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Data Security

Course developer

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to familiarize students with the basic concepts, algorithms, protocols, standards and methods of cryptography and their applications in data protection. In practical work, students learn practical skills in using cryptography and data protection methods.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

As study course acquirement results students get:
Knowledge about math cryptography algorithm using possibilities for data security, those realization resources and practical usage facility for network security;
Skills in using in practice information security resources and independent constructing “public keys” encryption algorithm;
Competence in working in groups or performing work individually, using information security methods and resources, also in discussing colleagues’ opinion and disputing it.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Problems to be solved in cryptography, basic concepts and classification of cryptographic algorithms. Classic information coding systems (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
2. Symmetric encryption algorithms (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
3. Asymmetric encryption algorithms (lectures-1h, practical work-1h).
4. Hash functions (lectures-1h, practical work-1h).
5. Key management (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
6. Public-Key Infrastructures (PKI) (lectures-1h, practical work-1h) .
7. Digital signature (lectures-1h).
8. Standards and protocols used in Internet communication (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
9. Security of wireless networks (lectures-1h).
10. Electronic mail security (lectures-1h)..
11. Security at IP level (lectures-1h, practical work-1h).
12. Malicious Software (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
13. Offenders. Hacking methodology. Detection of offenders (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
14. Firewalls (lectures-1h, practical works-1h).
15. Cloud computing security (lectures-1h).
16. Legal and ethical issues of data protection (lectures-1h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

As part of the course, students must complete the required practical work, pass 2 theoretical tests with a positive grade (test 1 - cryptography, test 2 - data security), and present their independent work.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The student chooses a topic from the offered current topics in cryptography and data protection (can propose their own topic) and prepares a presentation. The presentation and performance are evaluated.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final grade of "passed" at the end of the course consists of 2 theoretical tests and an assessment of independent work.

Compulsory reading

1. Stallings W. Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practices. 7th edition. Person Education, 2020. 768 p.
2. Paar C., Pelzl J. Understanding Cryptography: A textbook for Students and Practitioners. Heidelberg; New York: Springer-Verlag, 2022. 390 p.(DSK bibliotēka)

Further reading

1. Schneier B. Applied Cryptography. Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C. Indianapolis, IN : Wiley, 2015. 758 p.
2. Smart N. Cryptography: An Introduction. McGraw-Hill College, 2004. 433 p.
3. Smart N. Cryptography Made Simple. Cham: Springer, 2016. 481 pp.
4. Mittelbach A., Fischlin M. The Theory of Hash Functions and Random Oracles An Approach to Modern Cryptography. Cham: Springer, 2021. 788 p.
5. van Oorschot P. C. Computer Security and the Internet Tools and Jewels from Malware to Bitcoin. Cham: Springer, 2021. 446 p.
6. Beaver K. Hacking For Dummies. 6th Edition. 2018. 416 p.(DSK bibliotēka)

Periodicals and other sources

Technical Resource and Course Web Site for Cryptography and Network Security. Pieejams: http://www.williamstallings.com/Crypto3e.html

Notes

Compulsory course in Computer Science and Computer Science and Information Technology for Sustainable Development.