Cryptography and Security

• Understand the difference between the symmetric key and public key cryptography approaches.
• Select appropriate symmetric and public key cryptography protocols for a given application.

• Develop an efficient implementation of a cryptographic protocol based on a Discrete Logarithm Problem, RSA (Factoring) Problem or Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithm Problem.

Security and Privacy in Computing

• Understand the various models to evaluate the security of computer systems.
• Interpret security guarantees and assess the level of security provided by a cryptographic protocol.
• Understand the various security goals for communication over an insecure network.
• Identify the appropriate types of cryptographic primitives that should be used to achieve each of these goals.
• Understand the advantages and limitations of using symmetric key versus public-key cryptography.

Network Protocols Security

• Identify the appropriate security primitives that should be used to achieve specific security goals for communication over insecure networks.
• Analyze the security of the main mechanisms used on the internet to secure communication between computer systems at various network layers, including physical, network, transport and application layers.
• Describe common attacks against wired and wireless network protocols using standard terminology, allowing them to communicate effectively with other security professionals.

A graduating student will have the ability to:

• Apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.

• Analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.

• Design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component or program to meet desired needs.

• Function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.

• Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

• Analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society.

• Recognize the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.

• Use current techniques, skills and tools necessary for computing practice.

• Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.

• Identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems.

• Integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment.

• Understand best practices and standards and their application.

• Assist in the creation of an effective project plan.