Systems Security

3 units

This course examines the intersection between computer design and information security. While performance and efficiency in digital systems have improved markedly in recent decades, computer security has worsened overall in this time frame. To understand why, we will explore the role that design choices play in the security characteristics of modern computer and network systems. Students will use and write software to illustrate mastery of the material. Projects will include identifying security vulnerabilities, exploiting vulnerabilities, and detecting and defending against exploits.