Overview
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In this course, we study the latest research in computer and operating systems (host) security. The main focus of this course is the design of authorization systems and their application to host security. The course aims to provide foundations of authorization systems, approaches for designing effective systems, and tools and techniques for detecting problems in conventional systems and repairing such problems.
A detailed list of a lecture by lecture contents, assignments, and due dates (subject to change as semester evolves) is available on the course calendar.
Grading
The course will be graded on presentations, participation, and a final project in the following proportions:
| 50% | Course Project |
| 25% | Presentations |
| 15% | Reviews |
| 10% | Class Participation |
Course Project
The main deliverable from this course will be a course project, preferably a submitted paper or paper prepared for submission. The paper's topic must be host security-related and the student must be a lead author.
Presentations
You will present your project and four research papers during this class. Your presentations of your project content will be reviewed by your classmates and the professor (see below). You will also be evaluated on your presentation of the paper material. You may use the author's slides if you prefer.
Project Reviews
You will all be required to review each others' work (constructively). Individuals will present their projects throughout the course and the class members will prepare reviews of the presentation and project. Please use the attached template.
Class Participation
Class participation focuses on the readings assigned for the class. During the lecture, we will discuss the readings, and students are required to participate in discussions during each lecture. It is strongly suggested that students do the reading prior to this class. Ultimately, the students' ability to exhibit comprehension of readings is essential to a good grade.
Lateness Policy
All milestones are assesed a 20% per-day late penalty, up to a maximum of 4 days. Unless the problem is apocalyptic, don't give me excuses. Students with legitmate reasons who contact the professor before the deadline may apply for an extension.
Required Texts
The course will consist of readings from papers. The specific papers will be posted on the course calendar.
Academic Integrity Policy
Students are required to follow the university guidelines on academic conduct at all times. Students failing to meet these standards will automatically receive a 'F' grade for the course. The instructor carefully monitors for instances of offenses such as plagiarism and illegal collaboration, so it is very important that students use their best possible judgement in meeting this policy. The instructor will not entertain any discussion on the discovery of an offense, and will assign the 'F' grade and refer the student to the appropriate University bodies for possible further action.
Note that students are explicitly forbidden to copy anything off the Internet (e.g., source code, text) for the purposes of completing an assignment or the final project. Also, students are forbidden from discussing or collaborating on any assignment except were explicitly allowed in writing by the instructor.
Ethics Statement
This course considers topics involving personal and public privacy and security. As part of this investigation we will cover technologies whose abuse may infringe on the rights of others. As an instructor, I rely on the ethical use of these technologies. Unethical use may include circumvention of existing security or privacy measurements for any purpose, or the dissemination, promotion, or exploitation of vulnerabilities of these services. Exceptions to these guidelines may occur in the process of reporting vulnerabilities through public and authoritative channels. Any activity outside the letter or spirit of these guidelines will be reported to the proper authorities and may result in dismissal from the class.
When in doubt, please contact the instructor for advice. Do not undertake any action which could be perceived as technology misuse anywhere and/or under any circumstances unless you have received explicit permission from Professor Jaeger.
