Unlocking Information Security: Part I

Course Description

Welcome to "Unlocking Information Security: Part I," an engaging and comprehensive course designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of information security. In today's increasingly digitized world, understanding how to protect digital assets and combat cyber threats is more crucial than ever. This course, offered by TAUx and IsraelX, is the first part of the Unlocking Information Security program and provides a solid foundation in cybersecurity concepts, cryptography, and authentication methods.

What Students Will Learn

• Fundamental terminology and concepts in information security
• Various types of vulnerabilities, including design flaws, implementation bugs, and social engineering
• The history and evolution of cryptography, from ancient ciphers to modern encryption techniques
• Hash functions and their applications in cybersecurity
• Critical analysis of different authentication schemes
• Understanding of the infamous Buffer Overflow vulnerability

Pre-requisites

• Familiarity with Python programming language (recommended for optional programming exercises)
• Mathematical maturity, including algebra, basic combinatorics, and probability
• Intermediate-level understanding of computer science concepts

Course Content

• Information security terminology and basic concepts
• Real-world case studies of cyber attacks and vulnerabilities (e.g., Meltdown)
• Overview of cryptography with a focus on symmetric ciphers
• Hash functions and common hash algorithms
• Authentication schemes: passwords, challenge-response systems, and biometrics
• Buffer Overflow vulnerability and its variants (Variable and Stack Overflow)
• Mitigation techniques for Buffer Overflow attacks (canaries and DEP)

Who This Course Is For

• Computer science students looking to specialize in cybersecurity
• IT professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of information security
• Software developers interested in writing more secure code
• Anyone passionate about understanding and combating cyber threats

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course are highly valuable in today's digital landscape. Graduates can apply their knowledge to:

• Develop more secure software applications
• Implement robust authentication systems
• Identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities in existing systems
• Contribute to cybersecurity teams in various industries
• Enhance personal digital security practices
• Pursue further education or certifications in information security

Syllabus Overview

While a detailed syllabus is not provided, the course is structured to cover the following main topics:

1. Introduction to Information Security
2. Vulnerabilities and Exploits
3. Cryptography and Ciphers
4. Hash Functions
5. Authentication Schemes
6. Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities

This course, produced by Tel Aviv University and supported by Check Point, offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights. With its intermediate-level content and optional programming exercises, it provides an excellent opportunity for learners to dive deep into the world of information security and gain skills that are increasingly in demand across all sectors of the digital economy.