Security for Computer Networks

RATIONALE

This module covers basic and advanced security concepts related to wired and wireless networks, and builds upon the network knowledge previously covered in Level 4 study. The OSI stack, first encountered in Level 4 study, is used as a vehicle to explore protocol security issues at different OSI layers. The approach taken aims at first to familiarise the student with the techniques used by potential attackers. The student will learn about the main challenges faced by a variety of wired and wireless environments. Further, the module presents common defence techniques and tools used to counter different security threats, and also explores some of the latest network security challenges posed by recent technology developments.

AIMS

• To introduce the concepts of security and security systems, including privacy and authentication.
• To provide tools and techniques to enable each student to evaluate the potential for attacks and the mechanisms for thwarting them.
• To provide an opportunity for students to review the current tools and techniques for securing wired and wireless networks.
• To encourage the students to look for potential weaknesses in a given networking scenario and counteract them.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

1. Display a conceptual understanding of wired and wireless network security principles
2. Critically evaluate the main attack avenues associated with different network topologies and infrastructures
3. Use tools to diagnose network security weaknesses
4. Configure a secure network for a given purpose