Syllabus
Fundamentals of Information Security: Cybersecurity

Fundamentals of Information Security: Cybersecurity

ITSY-1300

Credit Spring 2021
01/19/2021 - 05/16/2021

Course Information

Section 003
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Michael MacLeod

Office Hours

No office hours have been entered for this term

Course Requirements

Course Description: Basic information security goals of availability, integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality. Vocabulary and terminology specific to the field of information security and cybersecurity are discussed. Identification of exposures and vulnerabilities and appropriate countermeasures are addressed. The importance of appropriate planning and administrative controls is also discussed. Additional topics include: instruction in security for network hardware, software, and data including physical security, backup procedures, firewalls, encryption, and protection from viruses.

Pre-requisite:  Although there are no prerequisites for this course, it is suggested that you take Fundamentals of Networking Technologies prior to or in the same semester as Fundamentals of Information Security.

Course Rationale To introduce students to a broad range of network security-related topics including: confidentiality, integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation. In addition, students will study elements of security for network hardware, software and data including physical security, encryption, protection from viruses and attacks.

Instructional Methodology:  This course will have 75% lecture and 25% laboratory. 

Normally, there will be a lecture and lab component each day with the lab occurring at the end of the period. 

The CIS open labs are available for students for work outside of scheduled lab time. 

Grade Policy:

Grade will be assigned based both on concepts and practical application. An overall grade will be assigned on the following grading scale:

900 – 1000 points         A

800 – 899 points           B

700 – 799 points           C

600 – 699 points           D

599 or less points          F

Course Requirements

Basis for Grades

 

 

Type

Number

Points Each

Total Points

 

Orientation Exam

Lecture Exam

Practice Exams

 

1 Exam

3 Exams

3 Practice

 

100

100

100

 

100

300

300

 

Assignments

Class Meetings

12 Assignments

3 Each

 

  20

 20

 

 240

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

1000

Practice Lecture Exams

3 in number

Total weight 300

T/F, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, short essays

Will cover specific chapters and appendices (see schedule)

Open book

Practice exams are designed to prepare the student for the exam for that competency. The practice exams can be taken as many times as the student chooses. The grading for the practice exam is configured to only record the highest score.

Lecture Exams

3 in number

Total weight 300

T/F, multiple choice, fill in the blanks, short essays

Will cover specific chapters and appendices (see schedule)

Closed book

If you take an Exam up to one week after an exam date, then Dr. MacLeod will deduct 10% from your exam grade.  Except for the last exam, if you take an Exam between one week and two weeks late, then Dr. MacLeod will deduct 20% from your exam grade.  If you take an Exam after two weeks from the administration date, you will receive a grade of zero (0%) for the exam.

You will not be able to take the Final Exam after the scheduled/deadline date.

Lab Assignments

12 in number

Total Points 240

Application oriented, e.g., format a document

Will cover specific programs and can be cumulative

Open book.

These are homework assignments and are done individually.  Obviously, they are open book.   

If you turn in a lab assignment up to one week after the due date, the Dr. MacLeod will deduct 10% from your grade.  If you turn in a lab assignment between one week and two weeks late, then Dr. MacLeod will deduct 20% from your exam grade.  You may not take turn in an assignment after two weeks from the due date; you will receive a grade of zero (0%) for the assignment.

Exception to Grade Reduction

To prevent the 10% or 20% grade reduction, you must meet the following conditions:

  1. You must have experienced an unforeseen and sudden emergency.  Note:  getting behind in the course is not an unforeseen emergency.
  2. You must present Dr. MacLeod documented proof of your emergency.
  3. You must contact Dr. MacLeod in person, by phone, or by e-mail of your emergency on or before the exam deadline date or the exam administration date and time.

Retesting & Extra Credit

Dr. MacLeod does not allow retesting nor extra credit to raise your grade.

Important Grading Notes

Grades will be posted as they are earned throughout the semester.  You must report (in writing) all grading issues within seven calendar days of the grade being posted.  If you have not reported a grading issue within the seven calendar days, then the grade will be final.

Grades are based on achievement, not effort.

Class Meetings

3 in number

Total Points 60

Requirement of the course

Will cover specific chapters and appendices

 

Course/Class Policies:

Attendance/Class Participation

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and laboratory attendance is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignment or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed. 

Course Schedule

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be reflected in the schedule in Blackboard and will be accompanied by an email to all students.  If the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is April 27, 2020.  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in cases a problem arises.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university many not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education.  Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count towards this limit.  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals

Missed Exam and Late Work Policies

There are NO makeup exams given in this course.  If a student misses an exam, the next exam will count double.  Only one exam may be missed and there will be NO makeup for EXAM 3.

If a student fails to submit a good faith effort for a cumulative of four or more graded assignments during the semester, the student may be dropped from the course.

Incompletes

A student may receive a temporary grade of “I” (Incomplete) at the end of the semester only if ALL of the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
  2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed for a “C” by the end of the semester.
  3. The request for the grade must be made in person at the instructor’s office and necessary documents completed.
  4. To remove an “I”, the student must complete the course by two weeks before the end of the following semester.  Failure to do so will result in the grade automatically reverting to an “F”.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process. Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources. Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

For this course, the penalty for scholastic dishonesty is a grade of ‘F’ for the course.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education. In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions. Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-andresponsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)  protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  Individual student grades are posted in BlackBoard.

Students Accessibility Services 

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS).  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student. Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.

All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Freedom of Expression Policy

It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Tutoring

Free tutoring is provided for this course both on line and face-to-face.  For online schedules and details please refer to https://sites.austincc.edu/cs/student-resources/csit-tutoring-schedule/

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Student Files – Privacy

Their instructor for educational and academic reasons may view the information that a student stores in his/her student volume in the Computer Studies Labs.

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.  Faculty at the College are required to report concern regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms o sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.  Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

            Use of ACC E-mail

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC mail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACC mail account when communicating with instructors and staff.                                              

Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to demonstrate proper classroom behavior.  The professor has the prerogative to request any student that demonstrates improper and disruptive classroom behavior to leave the classroom.  Improper and disruptive behavior includes, but is not limited to: profanity, verbal outbursts, unwarranted physical activity, and lack of respect for fellow students and/or the professor.

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities.  Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester. All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.  In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Emergency Situation

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course.  In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

 

Testing Center Policy

http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

Readings

Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals
Author: Ciampa
ISBN: 9781337288781
Edition/Copyright: 6st Ed
Published Date: 2018

  Topic Reading Quiz Student Activities
         
Week 1 Course Orientation
Chapters 1
Introduction to Security
Chapter 1  Orientation Quiz
(No later than 01/24/21)
1. Orientation Quiz
2. Chapter 1 Readings
3. Assessment 1
(No later than 01/24/21)
18-Jan
Week 2 Chapter 2
Malware and Social Engineering Attacks
Chapter 2   1. Chapter 2 Readings
2. Assessment 2
(No later than 01/31/21)  
25-Jan
Week 3 Chapter 5
Networking and Server Attacks
Chapter 5   1. Chapter 5 Readings
2. Assessment 3
(No later than 02/07/21) 
1-Feb
Week 4 Chapter 6
Network Security Devices, Design, and Technology
Chapter 6   1. Chapter 6 Readings
2. Assessment 4
(No later than 02/14/21)
8-Feb
Week 5 Chapter 7
Administering a Secure Network
Chapter 7   1. Chapter 7 Readings
2. Adobe Conect Meeting
3. Assessment 5
(No later than 02/21/21)
15-Feb
Week 6 Make up of previous quizzes  and Labs    
22-Feb Exam 1 /Project 1     
Week 7 Chapter 9
Client and Application Security
Chapter 9   1. Chapter 9 Readings
2. Assessment 6
(No later than 03/07/21) 
1-Mar
Week 8 Chapter 10
Mobile and Embedded Device Security
Chapter 10   1. Chapter 10 Readings
2. Assessment 7
(No later than 03/14/21)  
8-Mar
  Spring Break      
15-Mar      
Week 9 Chapter 11
Authentication and Account Management
Chapter 11   1. Chapter 11 Readings
2. Assessment 8
(No later than 03/28/21)
22-Mar
Week 10 Chapter 12
Access Management
Chapter 12   1. Chapter 12 Readings
2. Assessment 9
3. Adobe Conect Meeting
(No later than 04/04/21) 
29-Mar
Week 11 Make up of previous quizzes  and Labs    
5-Apr Exam 2 / Project 2    
Week 12 Chapter 13
Vulnerability Accessment and Data Security
Chapter 13   1. Chapter 13 Readings
2. Assessment 10
(No later than 04/18/21) 
12-Apr
Week 13  Chapter 14
Business Continuity
Chapter 14   1. Chapter 14 Readings
2. Assessment 11
(No later than 04/25/21)  
19-Apr
Week 14  Chapter 15
Risk Management
Chapter 15   1. Chapter 15 Readings
2. Assessment 12
(No later than 05/02/21)
26-Apr
Week 15 Chapter 8
Wireless Network Security
Chapter 8   1. Chapter 8 Readings
2. Adobe Conect Meeting
(No later than 05/09/21) 
3-May
Week 16 Make up of previous quizzes and Labs    
10-May Exam 3 / Project 3      

 

Course Subjects

  Topic Reading Quiz Student Activities
         
Week 1 Course Orientation
Chapters 1
Introduction to Security
Chapter 1  Orientation Quiz
(No later than 01/24/21)
1. Orientation Quiz
2. Chapter 1 Readings
3. Assessment 1
(No later than 01/24/21)
18-Jan
Week 2 Chapter 2
Malware and Social Engineering Attacks
Chapter 2   1. Chapter 2 Readings
2. Assessment 2
(No later than 01/31/21)  
25-Jan
Week 3 Chapter 5
Networking and Server Attacks
Chapter 5   1. Chapter 5 Readings
2. Assessment 3
(No later than 02/07/21) 
1-Feb
Week 4 Chapter 6
Network Security Devices, Design, and Technology
Chapter 6   1. Chapter 6 Readings
2. Assessment 4
(No later than 02/14/21)
8-Feb
Week 5 Chapter 7
Administering a Secure Network
Chapter 7   1. Chapter 7 Readings
2. Adobe Conect Meeting
3. Assessment 5
(No later than 02/21/21)
15-Feb
Week 6 Make up of previous quizzes  and Labs    
22-Feb Exam 1 /Project 1     
Week 7 Chapter 9
Client and Application Security
Chapter 9   1. Chapter 9 Readings
2. Assessment 6
(No later than 03/07/21) 
1-Mar
Week 8 Chapter 10
Mobile and Embedded Device Security
Chapter 10   1. Chapter 10 Readings
2. Assessment 7
(No later than 03/14/21)  
8-Mar
  Spring Break      
15-Mar      
Week 9 Chapter 11
Authentication and Account Management
Chapter 11   1. Chapter 11 Readings
2. Assessment 8
(No later than 03/28/21)
22-Mar
Week 10 Chapter 12
Access Management
Chapter 12   1. Chapter 12 Readings
2. Assessment 9
3. Adobe Conect Meeting
(No later than 04/04/21) 
29-Mar
Week 11 Make up of previous quizzes  and Labs    
5-Apr Exam 2 / Project 2    
Week 12 Chapter 13
Vulnerability Accessment and Data Security
Chapter 13   1. Chapter 13 Readings
2. Assessment 10
(No later than 04/18/21) 
12-Apr
Week 13  Chapter 14
Business Continuity
Chapter 14   1. Chapter 14 Readings
2. Assessment 11
(No later than 04/25/21)  
19-Apr
Week 14  Chapter 15
Risk Management
Chapter 15   1. Chapter 15 Readings
2. Assessment 12
(No later than 05/02/21)
26-Apr
Week 15 Chapter 8
Wireless Network Security
Chapter 8   1. Chapter 8 Readings
2. Adobe Conect Meeting
(No later than 05/09/21) 
3-May
Week 16 Make up of previous quizzes and Labs    
10-May Exam 3 / Project 3      

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Objectives / Learning Outcomes:  [Instructor may add to but not delete]

  1. Gather and document security requirements
  2. Design and document security plan
  3. Develop data/information assurance plans and implementation policies
  4. Explain role of operations and administration in implementation of security policies
  5. Explain importance of security audits, testing and monitoring insecurity policies
  6. Describe principles of risk management, incident response techniques, and continuity guidelines
  7. Describe principles of security training and awareness
  8. Describe legal and regulatory compliance approaches