ISM 650: Managing Network and Data Security Master Syllabus
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Mason Canvas
Mason Canvas: Getting Started for Students
Course Materials
This class uses open educational resources. There is no textbook to purchase. All course materials are posted via Canvas course website.
Programs
Graduate Certificate in Information Security Management
Catalog Course Description
The course covers principles and practices of assessing network and data security needs, and implementation of the necessary security plan for communication networks and organizational data. The course addresses databases as well as unstructured data in files, including securing cloud infrastructure. More specifically, the course will focus on database security principles, database auditing, database reliability and implementation of database controls and security. In context of CIA triad of information security, threat classifications to the communication networks are discussed: eavesdropping (confidentiality), man-in-the-middle (integrity), and denial-of-service (availability). Real world examples of attack methods and cases of database breaches are discussed, as well as attacks on communication networks and networked applications are discussed to translate principles into reality.
Schedule Type
Lecture
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the principles and significance of network and data security.
- Evaluate security risks faced by network and connected database applications.
- Explain how various network security technologies and protocols work.
- Develop a plan for monitoring network and database activities to identify security breaches, and associated response plan.
- Translate organizational requirements to security policy and controls as part of network and data security needs of an organization.
Approach to Learning
This course is geared for the student who intends to be an information security management professional engaged in business, government, or the non-profit sector. The delivery will be in the form of class-lectures, discussions, and hand-on lab exercises. Discussions on the subject matter will be motivated through case studies, current/recent security incidents, and guest speakers. Competency with hands-on exercises to reinforce class lectures, and critical analysis will be particularly emphasized for successful learning.
ISOM Learning Goals
- Apply knowledge of information technology, operations, and business functions to assess, design, and improve business processes.
- Develop data organization, storage, and processing solutions to support organizational needs for information management. Also develop skills in the area of business intelligence.
- Use knowledge of computer networks as part of IT solutions for improving business processes.
Grading Policy
Letter grades are assigned based on the total points earned, not percentage of possible points. No curving will be applied. All assignments are closed at the posted deadline and will not be accepted late.
| Assignment | Value |
| Discussions (2) | 10 points |
| Case Study (3) | 39 points |
| Exam (1) | 30 points |
| Course Project (1) | 21 points |
| Total | 100 points |
| Grade Scale by Total Points | |
| A+ | 98.00 and above |
| A | 93.00 to 97.99 |
| A- | 90.00 to 92.99 |
| B+ | 87.00 to 89.99 |
| B | 83.00 to 86.99 |
| B- | 78.00 to 82.99 |
| C | 65.00 to 77.99 |
| F | Below 65 |
Methods of Student Evaluation
Online discussion, case studies, exam, and course project.
Course Topics
| Week/Date | Module |
| 1 |
Module 1: DBMS, Network Basics, Vulnerability & Risk Management
|
| 2 |
Module 2: Systems Hardening
|
| 3 |
Module 3: Network & Cloud Security Fundamentals
|
| 4 |
Module 4: Network Protection
|
| 5 |
Module 5: Database Security & Data Security
|
| 6 |
Module 6: Data Protection
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| 7 |
Module 7: AI Security
|
| Course Project |
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