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• [Active] January 5: Welcome to the course! Please sign up for paper presentations and form project teams as soon as possible. Check Canvas if you need help finding a partner.

Overview

As computer technology entrenches itself into more and more aspects of the world, cybersecurity becomes increasingly imperative. The scope of cybersecurity is as broad as digital technology itself (maybe even broader!), covering everything from physical and hardware security (e.g., tamper-evident chip design) to social engineering attacks and digital privacy.

This course covers cybersecurity fundamentals and examines how they apply in different ways to research across a wide range of computing domains. We will examine both classic and recent research. By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand and identify the core security properties that apply to different scenarios.
• Develop a high-level understanding of how different layers of a computer work, and how they can break.
• Critically evaluate cybersecurity research papers.
• Synthesize background research in a given cybersecurity topic and identify the gaps in knowledge.
• Perform basic experimentation/data collection/analysis to answer a research question.

Course Policy

Every student is expected to review and abide by the University's Code of Conduct. Violations will result in appropriate disciplinary action such as a failing grade on the assignment, failure in the course, probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University. Cheating is when you copy, with or without modification, someone else’s work that is not meant to be publicly accessible. Unacceptable collaboration is the knowing exposure of your own exam answers, project solutions, or homework solutions, or the use of someone else’s answers or solutions. At the same time, we encourage students to help each other learn the course material. You may give or receive help on any of the concepts covered in lecture. You are allowed to consult with other students about the conceptualization of a project, or the general approach for solving problems. However, all work, whether in scrap or final form, must be done by you.

  Generative AI Tools Integrated by Assignment. In this course, students are permitted to integrate AI into some of the substantive work of the course. Review individual assignments to determine permissible uses. Unless otherwise noted, you should be able to demonstrate how you contributed to the work you submit for an assignment.

Ignorance is not an excuse for any academic dishonesty. It is your responsibility to read this policy to avoid any misunderstanding. Do not hesitate to ask the instructor(s) if you are ever in doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, cheating, or any other breach of academic integrity.

Academic Calendar

All students are subject to the registration and refund deadlines as stated in the Academic Calendar: https://registrar.oregonstate.edu/osu-academic-calendar.

Student Bill of Rights

OSU has twelve established student rights. They include due process in all university disciplinary processes, an equal opportunity to learn, and grading in accordance with the course syllabus: https://asosu.oregonstate.edu/advocacy/rights

Equal Opportunity & Access

Disability-related Accommodations: Oregon State University is committed to making learning experiences accessible to all, which includes consideration of the course design, course learning outcomes, and barriers experienced by the disabled student. Disability Access Services (DAS) staff and students work together to determine reasonable accommodations. Students connected with DAS who have questions about their accommodations should reach out to their DAS Adviser. Students who have not yet completed the process for setting up accommodations, please contact DAS at 541-737-4098, visit the DAS website, or email disability.services@oregonstate.edu to explore accommodations for a disability (e.g., mental health diagnoses, chronic health conditions, learning disabilities, physical conditions/injuries, etc.). Students and faculty members are encouraged to collaborate around the implementation of accommodations.

Religious Accommodations: OSU must reasonably accommodate its students' religious beliefs, observances, and practices in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements. You should examine this syllabus at the beginning of the semester for potential conflicts between course deadlines and any of your religious observances. If a conflict exists, you should notify your instructor of the conflict within the first two weeks of class and follow the procedure here to request appropriate accommodations.

Other Accommodations: Accommodations for other circumstances (e.g., pregnancy, domestic violence) may be available. Please consult the OSU Office of Equal Opportunity & Access (EOA).

Reach Out for Success

University students encounter setbacks from time to time. If you encounter difficulties and need assistance, it’s important to reach out. Consider discussing the situation with an instructor or academic advisor. Learn about resources that assist with wellness and academic success at https://oregonstate.edu/ReachOut. If you are in immediate crisis, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Credits