COMPSCI 726: Network Defence and Countermeasures
Semester 2, City Campus

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).

It is a research-oriented course that explores current research and developments in the area of network defence and countermeasures.

• Monday 12:00-13:00 hrs 302-G20
• Wednesday 11:00-12:00 hrs ClockT018/105-018
• Thursday 10:00-11:00 hrs ClockT018/105-018

• Give basic advice on securing communication networks (Themes 1-6*)
• Criticise and appreciate technical literature on network security (Themes 1-5*)
• Demonstrate technical skills to increase security of communication networks (Themes 1-6*)
• Prepare and deliver an oral presentation on an advanced topic in network security (Themes 1,2,4, and 5*)
• Develop novel problem solving and research-informed ideas (Themes 1-6*)

*All the themes are defined in graduate profiles.

• 15% Individual 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 2 students. The deadline to choose an article is: Friday, July 23, 23:59 hrs NZ time. 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 a tentative report title and your 1-paragraph research proposal) is: Friday, July 30, 23:59 hrs NZ time. The deadline to submit your final report is: Wednesday, October 20, 23:59 hrs NZ time. For more information, click here.
• 60% Final Exam: The final exam will be based on lectures, seminars, and class discussions.