695.601.3VL - Foundations of Information Assurance

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into 14 modules which can be accessed by clicking Modules on the left menu. A module will have several sections including the readings, slides and video recordings will be posted after class. Students should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Information Assurance
• Toolbox 101: Cryptography
• Management of Security
• Toolbox 102: Authentication and Access Control
• The Web-User Side
• Programs and Programming
• Operating Systems
• Networks Security: Attacks
• Networks Security: Countermeasures
• Databases and Big Data
• Cloud Computing
• Internet of Things
• Legal, Privacy, and Ethical Issues

Course Goals

This multidisciplinary course, which provides an overview of Information Assurance (IA) in an enterprise context, enables the student to develop a foundation for future course work. Information assurance (IA) issues are presented within a context of cyber governance. For example, information technology (IT) or information and communications technologies (ICT) system or "system of systems" is introduced with respect to an enterprise vision and the supporting goals and objectives. This course will also include an introduction to enterprise architecture (EA) or a technical blueprint for enterprise information systems. EA may provide context at a second level of specificity for IA or cybersecurity and privacy. Policy considerations are examined with respect to the technical nature of IA that may be represented by industry and government guidance for systems with cryptographic requirements.
The course is designed to assist students in learning to more effectively assess enterprise IA risk and to formulate technical recommendations in the areas of IT or ICT systems and "systems of systems." Aspects of IA-related topics to be introduced include network security, cryptography, IT or ICT technology issues, and database security. The course addresses evolving Internet IA architecture issues that affect enterprise IA; security engineering; and the phased transition to a user- or network-centric architecture and a services-based or alternate architecture, e.g., future Internet (FI). Additional topics include access control (systems, hardware and software), communications security, and the proper use of system software (operating system and utilities). The course introduces the social and legal problems of individual privacy in an information-processing environment, as well as the computer "crime" potential of such systems and "systems of systems." The commercial aspects of several data encryption algorithms are introduced.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Explain the three components of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework—The Framework Core, Framework Implementation Tiers, and a Framework Profile—and be able to apply the seven steps to establish or improve a cybersecurity program.
• Apply the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) to tiered risk management including the six-step process for tier 3: information systems.
• Demonstrate proficiency in assessing enterprise security risk and formulating technical recommendations in the areas of both hardware and software systems, cloud computing security, and big data security and privacy.
• Demonstrate proficiency in assessing tactical or systems security risk and formulating technical recommendations in the areas of both hardware and software systems, cloud computing and big data security and privacy.
• Demonstrate an ability to research, describe and explain a set of key cybersecurity issues that could impact strategic risk for enterprise security.

Textbooks

Charles P. Pfleeger et al, Security in Computing: Fifth Edition, Prentice Hall, 2015.

Student Coursework Requirements

Grading Policy

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.