Network Defence and Countermeasures: COMPSCI 726 Semester 2

This course focuses on the use and deployment of protective systems used in securing internal and external networks. Its purpose is to provide a detailed understanding of technologies such as firewalls, NAT, IDS, honeypot and a host of other security mechanisms for providing security at different TCP/IP layers. It examines in detail the widely used protocols including SSL, IPSec, DNSSEC as well as covers infrastructure platform protocols including wireless security (IEEE 802.11).

This course also explores the current research and developments in the area of network defence and countermeasures.

• Monday 16:00-17:00 hrs 206-209 (Arts 1, Room 209)
• Tuesday 11:00-12:00 hrs 302-G20 (Science, Room G20)
• Friday 11:00-12:00 hrs 260-057 (Owen G Glenn, Room 057)

• Learning network security fundamentals
• Understanding security technologies and common defence strategies
• Learning current research approaches in the area
• Demonstrating critical understanding of research and novel research ideas

• Give basic advice on securing communication networks
• Demonstrate critical and appreciative comprehension of technical literature on network security
• Demonstrate technical skills to increase security of communication networks
• Prepare and deliver an oral presentation on an advanced topic in network security

• 15% Seminar: Your oral presentation must be a coherent explanation of an advanced topic in Network Defence and Countermeasures, showing your careful reading and understanding of a research article (from this list). Note that an article can be chosen by at most 3 students. The deadline to choose an article is: Friday, July 28, 23:59 hrs NZDT. Furthermore, you also need to review one assigned presentation within a week after that presentation. For more information, click here.
• 25% Group Report: Your written report must demonstrate (i) your critical understanding of at least 5 research articles and (ii) a novel research idea in the respective topic your group has chosen (group size is 2). To see a potential list of articles, click here. At least one article in your report must be from this list. The deadline to submit your research proposal (including names of both group members, expected report title and a single paragraph of your research proposal) is: Friday, August 04, 23:59 hrs NZDT. The deadline to submit your final report is: Friday, October 13 Sunday, October 15, 23:59 hrs NZDT. For more information, click here.
• 60% Final Exam: The final exam will be based on lectures, seminars, and class discussions.