Required Courses

CSO 500 - Principles of Information Security and Federal Law

This course presents students with the opportunity to explore and discuss information security, to learn about current information security threats and how to protect information. Students will gain experience in the use of network protection mechanisms such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security tools.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall

CSO 510 - Data Privacy

This course introduces the students to research and topics in Data Privacy. Privacy is increasingly becoming critical to both organizations and private citizens. This course explores privacy from various fronts including its impact on businesses. Additionally, students will examine privacy from a global perspective, in particular, how international privacy policies concerning information security compare to those in the US.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall

CSO 520 - Managing Security Risks

This course is a study of the existing risk management frameworks, models, processes and tools to equip students with the theory, science and practical knowledge to operationalize risk management in an organization or government agency.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Spring

CSO 530 - Ethical Hacking

This course presents students with the opportunity to explore and discuss ethical hacking, and to specifically learn about methods used to prevent unauthorized access to networks. Students will gain experience in the use of penetration testing tools, vulnerability assessment tools as well as reporting. Furthermore, students will look at exploits in detail to understand preventative measures.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall

CSO 540 - Network Security

This course introduces network firewall security. It will cover basic installation techniques, discuss how to make an intelligent choice of firewall technology and present basic firewall troubleshooting. Moreover, it will cover different intrusion detection systems and their signatures. Students will complete hands-on exercises and case projects for testing and evaluating various firewall techniques.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Spring

CSO 550 - Software Security

This course introduces students to research in foundations of software security. Basic static and dynamic enforcement of security policies to enhance software security will be investigated. Language-based security and tools for specifying security policies for different programming languages will also be discussed.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall

CSO 565 - Computer Forensics I

This course introduces students to the techniques and tools of computer forensic investigations. Students will learn how to utilize computer forensic tools in investigations. The course maps to the objectives of the IACIS certification. Topics include coverage of the latest technology including cell phones, and portable devices.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall

CSO 585 - Computer Forensics II

This course advances student’s knowledge of computer forensics and allows students to sit for the ACE certification. Topics include password recovery, network forensics and forensic case investigations. Additionally, students will research current computer forensics issues in a changing digital world.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Spring   /   Prerequisites: CSO 565

CSO 580 - Modern Cryptography

This course will introduce students to the foundations of modern cryptography, with an eye toward practical applications. The objective of this course is to provide a foundation of cryptography in an applied manner so that students can grasp its importance in relation to the rest of the information security field. The course covers the principles of number theories and cryptographic algorithms and cryptanalysis.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Spring

CSO 595 - Mobile Forensics and Security

This course will familiarize students with mobile devices and technology used by carriers as it relates to mobile forensics. Students will identify data that can be retrieved from mobile devices, such as cell phones, smart phones, and GPS devices. Recovered data will be analyzed and investigated to recreate crime scenes.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Spring   /   Prerequisites: CSO 565/585

CSO 600 - Capstone Project/Research Project I

This course is the combination of theory, principles, best practices, methodologies, tools, and technologies associated with Information Security and Digital Forensics. The Capstone seminar uses scholarly research methods to develop analytics, problem- solving, and research skills required to solve a real-world information security challenges.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall/Spring

CSO 601 - Capstone Project/Research Project II

This course is the combination of theory, principles, best practices, methodologies, tools, and technologies associated with Information Security and Digital Forensics. The Capstone seminar uses scholarly research methods to develop analytics, problem- solving, and research skills required to solve a real-world information security challenges. CIS 600/601 require ISDF students to present their findings/research to an open forum on campus.

Credit Hours: 3   /  Fall/Spring   /   Prerequisites: CSO 600