she5imh inside the mind of a hacker

INSIDE THE MIND OF A HACKER

SHE5IMH

2019

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.

SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorPaul Watters

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites Must be admitted into SMCYC or SMCYL or SMCYB or must obtain subject coordinator's approval.

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/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.

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPaul Watters

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 31 - 43
Six 4.0 hours lecture every two weeks on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Computer LaboratoryWeek: 31 - 43
Six 4.0 hours computer laboratory every two weeks on any day including weekend during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Offensive security report (equiv to 2000 words)Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations might be hacked.4001, 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.3001, 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.2001, 02, 04, 05
6 x 5 min online quizzes (equiv to 500 words)Best of 5 quiz results taken. Each quiz worth 2% each.1001, 02

Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPaul Watters

Class requirements

Unscheduled Online ClassWeek: 31 - 43
Twelve 2.0 hours unscheduled online class per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Consists of online, reading and self-check tests, for self-directed study. All materials will be available asynchronously on the LMS."

PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Ten 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
"Synchronous online practical tutorial supported by practical notes and reading material on the LMS."

PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Two 7.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via blended.
"A compulsory practical workshop of 2 days at the end of the semester will be offered for all off campus students."

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Offensive security report (equiv to 2000 words)Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations might be hacked.4001, 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.3001, 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.2001, 02, 04, 05
6 x 5 min online quizzes (equiv to 500 words)Best of 5 quiz results taken. Each quiz worth 2% each.1001, 02

Online, 2019, Online StudyPeriod 1, Online

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPaul 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 elementComments%ILO*
Offensive security report (equiv to 2000 words)Students undertake an audit of an organisation and suggest ways in which organisations might be hacked.4001, 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.3001, 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.2001, 02, 04, 05
6 x 5 min online quizzes (equiv to 500 words)Best of 5 quiz results taken. Each quiz worth 2% each.1001, 02