Information Security Testing and Assessment (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Course begins with introductory lecture. In laboratory exercises student learns to use the tools of trade. Finally, students perform a penetration testing engagement and report the results.

Objective

After completing the course the student:
- is able to explain the basic principles of information security testing and assessment
- can list the phases of information security testing process
- is able to organize and conduct information security risk testing to an SME sector enterprise or similar size organization
- can analyse and report the results from information security testing
- is able to give justified improvement proposals to mitigate information security vulnerabilities

Content

- Social Engineering
- Penetration Testing
- Network Discovery
- Network Service Identification
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Password Cracking

Materials

We are using the TryHackMe.com training platform in addition to ItsLearning. Licenses for the duration of the course will be provided for students taking the course for the first time. Student is responsible for acquiring any additional licenses if course is not completed in time, or on any subsequent implementations.

Exam schedules

Mandatory Practical exam is early April, with re-take chance in April.

Completion alternatives

-

Student workload

Lectures 8h
Laboratory assignments 35h
Hackathon 8h
Exam and preparations 9h
Testing project 75h

Evaluation methods and criteria

Project report determines the grade. At least 3 successfully tested machines must be reported following the reporting requirements to get 1. Each successfully tested and reported machine above that will increase grade by 1. Incomplete reporting will lower the grade.
Exam is mandatory to pass. Getting 5 in exam increases overall grade by 1.
Attendance in Hackathon is mandatory to pass the course.
Laboratory assignments: returning at least 90% of the graded assignments by deadline will increase overall grade by 1.

Failed (0)

Student is unable to perform and report a penetration testing engagement independently.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Student understands the basics of penetration testing and is able to perform a penetration test against a web application independently. Student can write an understandable and actionable report about the test results.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Student has a good grasp of information security testing methodologies and tools. Student can independently test various types of internet connected applications. Student can write an understandable and actionable report about the test results that contains guidance for both the management and the developers responsible for the application.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Student has knowledge and is able to select the best suited tool and methodology for the engagement. Student can independently test most types of internet connected applications. Student can write a clear, concise and actionable report about the test results that effectively guides management decisions and provides the software developers with detailed guidance on both fixing to found issues and methods for avoiding similar issues in the future.

Qualifications

Courses Internet Networks and Security and Linux and Virtualization

Further information

All communication will be through ItsLearning.