Introductory description

In today's digitally connected world, where vast amounts of information are exchanged over networks, ensuring the security and protection of data has become paramount. Network security plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information transmitted across computer networks. It encompasses a set of measures, technologies, and best practices designed to prevent unauthorized access, mitigate threats, and maintain the overall security posture of networked systems. As organizations rely heavily on networks to carry out their operations, any compromise in network security can have severe consequences. Breaches in network security can lead to data theft, financial loss, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. Consequently, businesses and individuals alike must prioritize the implementation of robust network security measures to protect sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and ensure business continuity. The module covers basic concepts of cyber security, such as confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, and authorization. These concepts will be explored within the context of several generic asset configurations, enabling students to understand the potential threats that may arise and various security measures that will be used to defend against these threats.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The content of this module will be taught from a cyber security perspective.

• Network security threats
• Security techniques and controls; CIA principles
• Operations, physical and environmental security
• Network infrastructure and devices
• Security architecture and design
• Authentication, authorisation and auditing
• Firewalls and, intrusion detection and prevention
• Types and methods of attack and defence.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced understanding and practical knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of network security.
• Apply network security tools and techniques to systematically design, evaluate and troubleshoot a secure network.
• Design and implement tailored security measures that align with the specific requirements of a given network.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of cyber tools and techniques in identifying and analysing network attacks in diverse organisational contexts.

Indicative reading list

Sarhan M, Musa, " Network Security and Cryptography: A Self-teaching Introduction", Mercury Learning and Information (2018), ISBN: 978-1942270836

Stallings, William, “Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice”, Pearson (2014), ISBN: 9780273793359.

Bejtlich, Richard, “The Practice of Network Security Monitoring; understanding incident detection and response”, No Starch Press (2013), ISBN: 9781593275341

Stallings, William, “Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards”, Pearson (2016), ISBN: 9780134527338

Subject specific skills

Network troubleshooting
Implementation of tailored network security solutions
Network vulnerability assessment

Transferable skills

Problem solving
Analytical Skills
Critical thinking