INSIDE THE MIND OF A HACKER
SHE5IMH
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject explores the motivations, mindset and techniques used by hackers. Although their activities are illicit and illegal, hackers have a finely attuned understanding of computer networks and systems and how users/customers behave in online environments. If nothing else, they have developed new - albeit illegal and unethical business models that exploit vulnerabilities in computer networks and systems. By looking at systems and practices through the eyes of a hacker, you can better identify weaknesses, emerging threats and develop more effective defences.
School: School Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Paul Watters
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 5 - Masters
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must be admitted in one of the following courses: SMCYC, SMCYL, SMCYB, SMCYCO, SHEOOA, SMCYLO, SMCYBO or seek subject coordinators approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critically analyse typologies of hackers, their mindsets and the motivations behind hacking.
- Activities:
- Individual research, case study analysis and discussion.
02. Critically analyse the various tactics that hackers use in breaching communication networks.
- Activities:
- Individual research and focused collaboration in small groups.
03. Deconstruct and critically analyse the profit models and value chain behind hackers' activities.
- Activities:
- Case study analysis, group discussion activities.
04. Critically evaluate standard business security practices from the viewpoint of a hacker.
- Activities:
- Individual research and analysis, written report, case study analysis.
05. Recommend processes and practices to reduce the likelihood of data breaches.
- Activities:
- Written report, group discussions, individual research and critical analysis.
City Campus, 2018, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Paul Watters
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
Three 7.0 hours seminar per study period on saturday during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours seminar per study period on saturday during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive security report (equiv to 2000 words) | Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations might be hacked. | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Defensive security report (equiv to 1500 words) | Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations can be defended from hacks. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Online profile report (equiv to 1000 words) | Students research their own online footprint and determine ways in which that can be exploited. | 20 | 01, 02, 04, 05 |
| 6 x 5 min online quizzes (equiv to 500 words) | Best of 5 quiz results taken. Each quiz worth 2% each. | 10 | 01, 02 |
Online, 2018, Online StudyPeriod 4, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Paul Watters
Class requirements
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 28 - 34
One 6.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 28 to week 34 and delivered via online.
"This 6 hours consists of online readings and resources, practical work, online group discussion, and self-directed study. All materials will be available on the LMS"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive security report (equiv to 2000 words) | Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations might be hacked. | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Defensive security report (equiv to 1500 words) | Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations can be defended from hacks. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Online profile report (equiv to 1000 words) | Students research their own online footprint and determine ways in which that can be exploited. | 20 | 01, 02, 04, 05 |
| 6 x 5 min online quizzes (equiv to 500 words) | Best of 5 quiz results taken. Each quiz worth 2% each. | 10 | 01, 02 |
Online, 2018, Online StudyPeriod 1, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Paul Watters
Class requirements
Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 02 - 08
One 6.0 hours unscheduled online class per week on any day including weekend during the day from week 02 to week 08 and delivered via online.
"This 6 hours consists of online readings and resources, practical work, online group discussion, and self-directed study. All materials will be available on the LMS"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive security report (equiv to 2000 words) | Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations might be hacked. | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Defensive security report (equiv to 1500 words) | Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations can be defended from hacks. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Online profile report (equiv to 1000 words) | Students research their own online footprint and determine ways in which that can be exploited. | 20 | 01, 02, 04, 05 |
| 6 x 5 min online quizzes (equiv to 500 words) | Best of 5 quiz results taken. Each quiz worth 2% each. | 10 | 01, 02 |