ENTS 689i     Network Immunity    Fall 2008

Basic Information

ENTS 689i, Network Immunity (Testudo Information)
Prereq: None
Schedule: Thu, 5:30pm to 8:15pm
Location: PLS 1119 (Plant Science Building)
As of 9/25/08, moved to: CSIC 3120 (Computer Science Instructional Center)

Textbook: Pfleeger, Security in Computing, 3rd Edition, December 2002 (4th Edition also acceptable)

Part 1 Instructor: Charles Clancy, Adjunct Professor, ECE
Part 2 Instructor: Nick Petroni, Lecturer, ENTS
Part 3 Instructor: AAron Walters, Lecturer, ENTS

Office Hours: Immediately following each class, or by appointment.

Lectures and Schedule

Date Topic
September 4Introduction
September 11 Part I: Cryptography, Shared Key
September 18 Part I: Cryptography, Public Key
September 25 Part I: Cryptography, Key Agreement
October 2 Part I: Cryptography, Case Studies, EXAM 1
October 9 Part II: System Security, Applications
October 16 Part II: System Security, Operating Systems
October 23 Part II: System Security, Malicious Software
October 30 Part II: System Security, Forensics and Response, EXAM 2
November 6 Part III: Network Security, Introduction
November 13 Part III: Network Security, Secure Protocols
November 20 Part III: Network Security, Infrastructure Defense
December 4 Part III: Network Security, Case Studies, EXAM 3

Latest News

  • [9/4/08] Syllabus has been posted here.
  • [9/11/08] First Problem Set has been posted here, and is due September 25.
  • [9/26/08] Homework solutions have been posted here.
  • [10/1/08] Homework score breakdown has been posted here.
  • [10/8/08] Suggested reading for 10/9 class:
  • [10/11/08] HW2 has been posted here, and is due October 19th.
  • [10/18/08] Suggested reading for 10/16 class:
    • Pfleeger book 4.0-4.3, 4.5, 5.0-5.3
  • [10/19/08] Suggested reading for 10/23 class:
    • Pfleeger book 3.3-3.4
  • [10/19/08] HW3 has been posted here, and is due October 26th.
  • [10/25/08] Homework 2 solutions have been posted here.
  • [10/28/08] Homework 3 solutions have been posted here.
  • [11/08/08] HW4 has been posted here, and is due November 16th at midnight.
  • [11/22/08] HW5 has been posted here, and is due November 30th at midnight.
  • [11/24/08] Homework 4 solutions have been posted here.
  • [12/01/08] Homework 5 solutions have been posted here.

Grading Policy

ENTS 689I is made up of three parts, each of which is composed of four lectures. Grading will be based primarily on three (3) written exams, administered during the fourth lecture of each section (October 2, October 30, and December 4). Each exam is worth 20% of the final course grade (60% total). Exams are NOT cumulative -- each is limited to the topics covered in the three prior lectures. Attendance at all exams is mandatory -- no makeup exams will be administered.

Each section will also require at least one homework assignment. Cumulatively, these assignments will comprise the remaining 40% of the final course grade. Late homework, with a penalty of 1/2 credit, will be accepted up to one week after the original due date.

Ethical Computing

Many of the topics discussed in this course will address important real-world issues related to identifying and exploiting flaws in computers, networks, and cryptographic systems. While our focus will be on developing a good understanding of the highlevel principles underlying these topics, you will also be introduced to a number of practical tools and techniques for real systems. Introduction to these tools and techniques SHOULD NOT in any way be construed as an invitation or authorization to utilize them on any system that you are not explicitly authorized to use for that purpose. In portions of this course, we will utilize an isolated network to experiment with, and learn about, malicious and defensive software. You should not transfer such software to other systems without fully understanding the implications of your actions and verifying that you are authorized to do so. In short, use your best judgment at all times and ask one of the course instructors if you are unsure. It is YOUR OWN responsibility to adhere to the legal and ethical standards expected by the ENTS program, the University, and society at large.

Academic Dishonesty

You may discuss homework problems and general solution strategies with classmates, but when it comes to formulating and writing solutions you must work alone. If you make use of other sources in coming up with your answers you must cite these sources clearly. (This includes papers or books in the literature, friends or classmates, and information downloaded from the web.) Instances of academic dishonesty will be dealt with harshly, will usually result in a hearing in front of a student honor council, and may result in a failing grade.