Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to
- explain the basic principles and techniques related to how cyber criminals can gain access to IT systems,
- assess and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of IT systems in terms of data security,
- implement solutions to strengthen IT security in IT systems,
- perform and present ethical pen tests for educational purposes.
Course Content
The course begins with a brief description of important concepts needed for ethical hacking, such as operating systems, software, network protocols, network functions, virtualisation, cloud computing and the way cyber-attacks can be carried out.
Aspects that are covered are scouting and information search, as well as identification of the target IT system. Network scanning of the target computer network and network services by vulnerabilities are described.
The course describes how vulnerabilities in OS, applications, network protocols, and network functions can be identified and used to escalate privileges, exfiltrate data, or cause damage.
The course further describes how to protect IT systems from attacks, and it also describes incident management and solutions that can detect computer fraud. The course also covers cryptographic algorithms, reverse engineering of software, and the way malware functions.
Aspects that are covered are scouting and information search, as well as identification of the target IT system. Network scanning of the target computer network and network services by vulnerabilities are described.
The course describes how vulnerabilities in OS, applications, network protocols, and network functions can be identified and used to escalate privileges, exfiltrate data, or cause damage.
The course further describes how to protect IT systems from attacks, and it also describes incident management and solutions that can detect computer fraud. The course also covers cryptographic algorithms, reverse engineering of software, and the way malware functions.
Assessment
- Individual assignment
- Lab reports
- Presentation
- Seminar
Grades
The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–VG.
Grades are reported as follows:
- Lab reports - 5 Credits | U–G
- Seminar, individual assignment, and presentation - 2.5 Credits | U–VG
Entry Requirements
- 60 credits in the main field of study Microdata Analysis including Script Programming, 7.5 credits and Data Communication II, 7.5 credits
Other Information
Overlaps GDT28Y and GDT2Y3.
This course cannot be counted towards the same degree along with courses that have equivalent content.
If the student has received a decision/recommendation granting study support from Dalarna University because of a disability, then the examiner has the right to offer an alternative examination arrangement. The examiner takes into account the objectives in the course syllabus when deciding whether the examination can be adapted in accordance with the decision/recommendation.