CIS-5930: Applied Security

Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, the above syllabus in PDF document format is a meant as a guide for the course and is subject to change with advanced notice. This course website contains up-to-date information about the course, including posted class slides and assignments, and should be referenced by the student at least once weekly.

In this course, students will familiarize themselves with current and emerging threats to the security of computer systems and networks, including viruses, worms, netwrok intrusion, and spam, and with techniques for the prevention, detection, and recovery from such attacks, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, secure coding practices and others.  The approach is to study these attack and defense mechanisms in a systematic way.  The goal is to lead the students to develop both practical and analytical skills to identify, and correct or mitigate threats in computer systems.

The course time will be divided between lectures and lab activities. 

Class attendance is mandatory. While roll-call will not be used, the instructor will present solutions in class for the types of problems that will be argued in exams: Each class will include about 15 minutes of exam preparation, and there will be no specific class devoted to midterm review. Attendance of recitation sessions is also required. Pop-quizzes given in recitation sessions will account for 10% of the final grade.

Lateness policy on assignments: No deadline extensions are allowed without a medical reason and proper written documentation provided by the Thagard Student Health Center, as per University policies. Assignments are due at 11:59pm on Fridays. Assignments late for 1 minute up to less than 24 hours will receive a 10% penalty. Assignments late for less than 48 hours (but for more than 24 hours) will be penalized 20%. Assignments later than 48 hours will be assigned a grade of 0, but still reviewed for correctness, with feedback provided.

Make-up policy on exams: No make-up exams will be given without a medical reason and proper written documentation provided by the Thagard Student Health Center, as per University policy (see Student Handbook). Accommodations for missed exams for other reasons are possible within circumstances foreseen by University policies. Examples of situations where such accommodations can be made are in case of schedule conflicts with religious observance practices and/or in cases involving bereavement due to the loss of a close relative. Students dealing with such a personal loss are urged to seek support from the University counseling center, and to contact all their instructors to prepare a comprehensive coping strategy (Individual Counseling Student Counseling Center, 2nd Floor, Student Life Building, 644-2003).

Policy on violations of the Academic Honor code: All programming assignments and exams are individual assignments. No cheating, plagiarism, or malicious interference with another student's work will be tolerated. The instructor reserves the right to assign a grade of 0 in any assignment where evidence of violations exists, or an 'F' for the entire course in case of repeated occurrence or if aggravating factors (such as attempt to sabotage another student's work) are present.

Note of compliance with American with Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities who may require special accommodation with classes or exams should register with the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC), and bring a letter from the SDRC to the instructor indicating their needs. This should be done within the first week of class. The instructor is personally committed to provide opportunities for students with disabilities to achieve their potential, and such students are encouraged to provide suggestions on how their learning may be facilitated.

Grading/ Evaluation:

Grading scale:
    A:   91-100
    A-:  89, 90
    B: 79- 88     (B+ and B- are assigned within this range based on both grades         and student participation/attendance)
    C: 70-78    (C+ and C- are assigned within this range based on both grades         and student participation/attendance)
    D: 59-69
    F: 0 - 58

Programming Assignments - 40% of total grade

Exams - 20% of total grade
    Midterm Exam 1 - 10%
    Thursday, February 15, 2:00 to 3:15pm, in regular classroom.

    Final Exam - 10%
    Monday, April 23, 10:00- 12:00 noon, in regular classroom.

Course project - 40%, divided into components:

Project proposal: A 4-page document including a description of planned work, a review of related references, and a list of tools and skills required for implementation. A minimum of 8 citations (each reviewed within the body of the proposal) is required. 10%.

Project presentation in class: A powerpoint presentation of the project proposal, to last 15 minutes. 10%

Project implementation, demo, and final documentation: 20%.

FLORIDA STATE HONOR POLICY:

The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University's expectations for the integrity of students' academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to "... be honest and truthful and ... [to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at Florida State University." (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at http://www.fsu.edu/~dof/honorpolicy.htm.)

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT:

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should: (1) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center; (2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type. This should be done during the first week of class. This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.

For more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the Student Disability Resource Center

    97 Woodward Avenue, South
    Florida State University
    Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
    (850) 644-9566 (voice)
    (850) 644-8504 (TDD)
    sdrc@admin.fsu.edu
    http://www.fsu.edu/~staffair/dean/StudentDisability/

Florida State University * Dept. of Computer Science
269 J. J. Love Bldg. * Tallahassee, FL 32306-4530