Vår 2021

INF-2310 Computer Security - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for informatikk

Type of course

The course can be taken as a singular course. The course is given every spring semester.

Course overlap

INF-2310 Security in distributed systems 5 stp

Course contents

The course will provide an introduction to the general principles of computer security from an applied viewpoint. Topics include common cyber-attacks, techniques for identifying and defending against vulnerabilities in computers and networks, the fundamental building blocks of secure systems, security principles for commonly used items, and human, social, and economic aspects of computer security. The course will focus on security issues related to software exposed to network communication, particular in modern web applications.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements: Higher Education Entrance Qualification + specific entrance requirements equivalent to MATRS: R1/(S1+S2). Application code: 9354 - Singular course in computer science.

Objective of the course

Knowledge - The candidate has knowledge of

general principles, goals, and abstractions for cybersecurity (e.g., confidentiality, availability, integrity, assurance, anonymity, authenticity);
concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors;
basic cryptography and cipher types;
basic authentication and key exchange protocols, including Diffie-Hellman;
the access control matrix;
public-key infrastructures, digital signatures, and certificates;
web authentication protocols; and
cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and the same-origin policy for JavaScript executing in browsers.

Skills - The candidate can

analyze software artifacts in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability;
use cryptographic tools to send and receive messages over the Internet;
use digital signatures;
authenticate remote principals in web servers; and
identify and avoid common security vulnerabilities.

General competence - The candidate can

analyze and document computer systems and protocols;
participate actively in professional discussions (oral or written);
develop robust and secure software systems; and
apply security-by-design principles.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English, and the syllabus material is in English. The examinations will also be in English but can be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 30 hours, Colloquium: 30 hours, Laboratory: 30 hours.

Assessment

A 4 hours final written exam counting 100%. Approved assignments give access to the final written exam.

Grade scale: Letter grades A-E, F - fail.

The coursework includes up to 4 written assignment, individually graded approved / not approved. Oral presentation of the assignments and demonstrations of a working system can in special cases be claimed by the course responsible.

Re-sit examination: Given early in teaching free semester, if the course is compulsory in the study plan. It will be arranged a 4-hour written exam counting 100%. To get access to the re-sit examination in the teaching free semester the student must have passed the course requirements.

Postponed examination: Given early in teaching free semester. It will be arranged a 4-hour written exam counting 100%. To get access to the postponed examination in the teaching free semester the student must have passed the course requirements.

Date for examination

Take-home exam hand out date 31.05.2021 hand in date 31.05.2021

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.