Network & Computer Security
Course Descriptions
NCS 181 - Introduction to CyberSecurity (4)
Introduction to the field of information system security. The kinds of
information system security threats that might be faced by home and/or
small business users and prudent security countermeasures used to
counteract them are covered. Security issues faced by users of
information systems will be explained as well as the potential damage
they may cause. Provides the student with knowledge necessary to protect
themselves against many of the information systems security threats
faced in everyday life.
NCS 210 - Network Transmission Technology (4)
This course will familiarize students with the three principal
transmission technologies used in data communications: copper wire,
fiber optics, and radio frequency wireless. Each physical layer medium
is covered in detail to understand the nature of the communications
channel it provides, and the impairments that affect data communications
signals. Transmission media standards, signaling, loss budgets, and the
relative advantages and disadvantages of each transmission technology
will be treated in detail.
NCS 320 - Information Assurance Fundamentals (4)
A fast paced introduction to the field of Information Assurance. The
various kinds of threats that might be faced by an information system
and the security techniques used to thwart them are covered. Hacker
methods, viruses, worms, and system vulnerabilities are described with
respect to the actions that must be taken by a Network Manager to combat
them. The basics of cryptography are covered, including hash functions,
symmetric cryptography, public key cryptography, cryptographic
algorithms, and cryptographic applications in computer and network
security. Prerequisites: CS 108, and NCS 181 or equivalent.
NCS 330 - Information Assurance Policies, Ethics, and Disaster Recovery (4)
This course covers the development of information systems security
policies for small and large organizations with specific regard to
components such as email, web servers, web browsers, firewalls, and
personal applications. The course covers cyber ethical standards for
information system users and administrators, and their role as a driver
in developing information system security policies. The need for and
development of disaster recovery plans and procedures are also covered.
Prerequisites: NCS 181 or equivalent.
NCS 350 - Wireless Systems and Security (4)
Investigation of technologies, networks, standards and services of
wireless systems in the context of satellite, cellular, wireless local
area networks (802.11), personal area networks (Bluetooth and Zigbee)
and metropolitan networks (WiMax). Specific topics to be examined
include network design and infrastructure, 2G/3G cellular standards,
wireless media access control protocols, wireless network routing,
congestion control, location management, and security in wireless
networks. Prerequisites: NCS 210 and IS 315.
NCS 316 - Data Network Design (4)
Data network design issues and applications, point-to-point network
design, multipoint network design, data collection and verification and
an overview of protocols. Network design tools such as ITGURU and OPNET
are used for network design and simulation. Use of simulation results to
design a private line or packet switched based data communications
network. Three hours of lecture and one hour of laboratory per week.
Prerequisites: NCS 320 and STA 100.
NCS 383 - Network Firewalls (4)
Teaches the student the basic design of firewalls and provides actual
hands-on experience with a popular enterprise firewall. The need for
firewalls is also covered. Builds upon the material presented in NCS
320, Information Assurance Fundamentals. Provides more detailed
background and skills in the area of firewalls for those individuals who
seek employment in the areas of network and data security.
Prerequisites: IS 315 and NCS 320.
NCS 384 - Network Intrusion Detection (4)
The need for intrusion detection systems (IDS) is described. Several
basic IDS design approaches and implementation methods are presented.
Basic attack methods employed by network attackers and the resulting
signatures are explained. The business case for justifying the
acquisition of IDS is explored. Builds upon the foundations of
Information Assurance covered in NCS 320. Provides additional background
and skills in the area of network IDS for those students interested in
the areas of network and data security. Prerequisites: IS 315 and NCS
320.
NCS 416 Digital and Internet Telephony (4)
Consists of both lecture and application oriented lab assignments.
Emphasizes digital and internet telephony fundamentals including the
convergence of voice, data and multimedia communications using the
Internet Protocol. Three hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory.
Prerequisite: NCS 210, IS 315.
NCS 425 - Internetworking (4)
Intended to introduce new content and extend previously learned
networking skills which will empower students to enter the workforce
and/or further their education in the area of telecommunications
networking. A task analysis of current industry standards and
occupational analysis is used in the development of content standards.
Instruction introduces and extends the student's know ledge and
practical experience with switches. Local Area Networks (LAN's) and
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN's) design, configuration and
maintenance. Students develop practical experience in skills related to
configuring LAN's, WAN's, routing protocols and network troubleshooting.
Prerequisite: IS 315.
NCS 435 - Computer and Network Forensics (4)
Introduction into the field of computer forensics in networked
systems. The student will receive training in the methods, techniques
and tools used by those practicing computer forensics in support of
audit, security, privacy and legal functions. Specific legal issues
regarding seizure and chain of custody will be addressed. Students will
have opportunity to learn computer forensics applications, methods and
procedures through hands-on lab activities. Prerequisites: NCS 210, IS
315, NCS 320.
NCS 450 - Network Security (4)
Detailed coverage of network threats, vulnerabilities and security
protocols as countermeasures to advance the student's understanding of
computer security, network security, e-mail and Internet security. Focus
is on security issues across the entire network protocol stack from the
physical to the application layer. Specific topics include physical
layer security, secure routing protocols , IPsec, SSH, TLS, Web
security, authentication and key management, and network borne malware
such as worms and viruses. Prerequisites: IS 315.
NCS 460 - Advanced Wireless Security (4)
Provides advanced coverage of wireless networks and the special
security problems they pose. Topics include measures taken to secure
wireless personal area networks (PANs), wireless LANs, cellular wireless
networks, and ad-hoc wireless networks. Threats, vulnerabilities and
countermeasures specific to each type of network will be enumerated and
studied in detail. Coverage includes the use of cryptography and
cryptographic primitives in secure protocols, wireless device security,
and security policy management. The treatment of ad-hoc wireless network
security will cover secure routing protocols and intrusion detection
systems. Prerequisites: NCS 350, NCS 450.
NCS 490 - Special Topics in Network and Computer Security (4)
An in-depth study of selected topics based on: new developments in the
field, more in-depth treatment of topics than covered in regular
courses, or topics not normally covered in an undergraduate program in
Network and Computer Security. Prerequisites: NCS 210, NCS 320 and
permission of instructor.
NCS 494 - Network and Computer Security Internship (4)
Part-time supervised experience in a professional atmosphere which
supplements classroom instruction. Two written reports on the work
experience, two supervisor's evaluations and one site interview
required. Required contact hours minimum 150. Prerequisite: Permission
of instructor.