Course syllabus - Cybersecurity Fundamentals

Objectives

The course aims to provide the students with fundamental knowledge in cybersecurity, including introduction to cybersecurity services and prepare them to take other advanced courses in cybersecurity. The course will also provide skills in literature search, report writing, and presentation. 

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

1. understand the core principles of information security, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA Triad),
2. identify common cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors,
3. understand and implement computer and network security architecture including access control mechanisms,
4. recognize how attackers think and practice techniques to defend against cyberattacks, 
5. comprehend compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to cybersecurity and
6. apply critical thinking skills for analyzing and mitigating security challenges.  

Course content

Cybersecurity - Definitions, Key Terminologies and Core Concepts.  
Cyberattacks - Threat Actors, Vulnerabilities, Techniques, and Tactics.  
Cybersecurity Services - CIA Triad, Authentication, Accountability, and Access Control.
Cryptography - Symmetric & Asymmetric Cryptography and Key Management.  
Network security - Intranet, Internet, and IoT.  
Ethical Hacking - Reconnaissance, Secure Coding, and Vulnerability Analysis. 
Security Management, Compliance, and Regulatory Frameworks. 

Specific requirements

60 credits in completed courses in computer science, that include completed courses in programming corresponding to 15 credits and computer networks 7.5 credits, and 10 credits in Mathematics/Applied Mathematics including 7.5 credits of Discrete Mathematics. In addition, Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3. 

Examination

Written examination (TEN1), 6 credits, examines the learning outcomes 1-6, marks Fail (U), 3, 4 or 5. 
Project (PRO1), An assignment that is presented with seminars and a report, 1,5 hp, examines the learning outcomes 1-5, marks Fail (U) or Pass (G). 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps with DVA511 Cybersecurity Fundamentals and also with 2,5 hp with DVA486 Fundamentals of Industrial Cybersecurity.