Network and infrastructure security

This module builds on the foundations of cyber security to give you an understanding of the key technologies that are used in computer networks and infrastructure. These include operational technologies and critical national infrastructure – protocols, computer networks, data centres and operational technologies – that are critical to the success of organisations and services, from a local to an international scale.

The module covers vulnerabilities and the exploits that target computer networks and systems, and the internet infrastructure. It introduces modelling, assessing and testing networks and systems and you’ll explore key aspects of the topic through case studies.

Topics covered:

• Network protocols and security
• Network and security architecture and design
• Attacker and threat modelling
• Vulnerability assessment
• Introduction to hardware security, cyber-physical security and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)
• Case studies such as web and distributed application architecture, virtual private networking, cloud infrastructure, intelligent buildings and power grids.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, you will be expected to be able to:

• show a systematic understanding of digital networks and their operation, including the OSI 7 layer architecture and the TCP/IP protocol stack
• discuss key security threats and risks faced in computer networks and appropriate countermeasures
• demonstrate a critical understanding of network security architecture and design rationale of selected protocols, security technologies and how they are used in practice
• identify attack models and analyse vulnerabilities in protocols, network systems, and applications, consider methodologies used to carry out and managing security and penetration testing, as well as outline legal aspects involved in such audits.

Assessment:

• End of module examination (100%)