Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the important area of software security. Principles of secure application development are examined, including threat modelling, software authorisation and authentication, malicious software, and exception management. Students gain practical experience in secure software development through projects and assignments.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will have:

• a detailed knowledge of the importance of secure software systems;
• understanding of various ways software can be compromised;
• understanding of the techniques and tools used to discover compromised systems;
• practical experience with building secure applications;
• understanding that security is of foremost importance to software design and should not be considered after the fact;
• confidence in their ability to identify software security development pitfalls;
• the ability to take a systematic approach to secure software development;
• the ability to develop secure software; identify common software security hazards;
• the ability to be able to integrate a secure software system as part of a larger networked environment.

Assessment

Examination (2 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Contact hours

2 hrs lecture/wk, 2 hrs tutorial/wk

Prerequisites

Prerequisite knowledge: Programming experience, preferably in C or C++

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit5003/