COMP7904A - Information security: attacks and defense

Summer Semester, 2017-18

Instructors
Mr. Raymond C.B. Chan
Dr. S.M. Yiu
Teaching assistant
Mr. Shing Ki Wong
Syllabus This is an introductory course for some preliminary techniques in computer security and simple attacks for security protocols and schemes. Both the theoretical (e.g. the mathematics behind an encryption system and the attacks) and the practical (e.g. introduction of password cracking software tools) aspects of these techniques will be covered.
Introduction by Instructor This is an introductory course for some preliminary anti-forensic techniques and simple attacks to security protocols and schemes. Both the theoretical (e.g. the mathematics behind an encryption system and the attacks) and the practical (e.g. introduction of password cracking software tools) aspects of these techniques will be covered.
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes Relevant Programme Learning Outcomes
CLO1. Able to master the key technologies about the information security and apply them to solve some problems in our life. PLO.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16
CLO2. Learn the history of these key technologies and be able to analyze and contrast similar technologies. PLO.4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
COL3. Able to acquire and self-learn the latest information security technologies and try to develop new ideas. PLO.8, 9, 10, 11
View Programme Learning Outcomes
Pre-requisites Students are expected to have university level mathematics background and some programming experience.
Compatibility Students who have taken "COMP7801 Topic in computer science" in 2012-13 academic year or “COMP7806 Topic in computer security” in 2013-14 academic year should not be allowed to take COMP7904.
Topics covered
Course Content No. of Hours Course Learning Outcomes
1. Password cracking/Password recovery 3 CLO1
2. Brief introduction on symmetric encryption schemes, and simple attacks to them 12 CLO1,CLO2
3. Brief introduction on asymmetric encryption schemes, and simple attacks to them 6 CLO1,CLO2
4. Brief introduction on digital watermarking and fingerprinting 6 CLO1,CLO3
5. Introduction to anti-forensic techniques (focus on pictures, e.g., techniques to erase objects from pictures) 3 CLO1,CLO3
 
Assessment
Description Type Weighting * Examination Period ^ Course Learning Outcomes
Written assignment 1 Continuous Assessment 10% - CLO1
Written assignment 2 Continuous Assessment 18% - CLO1,CLO2
Written assignment 3 Continuous Assessment 22% - CLO1
Written exam covers all taught content in the course. Written Examination 50% August 13 to 18, 2018 CLO1
* The weighting of coursework and examination marks is subject to approval
^ The exact examination date uses to be released when all enrolments are confirmed after add/drop period by the Examinations Office.  Students must oblige to the examination schedule. Students should NOT enrol in the course if they are not certain that they will be in Hong Kong during the examination period.  Absent from examination may result in failure in the course. There is no supplementary examination for all MSc curriculums in the Faculty of Engineering.

For reference:
Course materials Recommended readings:
  • William Stallings, "Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practices", the newest edition, Prentice Hall
  • Behrouz A. Forouzan, "Cryptography and Network Security", the newest edition · Gerd Numitor, "Anti-computer Forensics", Flu Press
  • Michael G. Solomon, Diane Barrett and Neil Broom, "Computer Forensics JumpStartTM", SYBEX
Session dates
Date Time Venue Remark
Session 1 15 Jun 2018 (Fri) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 2 16 Jun 2018 (Sat) 1:30pm - 4:30pm CB-A  
Session 3 20 Jun 2018 (Wed) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 4 22 Jun 2018 (Fri) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 5 23 Jun 2018 (Sat) 1:30pm - 4:30pm CB-A  
Session 6 30 Jun 2018 (Sat) 1:30pm - 4:30pm CB-A  
Session 7 5 Jul 2018 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 8 7 Jul 2018 (Sat) 1:30pm - 4:30pm CB-A  
Session 9 9 Jul 2018 (Mon) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
Session 10 12 Jul 2018 (Thu) 7:00pm - 10:00pm CB-C  
CB - Chow Yei Ching Building
Add/drop 11 June, 2018 - 16 June, 2018
Quota 100
Moodle course website
  • HKU Moodle: http://moodle.hku.hk/course/view.php?id=57213 (Login using your HKU Portal UID and PIN)

    - Please note that the instructor maintains and controls when to release the Moodle teaching website to students.
    - Enrolled students should visit the Moodle teaching website regularly for latest announcements, course materials, assignment submission, discussion forum, etc.
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