Advanced Information Security

This course offers advanced knowledge and skillsets on cyberinfrastructure security and contemporary issues in cybersecurity. Students will form teams to build their cyber defense systems and perimeters (as blue teams), and then conduct penetration testing to discover systems and networking vulnerabilities (as red teams) in simulated live networks. We will adopt a practical hands-on approach to applying fundamental security technologies—e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems, operating systems security, monitoring and vulnerability assessment scanners—in team-based exercises. The class further discusses topics such as cloud and IoT security, multi-level security management, risk assessment, IT controls, security auditing, along with networking and cyberinfrastructure security. It examines the legal and ethical aspects of penetration testing and hacking. Interactive cyber defense will advance students’ critical thinking and troubleshooting skills in a sandbox environment while addressing current cyber threat issues.