CS 465: Computer Security - byu-cs/wiki GitHub Wiki

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General Information

Attribute	Value
Semesters Taught	F, W
Typical number of sections	1
Technologies Used	student decides (C, C++, Java, or Python recommended)
Current Site	https://cs465.internet.byu.edu/fall-2019/

Workload

The first project is kind of hard, but after that it lightens up a bit. The tests suck though, so make sure you have time to study.

Learning Outcomes

You will learn about different paradigms and approaches to security problems and building blocks (such as hashes and ciphers) that are commonly used.

Homework

Homework is occasional and usually has to do with the labs. Usually you can get each assignment done in under an hour.

Projects

Projects are a bit harder. Most will take at least a couple hours to complete. The first project is an exception though—it may take twice as long as most other projects.

Tests

The tests are brutal. You are not allowed notes or other resources and they may be 2-2.5 hours long with lots of short answer questions. They are worth more than the labs too.

Other Comments

I would like this class more if it weren't for the tests. The labs are kind of cool if not super practical (you wouldn't want to use them in a real security situation). There isn't a lot of creativity involved. It's mostly following the directions and memorizing things.