CE717-7-AU-CO:
Digital Identity and Biometrics

The details
2024/25
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Future
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
22 October 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC G41912 Cyber Security

Module description

This module plays a pivotal role in exploring advanced topics that are often underrepresented in traditional Cyber Security Master's programs. It delves deeply into critical areas such as online identity management, encompassing comprehensive discussions on authentication, authorisation, and accountability. The module also provides an in-depth examination of IoT security, with a particular focus on device identity, highlighting the latest developments, emerging trends, and the evolving landscape of threats and mitigation strategies.

Module aims

The aim of this module is:



  • To introduce students to techniques for establishing identity in online environments either of human users or physical devices.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Differentiate the processes involved in establishing an online identity.

  2. Compare and contrast the operating principles of common biometric modalities.

  3. Assess the methods of establishing device identity for both simple and complex devices.

  4. Critique the challenges of establishing identity in non-ideal locations.

Module information

Indicative syllabus information



  • Introduction to the nature of identity: Understanding what it means for a device to have an identity.

  • User and non-user authentication: Discussion of authentication methods, including challenges with passwords.

  • Online digital footprints: Exploration of the traces individuals leave behind online.

  • Biometrics: Overview of current techniques for major modalities, such as fingerprint, face, and iris recognition.

  • Online behavioural biometrics: Examination of biometric techniques based on user behaviour.

  • Mobile biometric systems: Focus on biometrics in non-ideal locations and exception handling.

  • Support material: Includes relevant content in pattern recognition and image processing.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Two 1-hour lecture per week (10 weeks)
  • One 2-hour laboratory per week (10 weeks)
  • Two 1-hour revision lectures in Summer Term

Inclusivity is ensured in the following ways: lecturers and other teachers are informed at the start of the term about students with special needs; student voice groups allow representatives to discuss issues surrounding learning for minorities.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Exam  Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period) 
Exam  Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period) 

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

Coursework Exam
30% 70%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
30% 70%
Module supervisor and teaching staff

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

No external examiner information available for this module.
Resources
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.

 

Further information
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)

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