Security Concentration
The role of security is increasingly central to the effective and reliable operation of information systems in our networked environment. This program is designed to provide security operations professionals with the knowledge of security operations and the skills to develop and implement a security plan.
All students in this concentration must complete the following eight courses:
- 769.411 Web Principles and Web Page Design
- 769.416 Prin Web/E-Comm Secur
- 769.421 Software & OS Security
- 769.422 Securing Networks and Telecommunications
- 769.424 Encryption and Cryptography
- 769.425 Non-technical Security Issues
- 769.427 Concepts Sec Test/Audit
- 769.428 Design/Op Security Prog
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769.411 Web Principles and Web Page Design
Developing a Web page is the first step in creating a Web-based information system. It is the major user interaction part of the Web application. This course examines the design and development of effective Web pages. Topics covered include World Wide Web basics, understanding the Internet, HTML, designing a Web page, graphic standards, developing basic web page graphics, effective Web page design issues, an introduction to JavaScript, examination of the future of HTML, and tools used for Web page development. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.307
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769.416 Prin Web/E-Comm Secur
Security permeates all facets of information systems today. Each area has some specialized security components and process important to it. This course examines the security principles and practices involved in Web or e-commerce security. Topics include SET, SSL, web server security operations, certificates, authentication, digital signatures, and others needed for developing a secure e-commerce operation. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.330 AND BU.769.411
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769.421 Software & OS Security
At the heart of a system’s operations is the operating system (OS). This course examines OS security principles and practices. Topics include OS security architecture, account and password protection mechanisms, assessing OS vulnerabilities, application interaction, module control, memory security, operational logs, protecting the code, viruses and virus protection, and security applications. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.307 AND BU.769.330
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769.422 Securing Networks and Telecommunications
In today’s systems, connectivity is the norm. With the explosive growth of the Internet, all systems are used in connection with some networks. Consequently, network security has become an important area of security. This course will examine network security issues, including network security models and architectures, network device security, Web hacking, firewalls, network operating system’s security capabilities, dial-in system security, preventing attacks, and detecting and fixing network vulnerabilities. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.311 AND BU.769.330
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769.424 Encryption and Cryptography
Understanding the inner detail of security processes can provide for better security systems design and operations. This course examines details of typical security protection measures. Topics include certificate authorities (CA), public key infrastructure, Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) architectures, data encryption standard, pretty good privacy, steganography, and security standards. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.330
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769.425 Non-technical Security Issues
Most of the time security measures are focused on the technical aspects of system protection. Too often the people side of the problem is ignored or pushed aside. This course focuses on personnel protection issues and measures. Topics include personnel issues, detecting potential problems, security checks, physical access, background checks, personnel security policies and procedures, legal issues related to information technology standards, and setting up a problem response team. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.307
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769.427 Concepts Sec Test/Audit
While understanding, implementing, and operating a good information technology security system are important, making sure the system is appropriate and functional is critical. The best planned security system may be useless if it is not very functional. This course is designed to cover the aspects of testing security and recovery measures and making sure the policies are properly followed. Topics include the role and organization of the audit and test functions, developing a test plan, testing strategies, recovery testing, principles of the technology audit process, automated audit controls in systems, and conducting an information technology audit. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.416 AND BU.769.421 AND BU.769.422 AND BU.769.425
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769.428 Design/Op Security Prog
Knowing how to secure a system only addresses the technical aspects of security. To be effective in security, an organization must develop and implement a comprehensive security plan. This course addresses the issues associated with developing a comprehensive security plan, developing an organization-wide planning process, and security policies and standards. (3 credits)
Prerequisite(s): BU.769.416 AND BU.769.421 AND BU.769.422 AND BU.769.425

