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
Select to view your study options…
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 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 |
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 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, 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 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 |