CSC8207 : Security of Complex Systems
- Offered for Year: 2023/24
- Module Leader(s): Dr Narges Khakpour
- Lecturer: Dr Mujeeb Ahmed
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
Aims
Complex systems, such as industrial control systems, include social, cyber and physical aspects, which can all be exploited by attackers.
This module will cover approaches and practices used in securing complex systems, including vulnerabilities, attacks and defence techniques concerning networking protocols and architectures in such systems. Additionally, the module will cover human and organisational aspects and how such factors intersect with the software and hardware components in complex systems, and how to mitigate the impact of risks arising from such interaction. Aspects of incident response and post-incident forensics will also be covered.
Outline Of Syllabus
- Fundamentals of complex systems, e.g., the devices, platforms and protocols used in them
- Security of complex systems (e.g., Industrial control systems; Smart grids; Industrial IoTs; Smart cities)
- Vulnerabilities in industrial protocols and defence techniques
- Threat modelling in the context of complex systems
- Sophisticated attack mechanisms, e.g., adversarial machine learning
- Human and organisational factors, e.g., usability challenges of security; social engineering techniques; risk
perceptions and decision-making.
- Incident response and forensics
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Lecture follow-up |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 60 | 0:15 | 15:00 | Lecture materials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Preparation for coursework |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Coursework |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured non-synchronous discussion | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Discussion on forum |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Background reading |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Lecture material introduction and discussion |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lecture material (using both recorded videos and written/interactive material) will be used to teach fundamental concepts and to introduce technical and relevant research papers. Learners are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days, and to read the selected background material uploaded online. The small group teaching sessions will allow learners to work with several demonstrators on topics related to the coursework, and learners are expected to actively participate on the discussion forum.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 100 | 2,000 words |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module is in general directly informed by current research, and the assessment includes an aspect of critical thinking and application of research techniques. Students are also assessed on their awareness of current security problems for complex systems, provided in the teaching material.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC8207's Timetable