Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc

This module provides you with fundamental knowledge and principles of computer hardware and operating systems in order to understand the structure and operation of modern computers.

The module aims to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental behaviour and components (hardware and software) of a typical computer system, and how they collaborate to manage resources and provide services in scales from small embedded devices up to the global internet.

The module will focus on the understanding of concepts, theory and associated terminology of two core components: Computer Architecture and Operating Systems and Networks. Practical hands-on laboratory experiments will be used to illustrate the application of theory and concepts.

The lab work ranges between using C code, Batch, Bash and Python. This will allow you to develop a range of programming skills that will support your knowledge and skills not only in this module but in future studies as well.

This module provides you with the basic skills needed to succeed in networking-related degree programs and also helps you develop the skills necessary to fulfil the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. It provides a theoretically-rich, hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet.

You will learn both the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking. And you will gain an understanding of the “layered” approach to networks by examining the OSI and TCP/IP models in detail. Among the topics covered will be the various network devices, network addressing schemes and the types of media used to carry data across the network.

You will also gain a better understanding of routing protocols and learn how to configure, verify, and troubleshoot routing operations.

In any modern business environment, data is used to store, preserve, search, retrieve and display information to improve important business processes. It is essential that you have the skills and knowledge to develop information systems. This module provides a comprehensive introduction to database technology, a core IT skill required in many IT disciplines and an extremely good transferable skill.

The module introduces you to database design, implementation and manipulation knowledge and skills. Once mastered, these skills will provide a firm foundation for higher-level academic study or a rewarding career in many IT related areas such as data analytics.

This module introduces fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to understanding and use of a range of widely used programming languages.

The main aim is to provide you with the opportunity to learn programming effectively. This takes place in the context of learning to solve a range of problems arising in the context of the processing, storing and transmitting data.

You will understand the role of a basic but important range of data structures and types, and their use. Several data structures of interest within the networking and security fields will be considered, for example those to represent RTP packets (and associated operations on these), and how audio-visual data can be sent using transport protocols such as the UDP protocol.

The concept of an algorithm is introduced early on together with the techniques for program implementation. You will be encouraged and supported in undertaking - both individually and within a small group setting - a variety of problem solving tasks.

The aim of this module is for you to better understand both the requirements for cybersecurity legislation and standards, and how they affect compliance. During this module, you will become proficient at how to identify and comply with relevant legislation and standards.

It includes a consideration into the language and terminology of laws and standards, and how `in house’ regulation can be written to facilitate the following of best practise and legal requirements by a wide range of end users.

During this module, you will become familiar with the complete standardisation process, from creation to replacement or withdrawal, and also consider the role of and requirements for legislation in this area.

In addition, you will be able to evaluate and use relevant e-Disclosure/e-Discovery procedures.

This module provides you with a thorough understanding of all phases in a digital investigation, and the principles of evidence management. It teaches you how to maintain chain of custody and ensure that digital evidence is processed in a way that preserves its integrity.

You will learn how to extract data from a variety of digital devices and perform forensic analysis through use of industry standard tools and software. Through this you will develop the ability to search through sets of data with the use of techniques that allow for the efficient processing of digital evidence. You will also learn about the different types of digital investigation and the various types of data and evidence that can be produced.

Importance of verification and the need to keep a detailed record of your actions will be demonstrated through the use of contemporaneous notes, so that you are able to justify any actions you take. Anti-forensic techniques are explored, as are the methods that can be employed to detect and identify them.

You will be given practical experience of all stages in an investigation and evidence management through scenario-based lab exercises. These skills are then deployed in a simulated crime scene where you will acquire digital evidence and produce a report for your own forensic investigation.

All of the teaching is supported by a theoretical understanding of current industry standards and best practice guidelines.

The module looks at Network and Protocol Analysis and attempts to cover all aspects of Networking and Protocols including Internet Protocols, Network Services and Cloud Environments as well as Network Monitoring and Analysis.

The main goal of the module is to equip you with the ability to build and analyse any networking environment independent of the underlying physical networking technology.

Internet Protocols are the backbone of global communications and will be thoroughly examined in this course: including ARP, IP, UDP and TCP.

This is then followed by the examination of the use of Network services including DNS, DHCP and CIFS as well as Cloud Environments.

The course then looks at the Y-Comm Framework, which combines communication, mobility, quality-of-service and security. The course finishes by looking at issues of network monitoring, network analysis and network performance.

In past years, there has been an increase in attacks on websites that can result in the disclosure of information that is of a personal and confidential nature. With the introduction of GDPR, it is no longer acceptable to collect information overtly and then not protect that information adequately. The purpose of this module is to consider GDPR compliancy for websites and more importantly implement them for the protection of collected data.

The primary aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to demonstrate how effectively you have consolidated your knowledge and skills from all other modules via an individual project, which must involve a computer / network / communication solution or a cyber security solution or a digital forensic investigation method.

The aims of this module are to provide a comprehensive study of the different types of network and cyber threats to computer systems and networks, and provide the various measures needed to secure systems in order to counteract and mitigate against these threats.

The aims of this module are to:

• Complete memory extraction and distinguish and identify memory artefacts
• Undertake memory acquisition using standard techniques and tools
• Analyse and extract artefacts from the acquisition process and use these to reconstruct events or/and identify any threats

The aim of the module is to introduce you to a range of AI theories and techniques, including the most commonly used. You will also have the opportunity to implement these newly learnt techniques, and to extend your own development skills.

This aim of the module is to provide an understanding of both general and advanced areas related to network security, cyber security, and network forensics.

It looks at issues, such as, threats and security attacks, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security tools, software security, network attacks and defences, countermeasures, web-based security, network forensic analysis, and security in cloud computing.

You will be studying at our north London campus in Hendon. If you do a placement year, you will be based at your placement location.

Whether you are studying full or part-time – your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least 2 weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Typical weekly breakdown

During your first year, your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

• 4 hours of lectures
• 8 hours of labs

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and exams.

Here is an indication of how you will split your time:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Our excellent teaching and support teams will help you develop the skills relevant to your degree from research and practical skills to critical thinking. Our Sheppard Library is open 24 hours a day during term time. And we offer free 24-hour laptop loans with full desktop software, free printing and Wi-Fi to use on or off campus, even over the weekend.

Your learning will be assessed regularly by the following methods. The exact balance will depend on the modules you are taking. The table below is a good approximate guide.

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To help you achieve the best results, we will provide regular feedback including on formative assessment and summative assessments.