Software Security

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Software analysis
• Reverse Engineering of Software
• Common issues affecting the security of software systems

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify security weaknesses in software systems and applications
• Undertake basic reverse engineering of software

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Recognise software vulnerabilities and protection in a range of application domains

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Describe specific methods for exploiting software systems

The syllabus includes the following topics:


• Understanding software threats and hazards, types of attack and attacker
• Software Vulnerabilities (memory violation, input validation, privilege escalation)
• OS vulnerabilities: patch management, rootkits and viruses
• Penetration testing of software systems
• Malware analysis
• Static/dynamic analysis of software systems
• Reverse engineering of suspicious code

The module will be delivered through up to 36 lectures, which will include at least two regular lectures each week, in addition to tutorial and practical sessions.

The tutorial and practical sessions are designed to support students and prepare them to take the assignment.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.