Computer Security Fundamentals

Course Description

Description

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of computer security as the first step towards learning how to protect computers from hackers. The course begins by explaining the very basic concepts of computer security and provides substantial technical details to keep students interested and involved. It includes hands-on labs and graded and non-graded assignments for each unit that provide an opportunity to practice what the students learn. It also includes a few security games to make learning more exciting and interactive. The course will be summed up with a final project and a final exam. Students are expected to be familiar with standard computer operations (e.g., login, cut & paste, email attachments, etc.) before enrolling in the course.

Topics include:

• introduction to computer security
• key concepts of cryptography
• malicious software
• windows security
• securing communications
• computer forensics
• authentication strategies
• the legal and ethical aspects of information security

Materials Needed

There are no required materials for this course.

Detailed Course Information

Course Details

Unit 1

• Getting Started
• What is Computer Security?
• History of Computer Security
• Key Objectives of Computer Security
• Challenges to Computer Security
• Part 1: Threats, Attacks, and Assets
• Part 2: Threats, Attacks, and Assets

Unit 2

• Getting Started
• Definition of Cryptography
• Purpose of Cryptography
• Symmetric Key Cryptography
• Asymmetric Key Cryptography
• Hash Functions

Unit 3

• Getting Started
• What is Software?
• Virus, Worms, DOS Attacks
• Logic Bomb, Trojan Horse, Keyloggers
• Bots/Zombies, Spyware, Adware
• Control and Countermeasures

Unit 4

• Getting Started
• What is Secure Communication?
• Secure Socket Layer
• Secure Browser
• Web Browser Features and Risks
• Scripting Attacks
• Digital Signature

Unit 5

• Getting Started
• Windows Security Overview and Architecture
• Windows Security Architecture
• Windows 7 Security Features I
• Windows 7 Security Features II
• Windows 7 Security Features III
• Windows 7 Security Features IV
• Windows 7 Security Features V

Midterm Exam

Unit 6

• Getting Started
• What is User Authentication?
• Means of Authentication I
• Means of Authentication II
• Password Cracking Techniques
• Password Selection Strategies

Unit 7

• Getting Started
• Token Based Authentication
• Biometric Based Authentication
• Security Issues for User Authentication

Unit 8

• Getting Started
• What is Computer Crime?
• Digital Evidence
• Computer Forensics
• Window Forensics

Course Project

Unit 9

• Getting Started
• Needs for Laws
• Intellectual Property and DRM
• US Criminal Law
• Regulations
• HIPAA
• Gramm Leach Bliley Act
• US Patriot Act
• International Laws

Final Exam

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System Requirements

All CTYOnline courses require a properly maintained computer with Internet access and a recent version web browser (such as Explorer 6, Firefox, or Safari).

Demo

CTYOnline Computer Science - Comments and Feedback from Students, Parents, and Teachers

Reviews

Quotes:

"This is my son's 2nd course with this instructor and JHU, and our expectation was exceeded again with the instructor’s quick, timely responses, depth of knowledge and her dedication to help my son understand the material."

"My instructor was very helpful throughout my course with all the different concepts. He was very knowledgeable, and funny! I enjoyed working with his help."

"My son’s instructor has a great ability to interact with kids. He was able to teach a technical subject to my son amazingly well. He kindled interest in the subject. He is very dedicated and provided good feedback."