ITEC 445: Computer System and Database Security

Prerequisites: ITEC 122, ITEC 220 (Grade of “C” or better), ITEC 345, ITEC 340

Credit Hours: (3)

Threats and vulnerabilities in software systems, principles to design and implement secure software systems, database and information security.


Detailed Description of Content of Course

Topics include:
1. Computer application vulnerabilities, threats and attacks
2. Malicious software
3. Physical security of servers
4. Secure software design principles
5. Writing secure code
6. Operating System  security
7. Evaluating systems for security using standards (e.g., Common Criteria)
8. Database Security and Privacy
9. Host based security controls such as Intrusion detection and prevention mechanisms


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Programming projects involving design and development of secure software will be given. Projects will use databases to enforce principles of database security. Homework problems that require analysis of threats and solutions will be given.


Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students who complete the course will be able to:
1. Describe and identify common vulnerabilities and exploits in software applications.
2. Apply well-known secure design principles such as least privilege, separation of privilege, complete mediation, economy of mechanism and least common mechanism.
3. Implement secure code for applications in a high-level language such as Java.
4. Identify and describe the various security controls and secure operations to achieve security and privacy in operating systems and databases.
5. Describe the concepts of assurance and trust.
6. Describe the process of evaluating systems for security using standard criteria such as the Common Criteria.


Assessment Measures

Evaluation may be based on several programming projects, problems, and at least two examinations. The instructor may also use quizzes or other assessment strategies.
 


Other Course Information

None.


Review and Approval

September 9, 2008        New Course        Arthur Carter, Chair

Revised: June 1, 2012