INFOSYS 727 : Advanced Information Security

Business and Economics

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Focuses on technical security issues of the systems used in today's information technology applications. Explores the practical issues of identification and authentication, security of operating systems, cryptography, disaster recovery and contingency planning, and discusses the relevant theoretical models. Managerial aspects of information security issues as well as legal and ethical issues arising from protecting computer files both from a New Zealand and global perspective will be addressed. The course follows the content of CISSP certification.

Course Overview

This course is for students who want to expand their knowledge of computers, networks, and business security. The course structure is designated to correspond with the domains of knowledge for the CISSP certification, called the Common Body of Knowledge.  An important part of the course is the security laboratory presenting various tools used to secure the functioning of information systems. This course is the next logical step after gaining basic knowledge related to using information systems in business. After graduation from this course, the students will be able to effectively use their information technology tools to mitigate the risk of being exposed to possible attacks against their IT systems.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Graduate Profile: Master of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Show advanced knowledge of information security concepts (security protocols, human-computer interfaces, access control, cryptography, and distributed systems issues) (Capability 1)
  2. Evaluate and apply solutions to developmental, managerial, and audit issues including the review of the related law, evidence collection, and security policies (Capability 1, 3, 4.2 and 5.2)
  3. Demonstrate critical and creative thinking to formulate and justify appropriate recommendations and/or solutions to an information security problem (Capability 1, 2, 3, 4.2 and 5.1)
  4. Present an argument in highly structured format and clearly discuss the central ideas. (Capability 1, 4.1 and 4.2)
  5. Contribute to the student's own team’s success by helping the team to move forward, participating in setting goals, and articulating alternative ways to solve problems (Capability 3, 4.1 and 4.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Coursework 40% Group & Individual Coursework
Assignments 30% Group & Individual Coursework
Tests 30% Individual Test
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Coursework
Assignments
Tests
The minimum pass mark for this course is a C-. However, to progress further in the program you must score at least 50% on the tests. Failing to do so will result in a D+ grade irrespective of the coursework results.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 36 hours of lectures and tutorials, 64 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 50 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.

The key to successful completion of the course and reducing stress is a regular study program during the whole semester.

Lectures will be recorded.


Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities including labs to complete/receive credit for components of the course.

Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities may be available as recordings.

The course may include live online events.

Exam timetables are normally published online during the mid-semester break of the relevant semester. At that point, you will also learn the mode for each of your exams, e.g., if it will be a remote/online exam, or an on-campus exam.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Students should bring their own computers to classes.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Students will be asked to complete:  Formative fast feedback early in the semester and  Course and teaching evaluations at the end of the course.

We will seek volunteers to serve as class reps.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Class representative will be elected at the first class.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 20/11/2023 07:37 p.m.