CIS 485     Network and Information Security
Course Syllabus

Instructor:                       Dr. Roman Erenshteyn
Office:                             CIS Faculty Suite, Fulmer Center's ground floor
Phone:                             (302) 225-6315
E-mail:                             roman@gbc.edu
Homepage:                      http://www.gbc.edu/~roman/
Office Hours:                   as posted & by appointment
Tutorial Hours:              by appointment

Course Description

This course will advance the students' understanding of data communication data security,
computer security, network security, e-mail and Internet security. Theoretical issues related
to data communication and different kinds of computer and network security will be covered,
including encryption, security models.
Practical security applications will be discussed, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam
software. A lot of different examples of security threats will be given with practical
recommendations of how to fight them. Class meetings will include class discussions.

Prerequisite

Completion of CIS 360 with a grade of C or higher is required.

Textbooks

Brett C. Tjaden, Fundamentals of Secure Computer Systems, Franklin, Beedlr & Associates, Inc., 2003

Mark Ciampa, Security Awareness: Applying Practical Security in Your World,
Thomson Learning - Course Technology, 2005

An additional text (optional):
Michael T. Simpson, Hands-on Ethical Hacking and Network Defense,
Thomson Learning - Course Technology, 2006

Topics Covered

The following is a list of tentative subjects for this course in no particular order, which may be
changed without notice at any time at the instructor's sole discretion. Students should reference
the lecture outlines on the course web page for weekly lecture outlines, and reading and other
assignments.

Data Communication and Computer Security

Computer Security Threats

Network Security – Theory and Practices

Network Security Threats

E-mail and World Wide Web Security

E-mail and World Wide Web Threats

Security Software Review and Analysis

Policies

Attendance

Attendance is taken during each class.  Attendance for the duration of every class is essential for
having any chance of passing this course. Important information including, but not limited to, the
course schedule, assignments, tests, and many other items of importance are covered and
discussed during class time, as needed.  Students are responsible for being informed of all relevant
course information that transpires during class time. Students missing any part of any class need
to make arrangements with a classmate for "catching up" on any missed material, notes,
assignments, handouts, etc. Almost all class assignments could be found in course homepage.
A special "Information Desk" homepage is included, where important information will be posted.
It is students' responsibility regularly check course homepage. Remember, the homepage is
developed to avoid wasting of paper and time.

Please, don't be late. Class doors are closed 5 min after class begins!

Late Assignments

Assignments are due when they are due and are generally collected at the beginning of class.
A 5% penalty will be applied for each day an assignment is late, including the first day and
weekends. Late assignments will be accepted for not more than 7 days after the due date
unless special arrangements were made. Late assignments may be submitted to the instructor's
office during non-class time. Submission through BlackBoard's DropBox is a preference.
Attachments should be prepared in MS Word.

Hand-written homeworks will not be accepted.

No assignment will be accepted after the start of the last regular class of this course.

Make-up Tests

Make-up tests are rare and will be given only in cases of documented serious illness or other
emergencies. To be eligible for a make-up test, the student must provide an acceptable excuse
prior to the scheduled date and time of the test.  In the event a make-up test is granted, the
student is responsible for taking the test before the start of the next class. If the instructor is
not notified prior to the scheduled test time and still permit a make-up, unless a satisfactory
reason is given for the lack of notification, a 20% reduction of grade will be incurred. If the
next class is scheduled on a day the college is closed, the make-up test must be taken prior
to the closing of the college.

Academic Honesty

Helping a classmate is very honorable, but sharing solutions is strictly prohibited. All work is
to be done individually, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Anyone caught cheating; copying
solutions or electronic files, or performing any other activity that may be construed as
dishonest will be punished up to dismissal from class with a failing grade and will be
reported to the Academic Honesty Committee.
Don't forget that when copying other students’ projects and/or assignments you can copy
their errors too.

Semester Grade

Six homeworks will be worth 40% of the final grade.

Three tests will be worth 60% of the final grade. 

The percentage will not be rounded to the closest integer.
Up to five points could be added for active participation in the class!
Up to seven points could be deducted for failed tests (1 pt. each) and/or bad attendance
(3 pts. for more than 2 missing classes)!

A letter grade based on the total percentage achieved will be given in accordance with the
College's grading system.

No grade negotiation, please! Everybody deserves what she/he deserves!

Correction of Grades

If an error is made in grading any of your work or your final grade, I will be glad to make a correction.
However, the error must be called to my attention within two weeks of the return of the material in
question. In the case of final grades, the error must be called to my attention within two weeks of
the next regular semester.

Getting Help

If help is needed, students are advised to seek it immediately. The best way to reach the instructor is
by e-mail at roman@gbc.edu. Individual assistance will be nearly available at nearly any time I am
in my office. Office and tutorial hours are set up to ensure that when you arrive, I'll be there.

Working Together

You are encouraged to partner with one or more other classmates. Should it be necessary for you
to miss class, a partner can take notes for you, grab extra copies of the assignment. And, when
you're having difficulty with an assignment, why not get together with your partner(s) in the computer
lab?

However, each student must prepare the homework. Do not copy another's disk! If you do,
you and the person from whose work you copied will receive a grade of zero for that homework!

Academic Honor Code

All courses taught at Goldey-Beacom College are governed by the GBC Academic Honor Code.
Click on the link above to learn more.