Advanced Computer Networks and Computer Security
CMPS 476 - Spring 2008
Course meets MWF 12:30pm - 1:55pm in Sci 414
and T 1:00pm - 3:25pm in Sci 414
Course Description
This is a continuation of CMPS 376 Computer Networks. Topics covered will
include system security, basic cryptography and network security. We will
begin by investigating issues in system security such as security policies,
assurance, vulnerabilities and trusted operating systems. We will then look
at how systems interact on a network and at new security issues that a
networked environment presents such as worms, bot nets and denial of service
attacks. Methods to provide better security at both the system and network
level will be discussed, along with how risk analysis, cost-benefit analysis
and other concerns impact the choices administrators have in securing their
systems. Ethics and legal issues related to security research will also be
discussed, in particular, responsible methods for conducting and reporting
security research.
Labs will provide more hands-on experience with securing systems and particular issues with certain OSes and applications. It will not focus on breaking into systems, but will provide some insight into red teaming.
Prerequisite
CMPS 376 and MATH 202 (or the equivalent of differential and integral calculus)
Textbook
Security Engineering, 1st edition. Ross Anderson. Wiley, 2001.
ISBN: 978-0-471-38922-4. Website:
http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~rja14/book.html