Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - CMPT 318 D100

Special Topics in Computing Science (3)

Cybersecurity

Class Number: 4567

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 225 with a minimum grade of C-. Additional prerequisites to be determined by the instructor subject to approval by the undergraduate program chair.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Special topics in computing science at the 300 level. Topics that are of current interest or are not covered in regular curriculum will be offered from time to time depending on availability of faculty and student interest.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course introduces cybersecurity and cyber situational awareness concepts and explores threat intelligence models and methods. Cyber security analytics and probabilistic modeling for threat detection and response (mitigative action) will play a central role. Coursework involves using the R language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics. Fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity risk assessment, intrusion detection and prevention, critical infrastructure protection and beyond will be discussed in detail.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Probability theory and probabilistic modeling
  • Stochastic processes and Markov models
  • Cyber threat analysis and intrusion detection
  • Advanced persistent threats and zero day exploits
  • Time series analysis and forecasting
  • Anomaly detection and scoring methods
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Blockchain technology

Grading

NOTES:

The course has three tests (worth 30% of the total grade), three graded assignments (worth 20%) and a term project organized as group project with a project report and presentation in class (worth 45%). There will also be reading assignments and several tutorials. Class participation accounts for up to 5% of the total grade. This grading scheme is tentative and to be finalized during the first week of classes, depending on external circumstances.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

  • An Introduction to Statistical Learning with Applications in R, G. James, D. Witten, T. Hastie, and R. Tibshirani, Springer, 2017, 

ISBN: 978-1461471370

  • How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk, Douglas W. Hubbard and Richard Seiersen, John Wiley & Sons, 2016, 

ISBN: 978-1119085294

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.