SWE 4540 - Network Security Tools and Practices

2 lecture hours 2 lab hours 3 credits

Course Description
This course introduces students to cybersecurity through the application of tools and practices used in real-world network security analyses. Students learn the history of securing computer networks and the evolution of threats from hackers to sophisticated criminal organizations. Proactive security measures including authentication, encryption and firewalls are introduced. Students are given the opportunity to securely configure both wired and wireless networks. Monitoring technologies including intrusion detection, honeypots, packet sniffing and computer/network forensics approaches are discussed and applied. Lab exercises focus on the application of tools in a live network environment to achieve best practices in network security.
Prereq: CSC 3210 (quarter system prereq: CS 3840 or CS 3841)
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: None

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Assess and evaluate network security tools for use in defending, attacking, and testing computer networks
Design a threat scenario and implement defenses to mitigate potential attacks
Perform a penetration test of a live network and assess the results
Discuss the legal and ethical issues involved with assessing and testing a network for vulnerabilities and weaknesses
Configure a rudimentary network topology in a secure fashion managing APs, VLANs, and other network configuration parameters
Explain the weaknesses of Wi-Fi networking from a security standpoint
Communicate with the general public about the importance of network security in the home and workplace

Prerequisites by Topic
Operating systems:

Linux shell scripting and basic commands
Virtual machine usage and operation including installing a VM and bridged versus NAT connections
Rudimentary networking (sockets, IP address, port, etc.)

Course Topics

Introduction to network security
Overview of networking technology and key concepts
The basics of network security
Network attacks
Firewalls and network segregation
Network segmentation
Firewall implementation
Intrusion detection systems and honeypots
Virtual private networks
Wi-Fi networking technology overview
Wi-Fi networking security topics
Authentication with networks
Ethical issues related to network security and ethical hacking
Network security standards and certifications
Emerging topics in network security

Laboratory Topics

Identifying local Wi-Fi networks and local Wi-Fi network security
Network mapping and device identification using Kali Linux
ARP spoofing and ARP poisoning
Configuring a firewall on a network and on a simple server
Deploying a honeypot on a network
Analyzing network traffic and detecting anomalies with SNORT
Setting up a VPN on a network
Working with VLANs
Packet sniffing an insecure wireless network
Attacking a Wi-Fi network using dictionary attacks
Attacking a network with a denial of service attack
Connecting networks Together
IOT device considerations on a network

Coordinator
Dr. Walter Schilling

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