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Description: In this course we will study some important concepts and ideas in cybersecurity through lectures and projects. Students will be engaged in hand-on projects to help them understand the structure of the Cybersecurity and Global Policy degree as well as become familiar with the main ideas behind some of the critical algorithms that have become an integral and crucial part of our daily lives, such as Public Key Cryptography, cryptocurrencies, DDOS attacks, etc. Systematic approaches to problem solving will be thoroughly covered using examples from mathematics, and computer science. The course will also touch upon essential college survival skills required to make a smooth and successful transition from high school to college. You will learn strategies: 1) to define and achieve your academic, personal, and professional goals, and 2) to attain academic excellence throughout your college career.
Prerequisite: Curiosity and diligence.
Learning Outcomes:
- the ability to solve problems;
- become familiar with the Cybersecurity and Global Policy degree;
- understand the landscape of building and defending malware;
- understand the basic idea behind public key cryptography;
- understand cryptographic currencies and digital signatures;
- understand Denial of Service, SQLi attacks;
- understand attacks on air-gapped systems;
- understand the main pillars of national security strategy of the USA.
Topics covered:
- Four phases of problem solving
- Security questions
- Cryptanalysis of Caesar and other additive ciphers
- Air-gapped Systems
- Public-key Cryptography
- DDOS attacks
- SQLi Attacks
- Cyber Policy
Required Textbooks:
There are no textbooks that cover all the material we have in mind. We will be using articles and web resources.
Grading:
- Attendance: 10%
- Homework assignments: 45%
- Each homework will consist of the following parts:
- Regular problems: A set of problems chosen from several sources including the textbooks above.
- Reading assignment from the textbook or other handouts.
- Solutions must be written LEGIBLY.
- It is encouraged to discuss the problem sets with others, but everyone needs to turn in a unique personal write-up.
- A list of projects will be posted on Canvas site for the course, at the end of this page.
- Final project will be due on the last day of class.
Ground rules:
- I strongly advise you to attend all the
classes and take good notes.
- Late homework will NOT be accepted.
However, the lowest homework
grade will be dropped.
- The final grade will be calculated according to the evaluation scheme given above and these grades will then be curved to determine your letter grades.
However if you get less that 25/100 on the final project or your total grade
is less than 45/100 your final grade will automatically
be an F.
- NO Incomplete grades will be given under any condition.
- NO extra work, extra credit or anything outside the regular homeworks
and projects will be assigned.
Please plan your study strategy during the term accordingly.
- Grading mistakes:
If during the semester you feel there has been a mistake made in your
grading by the AIs, please contact them first. If after meeting with
the AIs you still feel there is a problem with the marking, please contact me.
- Collaborative work:
One of the best ways to learn new material is to collaborate in groups.
You may discuss the homework problems with your classmates, and in this way
make the learning process more enjoyable. However, the homework you hand in must be
your own work, in your own words and your own explanation.
- Here is the link to
The Code
of Student Conduct.
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