet capture and interpretation, Fragmentation and IPv6, RA and ND attacks, IPv6 Attack tools, Firewalling IPv6, Crafting IPv6 packets (using scapy).
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
The learner will be assessed on a number of assigned tasks determining their capacity to apply the theoretical knowledge delivered during the lectures. This may include an assessment of network security threats, a detailed description of the deployment of defensive measures such as a firewall and IDS and their efficacy in defeating these threats.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
The learner will be assessed on a number of assigned tasks that will assess their proficiency in the practical application and understanding of the topic area of this module. The learner may be required to utilize tools introduced in the laboratories.
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
An in class exam that will require the learner to demonstrate understanding of the theoretical content of the module.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Practical computer-based lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. 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 Practical computer-based lab supporting learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. 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
  • Jeremy Faircloth. (2016), Penetration Tester's Open Source Toolkit, Syngress, [ISBN: 9780128021497].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Steve Suehring. (2015), Linux Firewalls: Enhancing Security with nftables and Beyond, 4th Ed.. Addison-Wesley Professional, [ISBN: 9780134000022].
  • Mark Rhodes-Ousley. (2013), Information Security: The Complete Reference, 2nd Ed.. McGraw-Hill Education, [ISBN: 9780071784351].
  • Eric Cole. (2009), Network Security Bible, 2nd Ed.. Wiley, [ISBN: 9780470502495].
  • Barrie Dempster, James Eaton-Lee. (2007), Configuring IPCop Firewalls: Closing Borders with Open Source, Packet Publishing, [ISBN: 9788184042368].
  • John R. Vacca. (2006), Guide to Wireless Network Security, Springer, [ISBN: 9780387954257].
  • Chuck Easttom. (2005), Network Defense and Countermeasures: Principles and Practices, [ISBN: 9780131711266].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management and Cybersecurity 5 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity 5 Mandatory