ITEC 445: Computer System and Database Security
Prerequisites: ITEC 345 and (ITEC 340 or ITEC 304), and (ITEC 220 or ITEC 315)
Credit Hours: (3)
Instructional Method : Three hours lecture.
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. Security analysis (ethical hacking/penetration testing)
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.
Review and Approval
Revised June, 2023
April 12, 2018
April 6, 2017
Revised: June 1, 2012
September 9, 2008 New Course Arthur Carter, Chair