CSE331: Computer Security Fundamentals

CSE331: Computer Security Fundamentals

Aug 20, 2024 · 3 min read
Computer Security
Instructor Amir Rahmati
Office Hours By Appointment
Class Location Melville Library W4550
Class Time Tue/Thu 3:00 – 4:50
Prerequisites Basic understanding of Computer Architecture, Networks, and OS
TA TBD
TA Office Hours TBD
TA Office Hour Location TBD

Ed

Grading

Homework Assignments 40%
Reading Assignments 15%
Midterm Exam 1 20%
Midterm Exam 2 25%

Class Calendar

Readings

There is a mandatory readings for each week. It is your responsibility to read the paper and be prepared to discuss it in the class. You will be quizzed about the paper both in the class and during the midterm/final exam.

Ethics, Law, and University Policies

To defend a system, you need to be able to think like an attacker, and that includes understanding techniques that can be used to compromise security. However, using those techniques in the real world may violate the law or the university’s rules, and it may be unethical. Under some circumstances, even probing for weaknesses may result in severe penalties, up to and including expulsion, civil fines, and jail time. Our policy in the class is that you must respect the privacy and property rights of others at all times, or else you will fail the course.

Acting lawfully and ethically is your responsibility. Carefully read the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), a federal statute that broadly criminalizes computer intrusion. This is one of several laws that govern “hacking.” Understand what the law prohibits — you don’t want to end up like this guy. The EFF provides helpful advice on vulnerability reporting and other legal matters. If in doubt, we can refer you to an attorney.

Please review the Divison of Information Technology policies on responsible use of technology resources, as well as the code of student responsibility. As members of the university, you are required to abide by these policies.

Student Accessibility Support Center Statement

If you have a physical, psychological, medical, or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact the Student Accessibility Support Center, Stony Brook Union Suite 107, (631) 632-6748, or at sasc@stonybrook.edu. They will determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and the Student Accessibility Support Center. For procedures and information go to the following website: https://ehs.stonybrook.edu/programs/fire-safety/emergency-evacuation/evacuation-guide-disabilities and search Fire Safety and Evacuation and Disabilities. Academic Integrity Statement Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person’s work as your own is always wrong. Faculty is required to report any suspected instances of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. Faculty in the Health Sciences Center (School of Health Technology & Management, Nursing, Social Welfare, Dental Medicine) and School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/academic_integrity/index.html and CS department’s dishonesty policies at https://www.cs.stonybrook.edu/sites/default/files/drupalfiles/basicpage/GraduateAcademicDishonesty.pdf

Critical Incident Management

Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students’ ability to learn. Faculty in the HSC Schools and the School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures. Further information about most academic matters can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Undergraduate Class Schedule, and the Faculty-Employee Handbook.