← CSE331 course

CSE331: Computer Security Fundamentals

Fall 2020

InstructorAmir Rahmati
Office HoursTue/Thu 9:30 -- 11:00
Office Hour LocationZoom Link Announced on Blackboard/Piazza
Class LocationZoom Link Announced on Blackboard/Piazza
Class TimeTue/Thu 8:00 -- 9:20
PrerequisitesBasic understanding of Computer Architecture, Networks, and OS
TAGaurav Verma, Srinivas Kotla, Gaurang Khanwalkar
TA Office HoursTBD
TA Office Hour LocationZoom Link Announced on Blackboard/Piazza
Final Exam TimeTBD
Final Exam LocationTBD

Grading

Homework Assignments60% or 65%
Midterm Exam15% (if held)
Final Exam25% or 35%

Class Calendar

Links

Piazza

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.