• introduction to computer security
• introduction to cryptography
• authentication, access control, security models
• intrusion detection, firewalls
• malware: virus/worms/troyans
• web attacks
• buffer overflow attacks
• human factors, security audits, and social manipulation
• selected current security related problems and technologies

After passing the course, the student shall be able to

• identify threats against confidentiality, integrity and availability in a system
• explain basic terminology and concepts in computer security and use them
• find and use documentation of security related problems and tools
• analyse simple program code and system descriptions to identify vulnerabilities and predict their corresponding threats
• select countermeasures against identified threats and argue for their suitability
• compare countermeasures and evaluate their side effects,
• present and explain their reasoning to others,

in order to

• be able to develop software and computer systems with security in mind
• if interested, be able to move on and specialise in computer and network security.

Internet protocols and principles, basics of command-line interface and operating systems, and general programming skills are prerequisites. Web programming (html, javascript, sql) knowledge is needed for lab exercises.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, Grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.