SHE level 11 SCQF credit points 15 ECTS credit points 7.5 Module code MMI126272 Module Leader Pius Owoh School School of Science & Engineering Subject Computer Networks & Security Trimester A (September start), B (January start)
Summary of content The prevalence of cyber security incidents highlights the increase of potential risks in the digital arena. These vulnerabilities are fuelling the growing need for skilled professionals who can protect systems from attack, respond to security breaches and solve cybercrimes. This module builds on an understanding of the main principles behind digital forensics, together with the procedures for securing and analysing evidence to support investigations. It introduces the construction and development of different types of malicious code, including their implementation and methods of action in exploiting system weaknesses.
Module details Syllabus arrow_forward Cybersecurity: Confidentiality, integrity, and availability as they relate to data states and cybersecurity countermeasures. Digital Forensics: Fundamental and defining principles of digital forensics. Incident Response Tactics. Preparation of audit trails. Advanced file analysis approaches, network forensics, mobile device forensic computing, data hiding and hostile code, encryption and forensics, investigation of fraud, data recovery. Malware Analysis Fundamentals & Approaches - Types of malware and their features. Malware distribution techniques. Methods of deception and strategies to evade detection. Intrusion signatures. Behavioural analysis of malicious executables. Reverse-engineering malware. Malicious Code Analysis - Reverse-engineering malware at the code level. Network analysis. Anti-disassembling techniques. Identifying assembly logic structures with a disassembler. Patterns of common malware characteristics at the API level. Methods for bypassing anti-analysis mechanisms. Malicious Documents and Memory Forensics - Reverse engineering of malicious executables using memory forensic techniques. Analysing memory to assess malware characteristics and reconstruct infection artifacts. Using memory forensics to analyse rootkit infections. Legal & Ethical Issues - Reinforce understanding and the application of discipline specific legal and ethical issues.
Learning outcomes arrow_forward On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Teaching / learning strategy arrow_forward Flipped classroom teaching aims to maximise the direct and digitally mediated contact time with students by practicing teaching and learning strategies that use real world scenarios and encourage action learning, enquiry based learning, problem based learning and peer learning. All these approaches aim to directly involve the students in the process of learning and to encourage sharing of learning between students. The module team will determine the level and accuracy of knowledge acquisition at key points in the delivery, inputting when necessary either directly or with the support of external experts who will add to the authenticity, the credibility and application of the education and learning in the workplace.
Indicative reading arrow_forward Transferrable skills arrow_forward Traditional Academic Skills - specialist knowledge, ability to apply knowledge, logical thinking, critical analysis, problem-solving, written and spoken communication, ability to use numerical data, and research skills Personal Development Skills - self-confidence, self-discipline, self-reliance, awareness of strengths and weaknesses, creativity, independence, knowledge of international affairs, desire to go on learning, ability to reflect, reliability, integrity, honesty and regard for others Enterprise Or Business Skills - ability to prioritise tasks, time management, interpersonal skills, presentational skills, ability to work in teams and leadership.
Module structure Activity Total hours Lectures 0 Tutorials 0 Practicals 22 Seminars 22 Independent Learning 91 Assessment 15 Placement 0
Assessment methods Component Duration Weighting Threshold Description Course Work001 50 45 Practical work Exam002 1.5 50 45 online, on campus exam
