The course covers theory and practice of computer security, focusing in particular on the security aspects of the web and Internet. It surveys cryptographic tools used to provide security, such as shared key encryption (DES, 3DES, RC-4/5/6, etc.); public key encryption, key exchange, and digital signature (Diffie-Hellmann, RSA, DSS, etc.). It then reviews how these tools are utilized in the internet protocols and applications such as Kerberos, SSL, IPSEC, TLS, PGP, S/MIME, SET, and others. System security issues, such as viruses, intrusion, firewalls, and others will also be covered.
Some of the projects will utilize Java software packages, and so will require some Java programing. This does not mean that you must know Java as a prerequisite, but it does mean that you will need to pick up some Java skills as we go. Check PureTLS toolkit (see the navigation bar to the left), to start familiarizing yourself with the software we'll be working with.
CS 350, CS 330 and MA 294. Also, CS 455 is recommended to be taken before or at the same time. You are encouraged to use the cs455 course webpage as a resource on network topics.
Tue,Thu 12:30-2pm in room MCS B31
Midterm: TBD
Final: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 in mcs-b31 (the regular class room)
email: itkis+cs591 @ cs . bu . edu
Office Hours: Tue 2-4pm, Thur 2-3pm (or by appointment)
Office Phone: 353-5285
Office Room: mcs-284
Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice,
Third Edition, by William Stallings
There are a few other useful/recommended texts:
- Cryptography Theory and Practice, by Doug Stinson, March, 1995, CRC Press, Inc
- Handbook of Applied Cryptography, by Alfred J. Menezes,
Paul C. van Oorschot and Scott A. Vanstone, CRC Press, ISBN: 0-8493-8523-7, October 1996, Fourth Printing (July 1999) - SSL and TLS Essentials, by S. Thomas. 2000
- "A Friendly Introduction to Number Theory" by Joseph H. Silverman, Prentice-Hall Inc. This book is being used in MA 341 and is wonderful both as a learning aide and reference tool.