Syllabus

Instructor: John R. Marks, IV
Email: jmarks@fsu.edu
Office: William Johnston Building (WJB 2027)

Information and materials for this course is always available at LIS4774.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Prequisites: None.

This course provides a comprehensive, integrated and up-to-date overview of computing security. We will examine theoretical concepts that form a foundation for information systems security. The topics include—but are not limited to—cybersecurity overview, cryptographic tools, user authentication, access control, malicious software, denial-of-service attacks, intrusion detection, firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, and buffer overflow. The discussion of these topics will provide students with broad and new perspectives on contemporary issues in cybersecurity. We will also adopt a practical, hands-on approach to examining several fundamental security technologies. This course provides students with an opportunity to advance their critical thinking ability and troubleshooting skills to address cyber threat issues. Basic knowledge of systems, servers, networking and database are preferred.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of concepts and terminology of information security, and critical issues related to threat and risk
Communicate effectively about the importance of information security methodologies, and the challenges they are meant to address
Define and explain the basic types of information attacks, malicious software and associated information security principles
Employ user-centered design strategies on the utilization of cryptographic tools, user authentication, access control mechanis
Demonstrate the ability to discuss and create security baselines to detect and prevent intrusion
Explain the technical, managerial and ethical value of cyber defense teamwork in a collaborative setting
Acquire troubleshooting and critical thinking skills and techniques of the tools needed to secure organizations as socio-technical systems
Define career opportunities in the information security industry

COURSE MATERIALS

The Course Calendar (see Web site) is particularly useful to keep up with weekly topics, assignments, and lecture notes.
Students must have access to a computer (not merely a tablet or phone)
No books are required for the course, all materials will be available online.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Short Responses

Short Response Assignments (written prose) will be given to ensure that students are keeping up with assigned materials. These will be graded pass-fail.

Hands-on Lab Exercises:

There will be frequent, likely nine, exercises for this class. If you feel you lack “hands-on” experience with security software, computers, servers, networking, hardware, etc., then this is your chance to get it. We will offer hands-on experience for core IT Security principles as they are used in real life; these labs will give you experience in all of these categories. You will need access to a computer.

Exams

There will be two "exams" in this class. The class schedule indicates when exams will be given, and the material to be covered by each exam. These are open book exams. You may reference outside material or browse the Internet during the exam; but you are not to consult other live humans. No "Honorlock" or "Testing Center" type resources will be required.

Term Project

There is one (1) term project for this class. This project will give you an opportunity to troubleshoot server vulnerability, and detect XSS script attacks - OR for you to propose, have approved, and complete a cybersecurity related project of your choosing.

Grade Breakdown

Exams: 30%
Short Responses: 20%
Lab Assignments: 20%
Term Project: 30%

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

Course content is accessible through Canvas. Students will need to be able to view videos, write and upload assignments, post to discussion boards, and take assessments. Students should have access to high-speed internet and updated software. Mobile devices may be used to view course content, upload assignments, and take assessments as determined by the instructor. To view the most current technology requirements, visit the FSU Canvas support site.

Specifically, students will need to access their Virtual Machines for exercises, either via FSU's Remote Tools or other telecomputing methods. We will discuss and evaluate in class.

University Attendance Policy:
Excused absences include documented illness, deaths in the family and other documented crises, call to active military duty or jury duty, religious holy days, and official University activities. These absences will be accommodated in a way that does not arbitrarily penalize students who have a valid excuse. Consideration will also be given to students whose dependent children experience serious illness.

Academic Honor Policy:
The Florida State University Academic Honor Policy outlines the University's expectations for the integrity of students' academic work, the procedures for resolving alleged violations of those expectations, and the rights and responsibilities of students and faculty members throughout the process. Students are responsible for reading the Academic Honor Policy and for living up to their pledge to "...be honest and truthful and...[to] strive for personal and institutional integrity at Florida State University." (Florida State University Academic Honor Policy, found at http://fda.fsu.edu/Academics/Academic-Honor-Policy)

Americans With Disabilities Act:

Students with disabilities needing academic accommodation should:
(1) register with and provide documentation to the Office of Accessibility Services; and
(2) request a letter from the Office of Accessibility Services to be sent to the instructor indicating the need for accommodation and what type; and
(3) meet (in person, via phone, email, skype, zoom, etc…) with each instructor to whom a letter of accommodation was sent to review approved accommodations.

This syllabus and other class materials are available in alternative format upon request.

For the latest version of this statement and more information about services available to FSU students with disabilities, contact the:

Office of Accessibility Services
874 Traditions Way
108 Student Services Building
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4167
(850) 644-9566 (voice)
(850) 644-8504 (TDD)
oas@fsu.edu
https://dsst.fsu.edu/oas/

Free Tutoring from FSU

On-campus tutoring and writing assistance is available for many courses at Florida State University. For more information, visit the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Tutoring Services' comprehensive list of on-campus tutoring options - see http://ace.fsu.edu/tutoring or contact tutor@fsu.edu. High-quality tutoring is available by appointment and on a walk-in basis. These services are offered by tutors trained to encourage the highest level of individual academic success while upholding personal academic integrity.

Syllabus Change Policy
Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change with advance notice.

iSchool HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS:
A list of all hardware and software requirements for students participating in the School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) courses can be found at the following location:
http://slis.fsu.edu/academics/online/requirements/

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR AN INCOMPLETE GRADE:
Incomplete (“I”) grades will not be assigned, except in the case of exceptional unforeseen circumstances that occur within the last three weeks of the semester and your work has otherwise been
satisfactory (C average).

Backlinks: FSU Courses:LIS4774