Cybersecurity in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| EEEE3127 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- EEEE3127
- School
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module provides an introduction to cybersecurity for electrical and electronic engineers. The area of cybersecurity is first introduced in the context of software application security, network security and data security and this is followed by more in-depth sessions focusing on each of these areas. Teaching in the first half of the term is through formal lectures, which contain traditional presentations alongside a number of live demonstrations. Teaching in the second half of the term is through supported practical sessions in a computer laboratory.
The technical topics covered are those that may be important in the development of typical electrical/electronic engineering systems or software. These include:
- Vulnerable software – how poorly written software, particularly network accessible software, can cause serious security problems, methods based on overflow attacks and remote code execution style attacks that are used to exploit vulnerable software, and the techniques that are used to identify, protect against and prevent software vulnerabilities.
- Network security – how software communicates across a network (IP addresses, ports and sockets) why networks pose a cybersecurity risk, the tools and techniques that are used to exploit them (packet sniffing, port scanning, network pivoting, webshells and wireless security attacks), and how networks can be secured.
- Data security and encryption – the basic principles of encryption and its evolution through the computer age. The types of encryption method that are applied in modern software applications including symmetric and asymmetric methods, limitations of these methods and how appropriate methods can be selected for a given application. The reasons why encryption (classic encryption methods and modern algorithms) can be weak and/or compromised.
The module also addresses the impact that cybersecurity incidents has on society and business, and the ethics associated with certain branches of cybersecurity.
Target Students
3rd/4th year and MSc students in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: 10 Page Report
- 40% Exam 1 (1-hour): Exam
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide an introduction to the field of cybersecurity in the context of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.Learning Outcomes
LO1 Evaluate security threats that can exist in modern electrical/electronic/computer systems, how risks posed by the threats may change through the system’s life-cycle, and how these risks can be managed through effective engineering solutions.
LO2 Discuss the cybersecurity industry and the ethical issues surrounding certain areas.
LO3 Analyse computer networks, software applications and source code for vulnerabilities and evaluate the effectiveness of potential protection and prevention methods.
LO4 Evaluate encryption methods used for securing electronic data including their limitations, be able to select and apply appropriate methods.
This module contributes to the delivery of the following Engineering Council outcomes:
C7, M7, C8, M8, C10, M10, C12, M12, C13 and M13.