Module: CYS7000-30 Cyber Security Bootcamp

Level: 7

Credit Value: 30

Module Tutor: John Curry

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.curry@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

Cyber attacks are a critical threat to any digital economy. Failure to sufficiently protect physical infrastructure and computing systems can result in significant financial and personnel losses. It is therefore vital that cyber security staff and managers are critically aware of emerging threat landscapes and suitably equipped to identify, evaluate and implement mitigation strategies. Developing the required knowledge and skills to predict and respond effectively to threats however requires an understanding of the thinking, motivations, tools and policies that underpin cyber security in the field. This module provides critical insight into these areas, and as such, helps you establish a firm basis for masters level study.

Cyber Security Bootcamp aims to raise your awareness of current and emerging cyber security risks - both for individuals and businesses. We set the scene by outlining the importance of cyber security, before examining the activities of specialists deployed in the field. From a holistic perspective, you’ll learn about threat detection and prevention strategies, risk management, investigative tools, and the way in which each are leveraged by organisations to secure operations and minimise disruption. Covered also are the key challenges of the field, as well as the measures that cyber security staff and managers must put in place to uphold ethical working practices and anticipate future trends.

2.Outline syllabus

• The importance of cyber security
• The contribution of cyber security specialists in proactive defence
• Identification of potential risks
• An introduction to monitoring techniques to detect and prevent intrusion
• Introduction to cyber forensics
• Development and implementation of an IT security policy
• The requirement for ethical working practices
• Anticipating future trends in cyber security

3.Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours:

Learning activities include lectures and seminar discussion, as well as a range of practical exercises such as tabletop exercises and investigative challenges.

Independent Learning:

Across the module you are set research tasks, presentation prep and practical exercises to be completed outside of the classroom. Many of these activities contribute to class sessions, therefore it is important that you allocate appropriate time to completing them. You are expected also to review provided learning materials, as well as conduct independent enquiry as required to fulfil summative assessments.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Cyber fundamentals essay (4,500 words)
• % Weighting: 60%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework
• Description: Forensic investigation (2,500 words)
• % Weighting: 40%