CE324-6-SP-CO:
Network Security
2023/24
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
17 June 2022
Requisites for this module
CE235
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BENGG420 Computer Networks,
BENGG421 Computer Networks (Including Year Abroad),
BENGG520 Computer Networks (Including Foundation Year),
BENGI120 Computer Networks (Including Placement Year)
Networked systems, such as the Internet, are now considered critical infrastructure in all parts of society. These systems are increasingly becoming the target of attacks and it is vital that they are protected from such attacks.
This module covers the defence of networked systems using both network analysis/defence tools and cryptographic approaches.
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
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 |
Lab Test 1 (MCQ test open book) |
|
33.3% |
| Coursework |
Lab Test 2 (MCQ test open book) |
|
33.3% |
| Coursework |
CE324 Log book |
|
33.4% |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Early Exams
|
| 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
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Martin Reed, email: mjreed@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Martin Reed
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
Yes
No
Yes
Prof Sandra Dudley
London South Bank University
Professor of Communication Systems
Available via Moodle
Of 54 hours, 20 (37%) hours available to students:
32 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
2 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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