ISBA 410 01: Information Security

ISBA 410 - Information Security

2023 Fall Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 1039

Course Information

You are responsible for knowing this material, so please read carefully. Any changes will be announced in a Blackboard Announcement. You will be responsible for any changes. Your continued enrollment in this course is your implicit agreement to abide by the requirements of this class.

Times and Location

TR 2pm-3:15pm in Nistler, Rm 201

Instructor Information

Yanjun Zuo

Email: yanjun.zuo@und.edu

Office: Nistler Hall 331K

2023 Fall Office Hours:
See blackboard.

Office Phone: 701-777-6798


Course Description

An introduction to information security and information assurance. The students will achieve a firm intuition about what information security means; be able to recognize potential threats to information confidentiality, integrity and availability; be aware of some of the underlying technologies that address these challenges; and be conversant with current security-related issues in the field. This course addresses both the technical and behavioral aspects of information security.

The IT security industry continues to see dramatic changes every year. Data breaches, malware, cyberattacks, and information warfare are common news stories in the mainstream media. This course discusses information security issues and techniques that the students need to learn.  It focuses on important terminologies, techniques, safeguards, and management issues in information systems, data, networks and applications security. The course has a strong managerial focus along with a solid presentation of security techniques.  It will give students a solid foundation in the information security field. This course carries 3 credits.

Course Objectives

At the end of this class, students will:

  • achieve a firm understanding of what security means in networking and information system applications;
  • be able to recognize potential threats to systems, networks, data and host, and applications;
  • be aware of the underlying technologies that address these challenges;  
  • be able to describe organizational security issues and explain policy-driven implementation; and
  • be comfortable to use some security tools to protect data, networks and applications.

Course Materials

Randall J. Boyle and Raymond R. Panko, “Corporate Computer Security,” Fifth Edition, 2021, ISBN: 9780135822784.

Technical Requirements/Assistance

This course has a set of practical lab exercises. Most of those lab projects require a networked computer with a current operating systems (e.g., Windows 10 Professional or Education edition) installed. Students will use Microsoft Word to complete assignments. Students are expected to use their official UND email in the course. Visit the Office 365 Email webpage for information on your UND email and how to download/install a free version of Microsoft Office. For technical assistance, please contact UND Technical Support at 701.777.2222. Visit the University Information Technologies (UIT) website for their hours, help documents and other resources.

Minimum Technical Skills Needed

In order to succeed in this course, at a minimum, you should be able to:

  • Navigate in and use basic Blackboard functions
  • Download and open electronic documents
  • Use Microsoft Command Prompt to run certain programs
  • Download and use certain software programs
  • Operate basic networking functions such as identifying IP addresses
  • Create, save, and upload/attach electronic documents
  • Send, receive, and manage email

Course Logistics

Access and Log in Information

This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing Blackboard. To get started with the course, please go to: http://blackboard.UND.edu and log in with your NDUS.Identifier, Username and Password. If you do not know your NDUS Identifier or have forgotten your password, please visit Your NDUS Account page on the UIT website.

Course Overview

The course content is organized into 8 lessons. Each lesson contains learning objectives and PowerPoint presentations. Homework, labs and exam will be used to assess your comprehension and application of those materials.

Resources

Many services are available to online students such as writing assistance from the UND Writing Center, free online tutoring from Smarthinking, and more. Visit the Student Resources page for more information. Students also have access to the UND Student Resource Site via Blackboard. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the site to better equip you in navigating the course.

Course Requirements / Expectations

  1. The student will review the syllabus and course information posted in Blackboard.
  2. The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the lesson area of the Blackboard course.
  3. The student will attend the lectures.
  4. The student will complete and submit homework, labs, exam, etc. by the dated noted in each homework/lab/exam and also in the “Class Schedule” document. Central Daylight Time/Central Standard Time (UTC-5/UTC-6) will be utilized for due dates and times.
  5. The student will participate fully and in a timely manner to get the benefit of learning from instructor and/or peers.

Communication

Announcements

Announcements will be posted in Blackboard on a regular basis. Be sure to check the class announcements regularly as they will contain important information about class assignments and other class matters.

Email

If you need to contact me directly, check the Syllabus, Schedule & Faculty tab in Blackboard or the syllabus for my contact information. I usually can get back to you within 48 hours or sooner.

Assessment Summary

This course is made up of a series of homework, labs and exam to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes.

Assessments

In this course, your learning will be assessed in the following ways:

Exam

Your exam will take place in the final exam week and will cover all the lessons. To prepare for the exam make sure to have read the textbook chapters, the homework, and the lectures. The exam carries 130 points.

Homework

The course includes 7 Blackboard homework. The homework is based on the materials covered in the lessons. Each homework carries 10 points and includes a set of short essay questions or multiple-choice questions.

Labs

The course includes 12 labs. Each lab carries 10 points and includes a set of case study and practical projects related to information security.

Grading Scale

  • Lab Exercises                                                              120 Points
  • Homework Assignments                                             70 Points
  • Exam                                                                             130 Points

      Total: 320 Points

Note: If you are taking this course for graduate credits, you are required to do extra work. The extra work can be a paper or an information security project. The extra work carries 30 points. If you choose to write a paper, it must be at least 5 pages, 12-font, single spaced and one column. The project or paper should be closely related to our discussions on information security in this class. The due day of the extra work is 5:00pm on the Reading and Review day.

A     90% to 100%

B     80% to 89%

C     70% to 79%

D     60% to 69%

F     0% to 59%

Course Evaluation

Around the middle of the semester, we will complete a formative assessment to see how the course is going. Near the end of the semester, you will be asked to complete an online course evaluation form (SELFI). Your feedback on the course is extremely valuable to me. I read my students’ comments carefully and use them to improve the course the next time I teach it.

  • When the time comes, please let me know which aspects of the course helped you learn—and which aspects might be modified to help future students learn more effectively. 
  • Please note that the course evaluations are anonymous and that I won’t see the results until after the grades for the course are submitted, allowing you to provide honest and constructive feedback. 
  • If you have feedback to offer before the end of the semester, please let me know.

Course Policies

Assignment Policy

Due dates for each homework and lab will be posted in Blackboard.

Late Work

All homework and labs must be submitted by the due dates.  No late submission will be accepted. All requirements for this course must be completed during the course dates.

Instructor Responsibilities and Feedback

  • The instructor will provide feedback on the assignments when they are graded.
  • The instructor will be available during appointed Office Hours to answer questions, provide feedback, and offer advice.

Incompletes

It is expected that students will complete all requirements for a course during the time frame of the course. For reasons beyond a student’s control, and upon request by the student or on behalf of the student, an incomplete grade may be assigned by the instructor when there is reasonable certainty the student will successfully complete the course without retaking it. The mark “I,” Incomplete, will be assigned only to the student who has been in attendance and has done satisfactory work up to a time within four weeks of the close of the semester, including the examination period, and whose work is incomplete for reasons satisfactory to his or her instructor. More information regarding UND’s Incomplete policy can be found on The Grading System webpage.

Reasonable Accommodations

Then Nistler college is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in all courses to students regardless of religious beliefs, disability status, or pregnancy status. To request an accommodation, you must do so during the first two weeks of the semester, by following the official UND procedure(s) described here https://campus.und.edu/equal-opportunity/discrimination-harassment-accommodations.html). Failure to follow official UND procedures in requesting accommodations will be considered as forfeiting the right to accommodation.

College/Department Policies

In addition to Course and University Policies, the Colleges and/or Departments may have some of their own.  Please edit this section to add any polices for your college or department.  This could include things like mission statements, professional standards, ethical statements, etc.

University of North Dakota Policies & Resources

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a serious matter, and any deviations from appropriate behavior will be dealt with strongly. At the discretion of the professor, situations of concern may be dealt with as a scholastic matter or a disciplinary matter.

As a scholastic matter, the professor has the discretion to determine appropriate penalties for the student’s workload or grade, but the situation may be resolved without involving many individuals. An alternative is to treat the situation as a disciplinary matter, which can result in suspension from the University, or have lesser penalties. Be aware that I view this as a very serious matter and will have little tolerance and/or sympathy for questionable practices. A student who attempts to obtain credit for work that is not their own (whether that be on a paper, quiz, homework assignment, exam, etc.) will likely receive a failing grade for that item of work, and at the professor’s discretion, may also receive a failing grade in the course. For more information read the Code of Student Life.

Access and Opportunity, Disability Support, & Medical Services

The University of North Dakota is committed to providing equal access to students with documented disabilities. To ensure access to this class and your program, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to engage in a confidential discussion about accommodations for the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with DSS at the start of their program. More information can be obtained by email UND.dss@UND.edu or by phone at 701.777.2664.

COVID-19

UND is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while providing quality learning experiences for our students. COVID-19’s continued presence within our UND community may necessitate changes in classroom management as the academic year progresses. As such, UND asks students and instructors to be flexible when necessary to promote a safe environment for learning. Please do not attend an in-person class or lab if you are feeling ill, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been directed by health professionals to quarantine or isolate. If you are not able to attend class or lab, please notify your instructor as soon as possible and discuss options for making up any missed work in order to ensure your ability to succeed in the course. If you will have an extended absence due to serious illness or other uncontrollable circumstances, you may request an absence notification through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Similarly, if your instructor is ill they may need to cancel class or temporarily move your course to online delivery to ensure that you are able to complete the course successfully.  Instructors may require students to wear masks in the classroom or in the laboratory as a preventative measure designed to facilitate uninterrupted classroom engagement and to facilitate health and safety in the classroom.   If your instructor does require masks in class or in a laboratory, you are expected to comply with that request.

UND also strongly encourages all members of the University community, including students, to get vaccinated, seek out testing when needed, and model positive behavior both on- and off-campus to foster a healthy and safe learning environment for all students. Individuals who would like to discuss disability accommodations regarding masks should contact the Disability Services for Students (DSS) office at 701.777.2664 or UND.dss@UND.edu. Individuals who are unable to wear a mask due to a sincerely held religious belief should contact the UND Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office at 701.777.4171 or UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu.

Religious Accommodations

UND offers religious accommodations, which are reasonable changes in the academic environment that enable a student to practice or observe a sincerely held religious belief without undue hardship on the University. Examples include time for prayer or the ability to attend religious events or observe a religious holiday. To request an accommodation, complete the student religious accommodation request form. If you have any questions, you may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or Academic Affairs to learn about your options. Additional information and services may be found at Pregnancy Resources.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

It is the policy of the University of North Dakota that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran’s status, or political belief or affiliation and the equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all. Concerns regarding Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, and Section 504 may be addressed to Donna Smith, Assistant Vice President for Equal Opportunity & Title IX and Title IX/ADA Coordinator, 102 Twamley Hall, 701.777.4171, UND.EO.TitleIX@UND.edu or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education, 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 or any other federal agency.

Reporting of Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

If you or a friend has experienced sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office or UND’s Title IX Coordinator, Donna Smith, for assistance: 701.777.4171; donna.smith@UND.edu; or visit the Title IX webpage. You may also contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX office if you or a friend has experienced discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, marital or parental status, veteran's status, or political belief or affiliation.

Faculty Reporting Obligations Regarding Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct

It is important for students to understand that faculty are required to share with UND’s Title IX Coordinator any incidents of sexual misconduct or of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class that they become aware of, even if those incidents occurred in the past or are disclosed as part of a class assignment. This does not mean an investigation will occur if the student does not want that, but it does allow UND to provide resources to help the student continue to be successful at UND. If you have been impacted by discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, you can find information about confidential support services on the Equal Opportunity & Title IX webpage..

UND Cares Program

How to Seek Help When in Distress

We know that while college is a wonderful time for most students, however, some students may struggle or have issues that arise. You may experience students in distress on campus, in your classroom, in your home, and within residence halls. Distressed students may initially seek assistance from faculty, staff members, their parents, and other students. In addition to the support we can provide to each other, there are also professional support services available to students through the Dean of Students and University Counseling Center. Both staffs are available to consult with you about getting help or providing a friend with the help that he or she may need. For more additional information, please visit the UND Cares Program Webpage.

How to Recognize When a Student is in Distress

The term “distressed” can mean any of the following:

  • Student has significant changes in eating, sleeping, grooming, spending, or other daily activities.
  • Student has cut off or minimized contact with family or friends.
  • Student has significant changes in performance or involvement in academics, sports, extracurricular, or social activities.
  • Student describes problems (missing class, not remembering, destructive behavior) that result from experiences with drinking or drugs.
  • Student is acting withdrawn, volatile, tearful, etc.
  • Student is acting out of character or different than usual.
  • Student is talking explicitly about hopelessness or suicide.
  • Student has difficulty concentrating or difficulty carrying on a normal conversation.
  • Student has excessive dependence on others for company or support.
  • Student reports feeling out of control of one’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Today, the University of North Dakota rests on the ancestral lands of the Pembina and Red Lake Bands of Ojibwe and the Dakota Oyate - presently existing as composite parts of the Red Lake, Turtle Mountain, White Earth Bands, and the Dakota Tribes of Minnesota and North Dakota. We acknowledge the people who resided here for generations and recognize that the spirit of the Ojibwe and Oyate people permeate this land. As a university community, we will continue to build upon our relations with the First Nations of the State of North Dakota - the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Nation, Spirit Lake Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.

Additional Resources

It is my goal to foster an environment of mutual respect in which everyone feels comfortable voicing their opinions, sharing their stories, and learning about potentially heavy or personally relevant material. If, at any point, you feel like the information covered in this class elicits thoughts, feelings, or concerns that you would like to discuss further, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, or the UND Counseling Center (701-777-2127).

Further, if you experience extenuating circumstances, sexual violence, identity-based harm, or any other personal crisis during the semester, don’t hesitate to reach out to me so we can provide academic assistance and help you in this course, and put you in contact with the appropriate resources and services (if needed).

Resolution of Problems

Should a problem occur, you should speak to your instructor first. If the problem continues to be unresolved, go to the department chair, and next to the college Dean. Should the problem persist, you have the right to go to the Provost next, and then to the President.

UND Cares about Your Success

Important information is available to you through Starfish, which is an online system used to help students be successful. When an instructor observes student behaviors or concerns that may impede academic success, the instructor may raise a flag that notifies the student of the concern and/or refer the student to their academic advisor or UND resource. Please pay attention to these emails and take the recommended actions. They are sent to help you be successful!

Starfish also allows you to (1) schedule appointments with various offices and individuals across campus, (2) request help on a variety of topics, and (3) search and locate information on offices and services at UND.

You can log into Starfish by clicking on Logins on the UND homepage and then selecting Starfish. A link to Starfish is also available in Blackboard once you have signed in.