Computer and Network Security

Catalog description

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of computer and network security, covering key principles and practices essential for safeguarding modern computing systems. Topics include the fundamentals of cybersecurity, cryptography, secure software development, system security, and network security. Students will learn to identify and mitigate threats, implement cryptographic techniques, and design secure architectures for web, mobile, and network platforms. The course emphasizes practical applications through hands-on labs using tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs. Emerging topics, including blockchain security, AI-based defenses, post-quantum cryptography, and IoT security, are introduced to address evolving cyber threats. Ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and global cybersecurity policies are integrated throughout the course. Students will gain foundational skills to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios, preparing them for careers in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. Students may not receive credit for both MTH 4380 and CIS 3550.