ISA 656, Network Security

[Class Schedule]  [Bibliography]


Instructor: Angelos Stavrou
Class Time*: Wednesday 7:20 pm - 10:00pm
Location: Science and Technology I 128
Textbook: Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World, Second Edition, Prentice Hall PTR, 2002, ISBN 0130460192.
Course PRE/CO-REQUISITES: ISA 562 and CS 555 or permission of the instructor

Office Hours: Wednesday 5:00 - 7:00 pm, room 441, Science and Technology II and by appointment

Teaching Assistant: TBD
TA Office:
TA office, Science & Technology II
TA Hours: TBD

*The first class meeting will be on Wednesday, August 27th, 7:20pm.

Course Description:

In this course, students will learn the current state of network security including attack and defenses enabled by the use of communication networks. The use of networked devices in both everyday and critical tasks comes great potential for service disruption because of unauthorized access and use.
The traditional physical security mechanisms (locked doors, security guards, etc.) fail to address the problem. On the other hand, a wide variety of security measures may be employed in countering such threats. It is important to understand the concepts and tools available in order to assume an appropriate security posture.

The course will provide the necessary foundation on network security and an in-depth review of commonly-used security mechanisms and techniques. Specific topics that will be covered include network attacks, firewalls, intrusion detection and response, security protocols (in particular, IPsec, SSL, and Kerberos), Denial of Service (DoS) attacks/ detection/prevention, viruses and worms, DNS, email & Voice Over IP (VoIP) security, wireless infrastructure security, web security, and privacy.


Course Outcomes:


1. Comprehend fundamental design principles of and the network security (or lack of )
Internet Protocols, and IP networks, including the name system, routing and Internet services.

2. Comprehend advanced security technologies and defenses including firewalls,
honey pots, virtual private networks, anonymity networks and denial of service defenses.

3. Apply understanding of Network Security by analyzing, evaluating, and
improving actual network & system configurations.


Bibliography:

TextBook:
Kaufman, Perlman, and Speciner. Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World, Second Edition, Prentice Hall PTR, 2002, ISBN 0130460192. (Required).

Optional:
Cheswick, Bellovin, and Rubin. Firewalls and Internet Security: Repelling the Wily Hacker, Second Edition, Addison-Wesley Professional, 2003, ISBN 020163466X. (Recommended)
On-Line Java Book by Bruce Eckel [zip]

Grading:
Midterm/Project: 20%
Final: 25%
Homeworks: 50%
Class Participation: 5%

Homework Policy
Homeworks received later that day lose 5%, the next day 10%,
two days late 20%, three days late 30%, after that, 50% credit.

Please read the University's Academic Honesty Page and GMU Honor Code.

Disability Statement
If you have a documented learning disability or other condition that may affect academic performance you should:
1) make sure this documentation is on file with the Office of Disability Services:
(SUB I, Rm. 222; 993-2474; www.gmu.edu/student/drc) to determine the accommodations you need;
2) talk with me to discuss your accommodation needs.

For more information go to Class Web-Site