MS in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Concentration

Prerequisites: (MET CS 232 or MET LB 100) and (MET CS 248 or MET LB 101). Or consent of instructor. This course introduces fundamental and advanced data structures and their practical use in software development. Topics include linear structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues), priority queues, trees and balanced trees, heaps, hashing and maps, and graph representations. Emphasis is placed on abstract data types (ADTs), implementation techniques, and selecting appropriate data structures for real-world problem solving.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: (MET CS 232 or MET LB 100) and (MET CS 248 or MET LB 101). Or consent of instructor. Examines the fundamental principles of computer architecture, from instruction set design to modern secure and high-performance processors. Topics include number systems, ISA concepts, datapath and control design, pipelining and speculative execution, memory hierarchy and virtual memory, parallel and multicore systems, and advanced architectural features such as superscalar execution and hardware-based security mechanisms. The course emphasizes the interaction between hardware, operating systems, and software, as well as performance and security trade-offs in modern processor design.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 342 or MET CS 526 or consent of instructor. Learn methods for designing and analyzing algorithms while practicing hands-on programming skills. Topics include divide-and-conquer, sorting, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, advanced data structures, graph algorithms (shortest path, spanning trees, tree traversals), matrix operations, and NP-completeness.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 472 or MET CS 572 or consent of instructor. Overview of operating system characteristics, design objectives, and structures. Topics include concurrent processes, coordination of asynchronous events, file systems, resource sharing, memory management, security, scheduling, and deadlock problems.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 566 or consent of instructor. Theory of finite automata, regular expressions, and properties of regular sets. Context- free grammars, context-free languages, and pushdown automata. Turing machines, undecidability problems, and the Chomsky hierarchy. Introduction to computational complexity theory and the study of NP-complete problems.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: MET CS 575 or consent of instructor. Provides a robust understanding of networking. You will learn the fundamentals of networking systems, their architecture, function, and operation, and how these are reflected in current network technologies. As well as the principles that underlie all networks and their application (or not) to current network protocols and systems. Discover how layers of different scope are combined to create a network and receive a basic introduction to Physical Media, the functions that make up protocols, such as error detection, delimiting, lost and duplicate detection; and the synchronization required for the feedback mechanisms: flow and retransmission control, etc. In addition, learn how these functions are used in current protocols, such as Ethernet, WiFi, VLANs, TCP/IP, wireless communication, routing, congestion management, QoS, network management, security, and the common network applications, as well as some past applications with unique design solutions. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 625 or MET CS 425 (undergraduate). Only one of these courses can be counted toward degree requirements.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: MET CS 232 or consent of instructor. A theoretical yet modern presentation of database topics ranging from data and object modeling, relational algebra and normalization, to advanced topics such as how to develop web-based database applications. Other topics include relational data modeling, SQL, and manipulating relational data; applications programming for relational databases; physical characteristics of databases; achieving performance and reliability with database systems; and object-oriented database systems. Restrictions: This course may not be taken in conjunction with MET CS 469 (undergraduate) or MET CS 669. Refer to your department for further details.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisite: METCS535 or METCS625 or instructor's consent. In this course, you will be introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of cybersecurity and how to apply them in developing security mechanisms and policies. Explore topics such as basic risk assessment and management, legal and ethical issues, cyber attack defense methods and tools, security principles, models, and components. You will also learn about different crypto protocols, techniques, and tools, including symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms, hashing, public key infrastructure, and how they can be used. You will learn to identify security threats and techniques to defend hardware, operating systems, networks, and applications in modern computing environments. Hands-on labs using current tools will also be completed as part of the required coursework.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: (MET CS 535 or MET CS 625) and (MET CS 595 or MET CY 100) or consent of instructor. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles, technologies, and best practices to secure both computer networks and clouds. Topics include an overview of network threats, SSL/TLS, Kerberos, PKI, IPsec, DNSsec, SSH, Firewall, IDS, VPD, electronic mail security, wireless network security, Blockchain, TOR, Cloud architecture, an overview of cloud threats, architecture protection, and data protection in Cloud, IAM, security best practices, etc. Upon the completion of the course, students are expected to know the threats and vulnerabilities that networks and cloud systems face, along with the strategies and tools used to mitigate those risks. Hands-on labs based on existing tools are provided and required.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: (MET CS 248 or MET LB 101 ) and MET CS 566. Or consent of instructor - Students explore the main concepts and principles of cryptography, with the main emphasis on public key cryptography. The course begins with the review of integers and a thorough coverage of the fundamentals of finite group theory, followed by the RSA and ElGamal ciphers. Primitive roots in cyclic groups and the discrete log problem are discussed. Baby-step Giant-step and the Index Calculus probabilistic algorithms to compute discrete logs in cyclic groups are presented. Naor -- Reingold and Blum -- Blum -- Shub Random Number Generators as well as Fermat, Euler and Miller-Rabin primality tests are thoroughly covered. Pollard's Rho, Pollard's and Quadratic Sieve factorization algorithms are presented. The course ends with the coverage of some oblivious transfer protocols and zero-knowledge proofs. There are numerous programming assignments in the course.  [ 4 cr. ]

The course provides a strong foundation in database security and auditing by utilizing Oracle scenarios and step-by-step examples. The following topics are covered: security, profiles, password policies, privileges, roles, Virtual Private Databases, and auditing. The course also covers advanced topics such as SQL injection, database management, and security issues, such as securing the DBMS, enforcing access controls, and related issues.  [ 4 cr. ]

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital forensics and investigation tools and techniques. Learn what computer forensics and investigation is as a profession and gain an understanding of the overall investigative process. Operating system architectures and disk structures are discussed. Studies how to set up an investigator's office and laboratory, as well as what computer forensic hardware and software tools are available. Other topics covered include importance of digital evidence controls and how to process crime and incident scenes, details of data acquisition, computer forensic analysis, e-mail investigations, image file recovery, investigative report writing, and expert witness requirements. Provides a range of laboratory and hands-on assignments either in solo or in teams. With rapid growth of computer systems and digital data this area has grown in importance. Prereq: Working knowledge of windows computers, including installing and removing software. Access to a PC meeting the minimum system requirements defined in the course syllabus.  [ 4 cr. ]

Overview of mobile forensics investigation techniques and tools. Topics include mobile forensics procedures and principles, related legal issues, mobile platform internals, bypassing passcode, rooting or jailbreaking process, logical and physical acquisition, data recovery and analysis, and reporting. Provides in-depth coverage of both iOS and Android platforms. Laboratory and hands-on exercises using current tools are provided and required.  [ 4 cr. ]

MET LB 100 and MET LB 104 lab, or equivalent knowledge, or consent of instructor. In this course, we will study the fundamental and design applications of various biometric systems based on fingerprints, voice, face, hand geometry, palm print, iris, retina, and other modalities. Multimodal biometric systems that use two or more of the above characteristics will be discussed. Biometric system performance and issues related to the security and privacy aspects of these systems will also be addressed.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: At least two programming-intensive or software development courses or consent of instructor. You should be proficient in at least one high-level programming language. Completion of MET CS 673 is preferred. - An overview of techniques and tools to develop secure software. You will focus on the application of security with topics including secure software development processes, DevSecOps, threat modeling, secure requirements and architectures, vulnerability and malware analysis using static code analysis and dynamic analysis tools, and vulnerabilities in C/C ++ and Java programs, Crypto and secure APIs, vulnerabilities in web applications and mobile applications, and security testing will also be covered. You will complete the required hands-on lab and programming exercises using current tools.  [ 4 cr. ]

Prerequisites: MET CS 577 or consent of instructor. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the critical intersection between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, focusing on two interconnected themes: protecting AI systems from vulnerabilities and harnessing the power of AI to tackle cybersecurity challenges. As AI becomes a cornerstone of modern technology, ensuring the security of AI-powered systems against adversarial attacks, backdoor attacks, and model theft is essential. Simultaneously, AI offers transformative capabilities for malware detection, intrusion prevention, and malware analysis. Through a combination of theoretical foundations, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, students will delve into topics such as adversarial machine learning, backdoor injection and defense, IP protection, and privacy-preserving AI. They will also learn how to design and implement AI-driven tools for identifying and mitigating cyber threats in dynamic environments. The course emphasizes practical applications, encouraging students to build resilient AI systems and utilize advanced AI techniques to enhance system security and detect emerging threats. Hands-on labs based on existing tools are provided and required.  [ 4 cr. ]