IS 7033.001 – IS Technology Research – Computer Security
MW 8:00-10:45 am, BB 3.02.20
Course Syllabus
Description
Much has been said and written about securing our national infrastructures from terrorist or other
attacks. While physical attacks are certainly foremost in the public’s mind, attacks of a different nature –
attacks from the cyberworld – are also certainly possible. The government has proposed plans to secure the
nation’s information infrastructures, and publicly there may appear to be a cohesive plan, peeling back the
veil that shrouds much of the work, however, reveals very little consensus on how to actually implement
the plans. Theoretical solutions proposed in academia or in the halls of government don’t always work
when tried in real-world operational environments. Why is this problem so hard to tackle? What are the
elements of the problem? What has been proposed and why might it work, or not work? Are there
reasonable alternatives? Who is in charge? Who should be in charge or responsible for this effort? These
are some of the questions we will discuss during this course.
Objectives
The objective of this course is to guide the students through their own examination of issues
critical to computer and network security. Two overriding themes will be the application of the Computer
Security Operational Model to real-world situations and considering and developing theories as to how
protection of the nation’s critical infrastructures from cyber attacks can actually be accomplished.
Assumed Background
It is assumed that students in this class have a basic understanding of Operating Systems and
Networks and that they have access to the Internet. It is also important for a student to have a basic
understanding of computer and network security. Oral and written communication skills are essential for
successfully completing this course.
Textbook
None, all readings will be assigned.
Graded Assignments
The grades for this course will be based on a standard 70% = C, 80% = B, 90%=A grading
scheme. The final grades will be based on the following assignments:
Class Discussion (lead) 1
Class Discussion (lead) 2
Class Participation
Paper
Oral Examination
100 points
100 points
100 points
400 points
300 points
TOTAL 1000 points
Instructor Data
The instructor for the course will be Dr. Gregory B. White, BB 4.06.18, 458-6307. Office hours
are 3:00 – 5:00 p.m MTW or by appointment.
Misc. Policies:
Attendance will not be taken in class. A student missing class is responsible for obtaining
information missed. Any late penalties for assignments will be outlined in the individual assignment
handout. Please ensure pagers and cell phones are turned off during class – exceptions for unusual
circumstances should be arranged in advance with the instructor. Any other special considerations for
assignments or examinations should be cleared in advance with the instructor.