Network Security, 7.5 credits

Contents

This course provides an in-depth exploration of network vulnerabilities and attacks, as well as mechanisms for defending against and preventing them from achieving resilience. The course covers core network security in-depth, including network-wide vulnerabilities and attacks, with topics such as Denial of Service (DoS), Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), as well as mechanisms for exploiting and defending against the propagation of, e.g., worms and viruses, and evaluating their impacts on large-scale networks.

The course explores the security issues of network infrastructures with topics such as advances in network architectures (e.g., software-defined networks, network programmability), network intrusion detection systems (NIDSs), network intrusion prevention systems (NIPSs), and secure routing and communication protocols, and also discusses the mechanisms of analyzing network forensics, encrypted traffic, and dynamics of attack economics.

The course covers network user-centric security, including topics such as authentication, anonymity, censorship, and surveillance. Finally, the course further explores the security and associated challenges in the future Internet, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G and 6G networks.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 1) understand network security concepts and threat models
• (FSR 2) understand different types of vulnerabilities and attacks in networks
• (FSR 3) understand network defense and attack resilience mechanisms

Skills and abilities
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 4) identify and exploit security vulnerabilities in networks
• (FSR 5) use software tools and/or network configurations to prevent common network attacks
• (FSR 6) analyze network vulnerabilities and threats, and provide relevant defense and prevention mechanisms
• (FSR 7) perform network penetration testing

Judgment and approach
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 8) analyze and address the associated security issues when designing, implementing, configuring, or evaluating an enterprise network and beyond

Required Knowledge

At least 90 ECTS of which at least 30 ECTS in Computing Science. At least 7.5 ECTS computer networks and 7.5 ECTS computer security.

Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course is taught by lectures and practical lab assignments. In addition to scheduled activities, independent work with the material is also required.

Examination modes

The grading scale consists of Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), or Pass with distinction (5). The examination is based on written reports and live demonstrations of practical lab assignments, and a written exam in halls.

Adapted examination

For students who have a recommendation of support for students with disabilities the examiner may decide on individual adaption of examination modes set out in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of examination modes must always be considered based on the student's specific needs and the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. For more information, see Procedure for support for students with disabilities and Rules for grades and examination.

Other regulations

A course may not be included, either wholly or partly, in a degree together with another course that has substantially similar content. If there is any uncertainty, students should consult a study advisor at the Department of Computing Science and/or the program coordinator responsible for their program.

Transitional provisions

If the syllabus has expired or the course has been discontinued, a student who at some point registered for the course is guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination) according to this syllabus for a maximum period of two years from the syllabus expiring or the course being discontinued.