Syllabus
Course Description
The purpose of the course is to provide the student with an overview of the field of Information Security and Assurance. Students will be exposed to the spectrum of Security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. This course offers a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to take the CompTIA Security+ SY0-301 Certification Exam. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of network security, including compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography. The course covers new topics in network security as well, including psychological approaches to social engineering attacks, web application attacks, penetration testing, data loss prevention, cloud computing security, and application programming development security.
Textbook
Mark Ciampa, Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals. Fifth Edition Cengage Learning, 2015, ISBN 13: 978-1-305-09391-1
Compare prices for your textbooks through the University Store Price Comparison site. They will show you all of the options from the University Store plus several online options to help you find the best price.
BYU-Idaho Learning Model
"The challenge before us is to create even more powerful and effective learning experiences in which students learn by faith. This requires, but is more than, teaching by the Spirit. To learn by faith, students need opportunities to take action. Some of those opportunities will come… where students lead and teach one another and participate broadly. Some of them will come in the classroom, where prepared students, exercising faith, step out beyond the light they already possess, to speak, to contribute, and to teach one another. It is precisely in that moment of faith that (the) …'calling up' and 'linking' of personal effort to the Spirit occurs. It is in that moment that the Spirit teaches." (Kim B. Clark, "Inaugural Response," Brigham Young University - Idaho, October 11, 2005)
Principles
- Exercise faith in Christ as a principle of action and power
- Understand that true teaching is done by and with the Holy Ghost
- Lay hold upon the word of God as found in the holy scriptures and in the words of the prophets in all disciplines
- Act for themselves and accept responsibility for learning and teaching
- Love, serve, and teach one another
Course Description
The purpose of the course is to provide the student with an overview of the field of Information Security and Assurance. Students will be exposed to the spectrum of Security activities, methods, methodologies, and procedures. This course offers a comprehensive guide for anyone wishing to take the CompTIA Security+ SY0-301
Certification Exam. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of network security, including compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; application, data, and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography. The course covers new topics in network security as well, including psychological approaches to social engineering attacks, Web application attacks, penetration testing, data loss prevention, cloud computing security, and application programming development security.
Software and Computer Ethics
The use of the BYU - Idaho network, systems and data imposes responsibilities and obligations upon the students to use these computer components in an ethical manner and in accordance with the guidelines found in the BYU - Idaho Honor Code. Students are to access only data and files that are owned by them, or explicit authorization has been given by the instructor for their use. Copyrighted material must be used in accordance with copyright law and applicable license agreements followed.
Attempting to circumvent or subvert system security measures or engaging in any activity that causes harm to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files are considered inappropriate use. Violators are subject to disciplinary actions as prescribed by BYU - Idaho Policy and may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state, or federal civil or criminal law.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Security
- Malware and Social Engineering Attacks
- Application and Network Attacks
- Vulnerability Assessment and Mitigating Attacks
- Host, Application, and Data Security
- Network Security
- Administering a Secure Network
- Wireless Network Security
- Access Control Fundamentals
- Authentication and Account Management
- Basic Cryptography
- Advanced Cryptography
- Business Continuity
- Risk Mitigation
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Student will be able to apply cyber security principles to their everyday life.
- Students will demonstrate competency in the following by passing the CompTia Security+ Industry certification (or similar) exam:
- Network security
- Compliance and operational security
- Threats and vulnerabilities
- Application, data and host security
- Access control and identity management
- Cryptography
- Students will be able to research and present cyber security concepts in a professional manner
Grading
| Participation/Reflection/ Weekly Threat | 15% |
| Quizzes | 20% |
| Unit Exams | 20% |
| Project Overview | 10% |
| Labs/Presentations | 10% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
Grading Scale
| >93 A | 90 - 93 A- | 87 - 89.9 B+ | 84 - 86.9 B |
| 80 - 83.9 B- | 77 - 79.9 C+ | 74 - 76.9 C | 70 - 73.9 C- |
| 67 – 69.9 D+ | 64 – 66.9 D- | < 64 F |
Late Work
Late work will not be accepted.
Dress and Grooming Standards
You are expected to abide by the BYU - Idaho Code of Honor and Dress and Grooming Standards. If you are not sure of the standards or the code of honor, please read the information found on the BYU - Idaho page under the following links: Student Life, Dean Of Students, and Dress and Grooming Standards. They are a part of good citizenship- please be sensitive to these concerns.
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating in any form is unacceptable conduct.
Disability
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at 496-1130.
Brigham Young University - Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, 496-1158. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Personnel Office at 496-1130.
All students are requested to use their BYU - Idaho email account. If you have any questions about the course or need assistance, please contact me in person or by telephone during office hours; or by e-mail at any time.