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

Students learn how to conduct basic computer system vulnerability analysis and penetration testing looking from an attacker's perspectives to find and exploit vulnerabilities, as well as looking from the defender's perspectives to patch vulnerabilities and conduct forensics to mitigate attacks.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the International Cybersecurity; Cybersecurity major sequences
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify security vulnerabilities in computer systems; (2) demonstrate an understanding of different penetration testing methods and skills; (3) design basic penetration testing methods; (4) select appropriate penetration testing tools for different applications/platforms/environments; and (5) evaluate security design, implementation and penetration testing practices.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) 3 lab tests (20% each, individually assessed, invigilated and demonstrated in class) and (2) project. 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
CITS2002 Systems Programming
or CITS2005 Object Oriented Programming
and
Successful completion of
CITS2006 Defensive Cybersecurity
Advisable prior study
Python, C/C++, Networks
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week
laboratories: 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.