Information Security Fundamentals

CIT 20300/ 3 Cr.

This course provides students with an overview of the field of Information Security and Assurance.  Students will explore current encryption, hardware, software and managerial controls needed to operate networks and computer systems in a safe and secure manner.  In addition, students will participate in a semester project to re-enforce key concepts such as policy development and business contingency planning. 

• Available Online: Yes
• Credit by Exam: Yes
• Laptop Required: Yes

Prerequisites/Co-requisites:

CIT 20700 or ECET 28404

Outcomes

Course Outcomes (What are these?)

• Define Information Security (CIT 1)  
• Recognize the business need for Information Security (CIT 1)  
• Define key terms and concepts in Information Security (CIT 1)  
• Identify & prioritize information assets (CIT 1) 
• Identify & prioritize threats to information assets (CIT 1) 
• Define risk management & risk control (CIT 4) 
• Understand how risk is identified and assessed (CIT 2) 
• Understand management’s role in Information Security (CIT 1)
• Define an information security strategy and architecture (CIT 1) 
• Plan for and respond to intruders in an information system (CIT 1)
• Describe legal and public relations implications of security and privacy issues (CIT 4)  

CIT Student Outcomes (What are these?)

(1) Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

(3) Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts. 

(4) Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles. 

(6) Use systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to accomplish user goals. 

Topics

• General Security Concepts
• Cryptology
• Authentication in General Purpose Operating Systems
• Security Kernel, Process, and Accounting Security
• Rogue Programs
• Steganography
• Network Attacks
• Email and World Wide Web Issues
• Physical Security
• Policy Development, Audit, and Incident Response

Principles of Undergraduate Learning (PULs)

1a.  Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, particularly written, oral, and visual formats.

1b.  Identify and propose solutions for problems using quantitative tools and reasoning.

1c.  Make effective use of information resources and technology.

2.  Critical Thinking

5.  Understanding Society and Culture

6.  Values and Ethics