Overview

Students who complete this unit will understand security threats, ICT ethics, and the deficiencies in modern software systems. They will learn to manage network security, recognize tools used by hackers, identify and address security breaches, and solve complex cybersecurity challenges.

Requisites

Prerequisites

COS60004 Creating Web Applications
OR
COS60007 Creating Web Applications and Databases
OR
Admission into MA-ITPC1 - Master of Information Technology (Professional Computing)
OR
Admission into MA-ITPC - Master of Information Technology (Professional Computing)
AND
TNE60002 Network Administration
OR
COS70007 Data Communications and Security
OR
COS80021 Web Application Development
OR
TNE60006 Networks and Switching

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Evaluate security and privacy of networks and servers
  • Develop management plans for system security
  • Plan security audits with a focus on ICT ethics
  • Understand social engineering concepts and assess system risks influenced by human behavior
  • Utilize a range of security tools to solve complex cybersecurity problems
  • Identify potential vulnerabilities through a solid understanding of network monitoring concepts

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Lecture		 1.00  12 weeks  12
Live Online
Class		 1.00  12 weeks  12
On-campus
Class		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		 8.50  12 weeks  102
TOTAL     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Research Project Individual 30 - 40%  3,4,5,6
Applied Project Individual  30 - 40%  1,2,3,4,5,6,7 
Laboratory Practicals Individual  10 - 20%  1,2,3,4,5,6,7 
Test Individual  10 - 20%  1,2,3,4,7 

Content

  • Overview of network and computer security threats
  • Physical and converged security
  • Operating system
  • Secure programming practices
  • Port scanning, packet sniffing and intrusion detection
  • Understanding and responding to security alerts
  • Server technologies, risks and policies
  • Vulnerability analysis and Audit
  • Security models
  • Authentication (identity, biometrics and digital signatures)
  • Digital forensics
  • ICT ethics and privacy

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.