Online Master of Science in Information Assurance

This course examines the structure and operation of digital computers in the context of the enterprise solutions. Emphasis will be placed on strategies to select, deploy, integrate and administer platforms or components to support the organization's computing infrastructure. Topics include the framework and strategic trends essential to the administration of hardware, services provided by the operating system and computer interaction.

This course examines strategies to design networking security, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and firewalls for securing a network. Different types of VPNs for securing data are reviewed as are security-related themes. Topics also include the benefits, architecture and implementation strategies of VPNs and the configuration, administration, utility and limitations of firewalls.

This course presents the concept of access control to protect information systems and applications from unauthorized viewing, tampering or destruction. This course defines the components of access control, provides a business framework for implementation and discusses legal requirements that impact access control programs. Topics include the risks, threats and vulnerabilities prevalent in information systems and IT infrastructures and how to mitigate these conditions. In addition, security controls for access control including tokens, biometrics and use of public key infrastructures will be covered.

This course presents the systematic methods in conducting computer forensic investigations, acquiring digital data and reporting on forensic investigations. Topics include procedures to create a forensics lab; investigating computer and cyber crime; tools, techniques and methods used to perform forensic investigations; and concepts for collecting, analyzing, recovering and preserving forensic evidence.

The course covers cryptography from historical, applied and theoretical approaches. Topics include the symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques that include classical and modern algorithms. This course explores further the framework and practice of using cryptography in securing networks over the Internet and organizational settings. Legal and ethical issues are explored as are techniques that protect computing systems from security threats.

This course is an integrative capstone course for the Master of Science in Information Assurance program. Students will examine and solve real-world information assurance problems and apply associated techniques to create practical solutions. The course takes an integrative and senior security officer approach to address the policy, risk and control opportunities within cyberspace and IT environments.