Welcome to the unofficial blog for the weekly posts for GA Tech’s OMS-CS CS 6035, Introduction to Information Security, by James the TA.
Why is Information Security important to study?
Information security is a critical aspect of modern-day computing, and it deals with safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This is a fundamental issue for computer science because the modern digital age has led to an exponential increase in the volume and value of data that is stored and transmitted over computer networks. As such, computer scientists must understand the principles, tools, and techniques involved in information security.
The field of information security encompasses a wide range of topics, including cryptography, access control, network security, software security, and incident response. Cryptography is the science of creating secure communication channels by using encryption, decryption, and digital signatures. Access control refers to the mechanisms that are used to manage who has access to what resources, and under what conditions. Network security involves protecting computer networks from attacks such as hacking, viruses, and malware. Software security deals with the development of secure software applications that are resistant to attacks. Finally, incident response is the process of detecting, investigating, and mitigating security breaches.
To be successful in information security, computer science students must have a solid understanding of computer systems and networks, as well as knowledge of the latest security technologies and best practices. They must also have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, as security breaches can be very complex and require careful analysis and remediation. Finally, students should be aware of the ethical implications of information security, including privacy concerns, data protection laws, and the social responsibility of those working in this field.
Overall, information security is an essential aspect of computer science, and it plays a critical role in ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data in today’s digital world.
Review Prior to This Class
What is the Class Like?
This is a course that will test your limits. We cover a range of technical areas from web security, database security, and binary exploitation to network security and cryptography. You’ll touch gdb/pwndbg, Python, C, Java, Wireshark, algorithms, machine learning, malware analysis and API security.
Your success in this class will depend on your ability to do research. Being a graduate course, there’s an expectation that you’re a self-starter. You’ll need to buckle down and dig deep into technical area you’re likely not familiar with. Certainly doing the projects early is a great idea, then you’re in a position to help other students.