Computer Security and Forensics A.A.S.
The Computer Studies Department is very excited about our soon-to-be-approved
Computer Security and Forensics A.A.S. Degree.
While the formal S.U.N.Y. and Board-of-Trustees approval process is underway
you can already enroll in the new courses!
Check out http://hornetservices.sunybroome.edu/ia-bin/tsrvweb.exe
today for the Fall 2008 Schedule.
For further information about the degree, please feel free to
contact Mr. Antonakos by phone 778-5122
or e-mail antonakos_j@sunybroome.edu
Computer
Security and Forensics A.A.S. Degree Description
The Computer Security and Forensics A.A.S. Degree consists of a sequence
of college level courses leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree.
Computer Security and Forensics places emphasis on the hardware and software
issues associated with the safe and secure operation of computers and information,
in both the personal and business areas. Graduates are prepared to work in
a technical or business environment where knowledge of the proper procedures
for designing, maintaining, and managing a secure network is necessary, along
with proper legal and ethical investigative procedures and incident response
skills. These positions may include computer operators, IT technicians, security
technicians, or forensic technicians, in any business that uses one or more
computers in a networked environment, conducts business over the Internet,
or maintains sensitive information.
Graduates from the Computer Security and Forensics program will be ready for
entry-level positions in hundreds of local businesses and in businesses across
New York State. With millions of dollars lost each year due to identity theft,
computer crime, and mishandled information, there is a great economic need
to prepare a trained workforce ready to help prevent, and recover from, these
types of incidents.
The program may take more than two years to complete depending on a student's
academic background. Preparatory courses are offered for students not meeting
entry requirements for the regular Computer Security and Forensics program.
Courses taken to meet prerequisite requirements will not count as credit towards
the Computer Security and Forensics degree. Students may elect to transfer
to four year schools to pursue a Bachelor of Science program in Computer Forensics
or Network and Information Security. Students planning to transfer should
seek the advice of the department chairperson. Students can attend full-time
or part-time, both day, evening, and on-line.
Computer Security and Forensics by Semesters
Semester 1
CST 109 Computer History (3)
CST 103 General Security Concepts (3)
CST 113 Introduction To C# (3)
CST 117 Lang. Ind. Design (2)
CST 119 Computer Concepts (3)
ENG 110 Written Expression (3)
Semester 2
CST 133 Structured Programming in C# (3)
CST 104 Remote Security Methods (3)
CST 208 Networking (3)
CST 212 Computer Forensics I (3)
MAT 130 Algebra & Trig. (4)
Semester 3
CST 203 Security Hardware/Software (3)
CST 262 Cryptographic Systems (3)
CST 209 Adv. Networking (3)
CST 242 Computer Forensics II (3)
SS elec. Social Science elec. (3)
Semester 4
CST 210 Business Security (3)
ENG 150 Technical Writing (3)
CRJ 230
or CRJ 245 Criminal Investigation (4)
Criminology (3)
SS elec. Social Science elec. (3)
PHS elec. Physical Science elec. (4)
Computer Security and Forensics
Catalog Course Descriptions
First Semester
CST 109
Computer History (3)
This course explores the history of the personal computer industry, and relates
the evolution of computers with that of networking and the emergence of malicious
code, Internet attacks, and identity theft. The relationship between all three
is explored in depth so that the student has a clear understanding of the
environment in which they will be performing additional study and eventually,
actual work activities.
3 Class Hours
CST 103
General Security Concepts (3)
A first, introductory course in computer and network security concepts and
techniques. No knowledge of networking is required. Topics include operating
sys¬tem security, authentication, attacks, auditing, cryp¬tography,
physical security, and disaster recovery. Numerous case studies are presented
and studied.
3 Class Hours
CST 113
Introduction to C# (3)
Introduction to the fundamentals of structured pro¬gramming using C#.
Topics may include input-output statements, data types, loop structures, procedures
and functions. Lab assignments emphasize program development using modular
design and self-docu¬mentation.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 117
Language Independent Design Tools (2)
An introduction to proper design techniques for structured programming languages.
This course presents several Language Independent design tools. Topics covered
include: problem solving techniques, modular design, how to perform a proper
trace, subroutines, and other fundamentals of software engineering.
2 Class Hours
CST 119
Computer Concepts and Applications (3)
A foundation course for computer studies majors who have already had some
exposure to comput¬ers. The lecture and lab will cover basic concepts
in computer science and information science. The use of word processing, spreadsheets,
databases, and presentation software will be covered through a series of self-directed
projects. Lecture and lab content includes an introduction to computer archi¬tecture,
data representation, networks, database systems, systems analysis, CASE tools,
operating systems including an introduction to UNIX, compari¬son of programming
languages, Internet, Web page development, computer history and ethics. Students
should have completed a high school computer sci¬ence course, which focused
on the use of the Office suite, or CST 105/CST 106.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
ENG 110
College Writing I (3)
Students learn to use writing to develop their thinking and to read texts
critically for both form and content.
They practice different writing processes and rhetorical strategies in order
to write essays that are purposeful, thoughtful, and coherent, and that conform
to the conventions of standard written English. They understand writing as
a social and collaborative process, both as a mode of individual expression
and as a rhetorical act.
3 Class Hours
Second Semester
CST 133
Structured Programming in C# (3)
Introduction to object oriented programming in C#. A structured approach to
problem solving will be used. Programming steps include program definition,
cod¬ing, debugging, testing, validation, documentation, and program maintenance.
Topics include functions, objects, structures, arrays, and file processing.
Lab assignments will require modular structured pro¬gramming.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 104
Remote Security Methods (3)
This second security course builds on the material introduced in CST 103 General
Security Concepts. Detailed examinations of many different remote access methods
are undertaken. These methods include RAS (via PPP over a modem), VPN (virtual
private networking), secure email and file transfers, secure web access, wireless
security, and instant messaging.
2 Class Hours; 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 208
Introduction to Networking (3)
This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of computer networking including
network design, implementation, support, and management. Students will investigate
hardware, software and wiring as they relate to networking a Local Area Network
(LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN). Various network protocols and operating
systems designed for net¬working will be investigated. Topics will also
include networking topology and security.
2 Class Hours; 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 212
Computer Forensics I (3)
This first course in computer forensics introduces the student to the nature
of real-world security incidents and forensic examples. The student is introduced
to the Incident Response process, a multi-step approach to the detection,
analysis, and recovery from a security incident. Critical skills including
data collection and duplication, evidence handling, and writing a forensic
report are explored. There are numerous real-world examples presented, as
well as practical hands-on activities designed to show the student how to
properly, and legally, handle digital and physical evidence.
2 Class Hours; 2 Laboratory Hours
MAT 130
Applied Algebra and Trigonometry (4)
Designed for students in the Engineering Technologies only, the course covers
algebra and trigonometry emphasizing computational skills and graphing using
application problems from technology fields. Topics include: function definition,
graphs, exponents, logarithms, trigonometric identities, complex numbers and
vectors.
4 Class Hours
Third Semester
CST 203
Security Hardware and Software (3)
This third security course concentrates on security hardware and software.
Hardware devices include media, NICs, switches, routers, firewalls, intrusion
sensors, and biometric security sensors. Software applications include sniffers,
network scanners, remote control software, OS network commands, forensic analyzers,
and event analyzers.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 209
Advanced Networking (3)
This course provides an in depth exploration of currently evolving and new
computer network¬ing, data communication and telecommunication technologies.
Lectures, demonstrations, interac¬tive learning, and site visits will
be employed. Extensive laboratory work matches the lecture topics.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 242
Computer Forensics II (3)
The second course in computer forensics takes the student deep into Windows
and Linux. The student is introduced to many tools used to gather and analyze
digital evidence. Critical skills are developed, includ¬ing such data
analysis methods as string searches, machine-code disassembly, log file analysis,
data and file recovery, and both static and dynamic code analysis. Evidence
from computers, networks, and routers are all captured and analyzed. Real-world
examples, as well as hands-on activities, reinforce the material and concepts.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
CST 262
Cryptographic Systems (3)
This course provides a detailed exposure to the many different cryptographic
techniques and systems employed in secure transmission and storage of data.
Symmetric versus asymmetric encryption and decryption, the importance of key
length and algorithm complexity, and applications for encryption and hashing
are presented. The characteristics of secure web transactions, including VPN
tunnels, secure email, secure ftp, and secure telnet, as well as the various
security protocols, are also covered.
3 Class Hours
SS Elective (3)
Fourth Semester
CST 210
Business Security (3)
This fourth security course concentrates on the security aspects related to
business, includ¬ing legal and ethical computing standards, secu¬rity
cost analysis, physical plant security, disas¬ter recovery, business continuity,
security policies and procedures, training, and careers in network security.
2 Class Hours, 2 Laboratory Hours
ENG 150
Technical Writing (3)
This introductory course in technical communication offers a practical approach
for writing and speaking effectively in professional, technical environments.
The course emphasizes analytical methods for understanding and fulfilling
the communicational needs of one’s audience and gives students opportunity
to practice and apply these communication techniques.
3 Class Hours
CRJ 230
Criminal Investigation (4)
Basic principles of investigation as they relate to the collection, preservation,
identification and examination of physical evidence. Techniques for locating
and interviewing witnesses and interrogating suspects.
3 Class Hours; 3 Lab Hours
CRJ 245
Criminology (3)
A study of the general field of criminology considering the general theories
of crime causation and the impact crime has on society. Policy implications
related to prevention, treatment of victims, and legal intervention are reviewed.
SS Elective (3)
PHS Elective (3/4)