Computer Security

The course can be taken as a singular course. The course is given every spring semester. 

The course will provide an introduction to the general principles of computer security from an applied viewpoint. Topics include common cyber-attacks, techniques for identifying and defending against vulnerabilities in computers and networks, the fundamental building blocks of secure systems, security principles for commonly used items, and human, social, and economic aspects of computer security. The course will focus on security issues related to software exposed to network communication, particular in modern web applications. 

Knowledge - The candidate has knowledge of 

• general principles, goals, and abstractions for cybersecurity (e.g., confidentiality, availability, integrity, assurance, anonymity, authenticity); 
• concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors; 
• basic cryptography and cipher types; 
• basic authentication and key exchange protocols, including Diffie-Hellman; 
• the access control matrix; 
• public-key infrastructures, digital signatures, and certificates; 
• web authentication protocols; and 
• cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and the same-origin policy for JavaScript executing in browsers. 

 Skills - The candidate can 

• analyze software artifacts in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability; 
• use cryptographic tools to send and receive messages over the Internet; 
• use digital signatures; 
• authenticate remote principals in web servers; and 
• identify and avoid common security vulnerabilities. 

 General competence - The candidate can 

• analyze and document computer systems and protocols; 
• participate actively in professional discussions (oral or written); 
• develop robust and secure software systems; and 
• apply security-by-design principles. 

Recommended prerequisites

INF-1101 Data structures and algorithms, INF-2300 Computer Communication

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• INF-2301 Computer communication and security 5 stp
• INF-2310 Security in distributed systems 5 stp

Language of instruction and examination

A 4 hours final written exam counting 100%. Approved assignments give access to the final written exam. 

Grade scale: Letter grades A-E, F - fail.

The coursework includes up to 4 written assignment, individually graded approved / not approved. Oral presentation of the assignments and demonstrations of a working system can in special cases be claimed by the course responsible.

Re-sit examination: Given early in teaching free semester, if the course is compulsory in the study plan. It will be arranged a 4-hour written exam counting 100%. To get access to the re-sit examination in the teaching free semester the student must have passed the course requirements. 

Postponed examination: Given early in teaching free semester. It will be arranged a 4-hour written exam counting 100%. To get access to the postponed examination in the teaching free semester the student must have passed the course requirements.