Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to the principles and practices of defensive cybersecurity, which aims to protect networks and systems from cyberattacks. Students will learn how to identify and analyse threats and vulnerabilities, how to design and implement mitigation strategies and countermeasures, and evaluate and compare their effectiveness in different application contexts. Students will also gain hands-on experience with various tools and techniques for anomaly detection, intrusion prevention, forensic analysis, and system hardening.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the International Cybersecurity; Cybersecurity; Quantum Computing major sequences
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and analyse vulnerabilities and potential security threats to information systems and networks in various domains and scenarios; (2) evaluate and compare defensive cybersecurity tools, techniques and methodologies to design and implement mitigation strategies and countermeasures for different types of cyberattacks; (3) analyse and apply different defensive cybersecurity frameworks and standards to various contexts and situations; and (4) assess the effectiveness and efficiency of defensive cybersecurity solutions and practices using appropriate metrics and method.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) lab tests; (2) project; and (3) exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Jin Hong
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
CITS1003 Introduction to Cybersecurity
or CITX1003 Introduction to Cybersecurity
and Successful completion of
CITS1401 Computational Thinking with Python
or CITX1401 Computational Thinking with Python
Contact hours
Lectures 2 hours per week, Workshop/Practicals 2 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.