CS155: Computer and Network Security

Overview

Spring 2020

Description

The course covers principles of computer systems and network security. We will discuss various attack techniques and how to defend against them. Topics include network attacks and defenses, operating system holes, web security, e-mail, botnet, malware, social engineering attacks, privacy, and digital rights management. Course projects will focus on building reliable code and understanding attacks. The course is intended for senior undergraduates and first year graduate students.

Prerequisites

The course requires an understanding of operating systems, networking protocols, and a basic understanding of programming languages. Programming projects will be done primarily in C and JavaScript, but other languages may be needed.

Pre-requisites: CS110 (Principles of Computer Systems)

Textbook Information

There is no textbook for the class.
Instead, we will use research papers posted on the course syllabus page page for every lecture.

Lectures and Sections

  • There will occasionally be a section Friday. Time and location will be announced in class.
  • All lectures and sections will be recorded and made available on canvas.
  • Attendance at the sections is optional.

Homework Assignments

  • There will be two written homework assignments and three programming projects.
  • You may collaborate when solving the written assignments, however when writing up the solutions you must do so on your own. 
  • All programming projects can be done in pairs.
  • Each programming project will be split into two separate deliverables. The second part is usually due a week after the first.
  • You must submit all assigned work electronically. Submission instructions will be provided.
  • Extensions:  Each student has a total of 72 extension hours throughout the quarter. This automatic extension can be spent in units of 24 hours on any of the assignments and projects. We will not accept submissions for any single assignment more than 72 hours after its regular deadline. The score for any late submission you make after you've used up your three free late days will be max(0, original_score * (1 - .25 * x)) where x is how many late days you've used after your three free ones.
  • Homework and projects will be due at 11:59pm PT on the specified deadline.
  • Regrade requests must be submitted at most three days after grades are released.
  • It is an honor code violation to consult solutions from previous offerings of CS155.

Grading

CS 155 will be taught on a pass-fail basis this quarter. Passing the class is based on completion of the assigned homeworks and projects. There will be no midterm and no final exam in the course.