Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 479 D200

Special Topics in Computing Systems (3)

Class Number: 5489

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Sze Yiu Chau

  • Instructor:

    Sze Yiu Chau
    sychau@sfu.ca

  • Prerequisites:

    CMPT 201 or CMPT 300, with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Current topics in computing systems depending on faculty and student interest.

COURSE DETAILS:

This seminar course explores the foundations and challenges of securing networked systems. Smart and interconnected devices are now a cornerstone of the modern economy, yet their proliferation also creates vast opportunity for potential adversaries. In this course, we will analyze some classic attacks and defenses, and then examine the engineering and deployment challenges faced by programmers and end-users. We will also investigate how the latest R&D efforts may (or may not) help people to better protect their security and privacy. There will be a number of programming assignments throughout the semester for students to gain first-hand experience in breaking vulnerable systems. Additionally, students will read and present recent research papers, and exercise their critical thinking and creativity to identify possible improvements to research papers and/or security-critical systems. Students are also expected to complete a term project on a research topic of their choosing.

Grading

NOTES:

Assignments: 30%
Paper reading, presentations and discussions: 30%
Term Project: 40%

Grading criteria are subject to change within the first week of classes.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Course materials primarily consist of self-contained lecture slides and research papers from top conferences/journals. Additionally, the following books, though not strictly required, might help students to refresh their background knowledge:

Joshua Davies, "Implementing SSL / TLS Using Cryptography and PKI", John Wiley & Sons (ISBN: 9780470920411)

Jean-Philippe Aumasson, "Serious Cryptography: A Practical Introduction to Modern Encryption", No Starch Press (ISBN: 9781593278267)

Jonathan Katz, Yehuda Lindell, "Introduction to Modern Cryptography", CRC Press (ISBN: 9781466570269)

Michael Howard, David LeBlanc, John Viega, "24 Deadly Sins of Software Security: Programming Flaws and How to Fix Them", McGraw-Hill Education (ISBN: 9780071626750)

Gary McGraw, "Software Security: Building Security In", Addison-Wesley (ISBN: 9780321356703)

Simson Garfinkel, Heather Richter Lipford, "Usable Security: History, Themes, and Challenges", Springer (ISBN: 9783031012150)

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.