Information Security (Level 6)

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
• Convenor: Donal Fernandes
• Assessment: a 3000-word report based on learnings from weeks 1 to 4 (50%) and another 3000-word report based on learnings from weeks 5 to 9 (50%)

In this module we introduce you to information security, i.e. how to protect information and information systems against unauthorised access and tampering. Avoiding security breaches has a high priority for all organisations storing and handling confidential data. We will cover technical aspects such as firewalls, access control and cryptography, and organisational issues such as security policies.

The goal of this module is to enable you to learn how to employ technical solutions effectively in an organisation-wide context.

Indicative syllabus

• The economic impact of hacking and data breaches
• Information security basics
• Security policies and formal models
• Assurance and trust
• Network intruders and intruder detection
• Access control mechanisms
• Firewalls and malicious software
• Encryption
• Social engineering
• Biometrics
  

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

• demonstrate knowledge of facts, concepts and principles of information security, such as security policies and cryptographic protocols 
• explain the extent of security-related policies 
• recognise examples of network security applications 
  
• demonstrate awareness of the principles of network intrusion and detection, firewalls and malicious software 
• demonstrate an awareness of how cryptography fits into the wider context of information security 
• analyse, evaluate and select between different security policies.