Computer Science 564 - Cyber Effects

This course covers a range of topics related to cyber security and operations. As each topic could be its own course, they will be presented broadly. The focus is on real-world studies of reverse engineering, exploit analysis, and capability development within the context of computer network operations and attack. The course has a strong emphasis on hands-on exercises and projects. Industry-standard tools such as Ghidra and CVE will be leveraged. Lectures will cover a lot of material and the assignments will likely be on material that students have not had experience in, so individual online research will be necessary. Students are not expected to be at a professional skill level in each of these topics by the end of the course, but instead the objective is to ensure that each student has at least a fundamental understanding of each topic and how they influence each other. Students should be prepared to learn about both COMPSCI and ECE concepts.

Open to juniors and seniors who have completed COMPSCI 230 (or E&C-ENG 322) and COMPSCI 360 (previously 460, or COMPSCI 365, 390R, 466, or E&C-ENG 371) with a grade of C or better. PREVIOUSLY COMPSCI 590J. UNIV LECT 01 FOR UNDERGRADS; UNIV LECT 02 FOR GRADS. UNDERGRADS MAY SUBSTITUTE ANY INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER/NETWORK SECURITY COURSE AT THE 300-LEVEL OR HIGHER WITH A GRADE OF C OR BETTER FOR COMPSCI 360, WITH PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR. SEATS HELD IN LECT 02 FOR INCOMING STUDENT REGISTRATION. GRADUATE STUDENTS FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS WITH INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION, IF AVAILABLE SEATS. UWW LECT 01: OTHER GRADUATE STUDENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED WITH INSTRUCTOR PERMISSION. SYNCHRONOUSLY REMOTE ATTENDANCE VIA ZOOM REQUIRED. STUDENTS SHOULD ATTEND ALL LECTURE SESSIONS. STUDENTS NEEDING SPECIAL PERMISSION MUST REQUEST OVERRIDES VIA THE ON-LINE FORM: https://www.cics.umass.edu/overrides.