48730 Authentication and System Security

This subject has been designed as the second subject in the Telecommunications major of the Engineering undergraduate program. It addresses the issue of network security. The subject is also suitable as an elective for students in other majors such as Computer Systems Engineering and Software Engineering seeking an introductory subject in network security.

The technical content of the subject covers conventional and public key cryptography, message integrity schemes, authentication protocols using Kerberos and X509 certificates, network security standards at the application, transport and network layer, and protection of network resources through policies, intrusion detection, firewalls and protective software.

The technical content is contextualised in a major project in which students in small groups play the role of security consultants engaged by a hypothetical organisation to make recommendations on some aspect of the security of its network. The project involves determination of stakeholder requirements and ultimately the development of a conceptual design.

Three engineering themes permeate the subject. They are introduced and continually highlighted during the student's sequence of learning experiences in the subject. The first theme is the need for a systems perspective in engineering. The second, related theme is the notion of engineering as a process of solving constrained optimisation problems. The third theme is the need for engineers to take responsibility for their own professional development, in this subject with specific reference to the development of effective teamwork, information retrieval and project management skills.

Assessment: Typically assessment for this subject involves assignments and project work, participation in online discussion forums and written examinations.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus