Module Details

Module Code: COMP6035
Title: Computer Security Principles
Long Title: Computer Security Principles
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 7 programme(s)
Module Description: This module introduces the student to security issues surrounding the use of a computing device. It concentrates on the threats associated with computer use and how to defend yourself against those threats.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe different types of security threats.
LO2 Recognise the issues involved in being a security aware computer user.
LO3 Compare and contrast common cryptographic protocols.
LO4 Identify threats and use security software to mitigate risk.
LO5 Analyse the issues involved in the secure usage of the Internet.
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
Information Security Concepts
The CIA triad, defense in depth, AAA, legal requirements for data protection.
Malware and Threats
Viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, rootkits & backdoors, botnets, social engineering.
Internet Security Principles
Safe browsing habits, effective application of personal firewalls, secure and private use of a browser, browser settings and extensions to mitigate threats, cookies, using email securely, spam, privacy issues, effective usage of anti-virus and anti-spyware.
Personal Device and Network Security
Protecting privacy, anti-spam, anti-virus, security products, considerations for different device categories, wireless security issues, dangers of open access WiFi – man in the middle attacks, computer backups (on and offline), patch application, BIOS and HDD passwords, use of cloud storage.
Introduction to Cryptography
Symmetric, asymmetric, hashing, digital signatures, SSL/TLS, application of encryption to sensitive data, non-repudiation.
Authentication Fundamentals
Password selection and entropy, biometrics, multi-factor authentication, password managers and dangerous reuse of passwords, password sharing.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Assessment on basic security concepts.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,4,5
Assessment Description
Lab Assessment on basic security principles.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5
Assessment Description
Lab Assessment on security principles and threats.
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Assessment on security principles, threat, defense and cryptography.
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 Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Lab Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & 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
Lab Contact Lab Every Week 2.00 2
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent & 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
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Dieter Gollmann. (2011), Computer Security, [ISBN: 978047074115].
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 1 Mandatory
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 1 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management and Cybersecurity 1 Mandatory
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 1 Mandatory
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Cybersecurity 1 Mandatory
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 1 Mandatory
CR_KCOME_6 Higher Certificate in Science in Software Development 1 Mandatory