CE324-6-PT-CA:
Network Security
2020/21
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus & Apprenticeship Location
Spring Special
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Sunday 17 January 2021
Friday 02 July 2021
15
14 December 2020
Requisites for this module
CE235
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
Based on the assumption that public networks will always be open to compromise, this course introduces techniques to secure transmitted data,
including the management of encryption systems and communication.
The aim of this module is to consider the application of security to networked computers and systems, extending on the content of CE235 Computer Security (which examined security as applied to a single computer). It explains how to secure a network by applying methods to detect, mitigate and/or stop attacks.
After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:
1. Identify and describe common network security vulnerabilities/attacks
2. Design computer network architectures that reduce security risks
3. Formulate firewall table rules and in general be familiar with network boundary protection.
4. Identify and describe the operation of security tools for network security applications
5. Propose suitable security techniques for encryption and authentication
6. Describe key management techniques required for encrypted communication/authentication.
Outline Syllabus
Introduction
Principles of network security and privacy. Introduction to the different types of networkbased attack (or non-malicious problem) that may require attention.
Securing a computer network at the network layer
Techniques to identify network vulnerabilities and review of the relevant network layer protocols. Types of firewall. Configuring network firewalls and application gateways.
Computer architectures and topologies that reduce risk of attack. Network policies that support security. Securing wireless systems. Stopping network layer and DNS-based
spoofing.
Detecting and mitigating network based attacks
Network intrusion detection systems. Fake systems (honeypots) for attack
deflection/detection. Adapting network policy in reaction to attack.
Key management for encryption and authentication
Ticket-based authentication systems including Kerberos. Public key infrastructure (PKI). Securing Email communication. Secure network management.
Secure communication protocols
Securing application/transport layer protocols using secure socket layer (SSL) including secure HTTP web transfer. Securing network layer transmission through IP security (IPsec).
Virtual private networks (VPNs). Secure web-based applications (cookies, cross-site scripting, and spoofing).
Lectures and Laboratory sessions
- Stallings, William. (2017) Network security essentials: applications and standards, Harlow, England: Pearson.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
CE324 Log book |
|
20% |
| Practical |
Lab Test 1 (MCQ test open book) - Week 21 |
|
40% |
| Practical |
Lab Test 2 (MCQ test open book) - Week 25 |
|
40% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 180 minutes during Early Exams
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Martin Reed, email: mjreed@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Martin Reed, Dr Morteza Varasteh
CSEE School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
No
No
No
Dr Yunfei Chen
University of Warwick
Associate Professor
Dr Xu Wang
Heriot-Watt University
Associate Professor
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
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