Welcome to CS 4390/5390: Ethical Hacking, Fall 2024. In this class we will explore the various means that an intruder has available to gain access to computer resources. We will investigate weaknesses by discussing the theoretical background, and whenever possible, actually performing the attack. We will then discuss methods to prevent/reduce the vulnerabilities.
This course aims to help students to learn the principles of computer security and understand how various security attacks and countermeasures work. It provides hands-on experience in playing with security software and network systems, with the purpose of understating real-world threats. Through labs and lectures students will be exposed to a variety of security concepts as well as several security vulnerabilities. There are a variety of assignments given throughout the course that will allow for individual and group work.
This course aims to help students to learn the principles of computer security and understand how various security attacks and countermeasures work. It provides hands-on experience in playing with security software and network systems, with the purpose of understating real-world threats. Through labs and lectures students will be exposed to a variety of security concepts as well as several security vulnerabilities. There are a variety of assignments given throughout the course that will allow for individual and group work.
Objectives
- Analyze security vulnerabilities of a network and develop a set of solutions for specific networking scenarios.
- Identify security tools including, but not limited to intrusion detection and firewall software.
- Exhibit an understanding of the threats posed by viruses to networks through the development of appropriate protection plans.
- Find and utilize available online resources as they pertain to developing a secure system.
- Develop comprehensive plans for network security using a full range of available tools.
- Prepare students for Ethical Hacking Certification (CEH) exam.
The best way to reach me is via email stalukder@utep.edu, but please do not expect email replies on the same day or weekends. It is very important that you send email from an utep.edu address and identify yourself, your course, and the section that you are in. Please do not use the Blackboard email or messaging facility, which is sometimes unreliable.
Please Remember
Our goals are for you to succeed in this course and to teach you skills and concepts that will contribute to your success in life. To this end, here's some advice that you may find particularly useful:- Do not stress over grades: your goal is to learn new and exciting things. Good grades follow naturally from deep learning (but not necessarily vice versa). ...and employers care about what you know not what grade you got.
- Participate: you will get a lot more from this class if you ask questions and engage with the instructor than if you are a fly on the wall - and it will be more fun.
- Manage your time wisely: allocate sufficient time for homework and learning. In particular, use class time to learn, review the material presented in lecture the same day, and schedule time for homework proactively.
- Start homework early: racing against a deadline is so stressful! Starting early will remove that stress, lead to deeper learning and give you time to improve your solution.
- Get all the help you need: we provide plenty of resources to help you succeeed in this course - office hours, online help, and friendly staff when you need them. Take advantage of them: they are there for you!
- Make time for fun: take a break from studying at least once a day - meet with friends, go for a walk, play sports, whatever gets you to reset your mind.