Course Title: Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: INTE5058

Course Title: Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security

School: 520T Future Technologies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4424 - Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Course Contact: Ray Alotry

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1409

Course Contact Email: ray.alotry@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 80

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will gain the skills and knowledge required to comprehend how data travels around the internet. It includes the function and operation of protocols such as Open System Interconnection (OSI) and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite and devices that facilitate data transfer.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU23213 Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security

Element:

1 Outline key network security concepts

Performance Criteria:

1.1    Network vulnerabilities that affect cyber security in a data network are defined
1.2    Differences between network security and cyber security are clarified
1.3    OSI and TCP/IP models of data communication are defined
1.4    Organisation/enterprises’ security policy is sourced reviewed
1.5    Business implications of cyber security breaches are identified

Element:

2 Define key features of the TCP/IP suite of protocols

Performance Criteria:

2.1    Binary number system and hexadecimal number systems are defined
2.2    Conversions between number systems are demonstrated
2.3    IPv4 and IPv6 (internet protocol versions 4 & 6) addressing schemes are identified
2.4    Differences and commonalities between the OSI and TCP/IP models are described and demonstrated
2.5    Key protocols of the TCP/IP suite are identified and demonstrated
2.6    TCP/IP Network Interface Layer standards are identified
2.7    TCP/IP Internet Layer standards and protocols are defined and demonstrated
2.8    TCP/IP Transport Layer Standards and protocols are defined and demonstrated
2.9    TCP/IP Application Layer standards and protocols are identified and demonstrated with particular emphasis on how TLS and HTTPS can provide security for network communications 

Element:

3 Define services, standards and protocols that facilitate security and the functional operation of a network

Performance Criteria:

3.1    Server Message Block (SMB) in the local area network are defined and demonstrated
3.2    Use of Quick (QUIC) User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to establish more secure HTTP traffic is investigated 
3.3    Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Long Range IoT (LoRa-IoT) standards for IoT devices are investigated

Element:

4 Implement and demonstrate the function and operation of key networking devices

Performance Criteria:

4.1    Physical and logical network representations of a local area network are implemented
4.2    Function and operation of network switches and network routers are described and implemented
4.3    Function and operation of a firewall is identified
4.4    Function and operation of a wireless access point (WAP) and a wireless enabled end point is described and implemented
4.5    End to end network troubleshooting methodologies and commands are demonstrated

Element:

5 Implement the components of a network security laboratory and testing environment

Performance Criteria:

5.1    Software tools for the testing environment are identified and implemented
5.2    Use of virtualisation is described and demonstrated in the testing environment
5.3    Interconnectivity of the virtualised tools is described and demonstrated
5.4    Use of the testing environment is demonstrated

Element:

6 Present current examples of cyber network attacks and resources

Performance Criteria:

6.1    Example of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is presented
6.2    Example of a current ransomware breach is presented
6.3    Example of Local Area Network (LAN) Address Resolution Poisoning (ARP) is presented
6.4    Useful resources that increase industry’s awareness of cyber security awareness are identified


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements


Details of Learning Activities

This Accredited course unit/module details -  VU23213

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to lead the development of asset protection processes, determining threats and implementing controls to mitigate risk.

In this unit you will acquire the performance, skills and knowledge required to comprehend how data travels around the internet. It includes the function and operation of protocols such as Open System Interconnection (OSI) and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite and devices that facilitate data transfer. The exposure to these protocols is at an introductory level in this unit.


Teaching Schedule

Week  Date Topic Assessments
1  12-18 Feb Communication principles  
2  19-25 Feb IPv4 addresses  
3  26 Feb–3 Mar Network Segmentation  
4  4-10 Mar Network Access Layer  
5  11-17 Mar Internet & Transport Layers  
6  18-24 Mar IPv6 addresses   
7 25-31 Mar Network Security Fundamentals Assessment 1 of 3 Project Assessment release date 
29 March–7 April Mid-semester break
8 8-14 April Application Layer Services Assessment 1 of 3 Project Assessment due date 
9 15-21 April Configure Network and Device Security  
10 22-28 April Network Intermediary Devices Assessment 2 of 3 Short Answer Questions Assessment release date
11 29 April–5 May Build testing environment labs  
12 6-12 May Software tools for the testing environment Assessment 2 of 3 Short Answer Questions Assessment due date
13 13-19 May Troubleshoot Common Network Problems Assessment 3 of 3 Practical Observation Assessment release date
14 20-26 May Build a Home Network  
15 27 May–2 June Practice Labs & Resubmissions Assessment 3 of 3 Practical Observation Assessment due date
16 3-9 June  Practice Labs & Resubmissions  
17 10-16 June  Practice Labs & Resubmissions

* Subject to Change


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Other Resources  

Students should have the following equipment:

  • USB Hard Drive
  • Laptop (Optional)


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Type of Assessment
1 Project Assessment
2 Knowledge Quiz Assessment
3  Practical Observation Assessment


Assessment Matrix

Element

Performance criteria

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment

      Task 1:  Project

Assessment

Task 2: Knowledge Quiz

Assessment

Task 3: Practical Observation

 

  • Outline key network security concepts

1.1 Network vulnerabilities that affect cyber security in a data network are defined

 

Part B

Q1

 

1.2 Differences between network security and cyber security are clarified

 

Part B

Q2

 

1.3 OSI and TCP/IP models of data communication are defined

 

Parts A

Q2, Q3

 

1.4 Organisation/enterprises’ security policy is sourced reviewed

 

Part B

Q1 - Q7

 

1.5 Business implications of cyber security breaches are identified

 

Part B Q3

 

  • Define key features of the TCP/IP suite of protocols

2.1 Binary number system and hexadecimal number systems are defined

Q18 - Q19

 

 

2.2 Conversions between number systems are demonstrated

Q18 - Q19

 

 

2.3 IPv4 and IPv6 (internet protocol versions 4 & 6) addressing schemes are identified

 

 

Lab A – task 6

Lab D – tasks 1

2.4 Differences and commonalities between the OSI and TCP/IP models are described and demonstrated

 

Part B Q4

 

2.5 Key protocols of the TCP/IP suite are identified and demonstrated

Q1

Part A - Q2

 

2.6 TCP/IP Network Interface Layer standards are identified

 

Part A - Q2

 

2.7 TCP/IP Internet Layer standards and protocols are defined and demonstrated

 

Part A - Q2

Lab A - Task 6 - Task 11

2.8 TCP/IP Transport Layer Standards and protocols are defined and demonstrated

 

 

Lab A - Task 6 - Task 11

2.9 TCP/IP Application Layer standards and protocols are identified and demonstrated with particular emphasis on how TLS and HTTPS can provide security for network communications

Q8, Q15

 

Lab A - Task 6 - Task 11

  • Define services, standards and protocols that facilitate security and the functional operation of a network

3.1 Server Message Block (SMB) in the local area network are defined and demonstrated

Q7

 

Lab A

3.2 Use of Quick (QUIC) User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to establish more secure HTTP traffic is investigated

Q4

 

Lab H

3.3 Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and Long Range IoT (LoRa-IoT) standards for IoT devices are investigated

Q9

 

Lab B

  • Implement and demonstrate the function and operation of key networking devices

    • Physical and logical network representations of a local area network are implemented

 

 

 

Lab A,

 

Task 1 - Task 2

 

4.2 Function and operation of network switches and network routers are described and implemented

 

 

Lab E

4.3 Function and operation of a firewall is identified

 

 

Lab A - Task 13

4.4 Function and operation of a wireless access point (WAP) and a wireless enabled end point is described and implemented

Q3

Part A - Q1

Lab B

4.5 End to end network troubleshooting methodologies and commands are demonstrated

 

 

Lab C

  • Implement the components of a network security laboratory and testing environment

5.1 Software tools for the testing environment are identified and implemented

 

 

Lab F

5.2 Use of virtualisation is described and demonstrated in the testing environment

 

 

Lab A - Task 12 - Task 13

5.3 Interconnectivity of the virtualised tools is described and demonstrated

 

 

Lab A - Task 12 - Task 13

5.4 Use of the testing environment is demonstrated

 

 

Lab A - Task 12 - Task 13

  • Present current examples of cyber network attacks and resources

6.1 Example of a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is presented

 

 

Lab I

6.2 Example of a current ransomware breach is presented

Q13

 

 

6.3 Example of Local Area Network (LAN) Address Resolution Poisoning (ARP) is presented

 

 

Lab H

6.4 Useful resources that increase industry’s awareness of cyber security awareness are identified

 

Part B - Q3, Q5

 

 

 

Knowledge Evidence  

The learner must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

 

 

Assessment

Task3?:

  • Open System Interconnection (OSI) layered communication model

 

Q6

  • Media Access Layer (MAC) addresses

 

Q5

  • binary number system

 

Q18

  • hexadecimal number system

 

Q19

  • Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

 

Q1

  • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

 

Q1

  • Address resolution Protocol (ARP)

 

Q14

  • Server Management Block (SMB)

 

Q7

  • Transport layer Security (TLS)

 

Q15

  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS)

 

Q8

  • basics of Internet Protocal Version (IPV4)  and Internet Protocol Version (IPV6) addressing

 

Q2

  • Narrowband IoT (NB – IoT) and Long Range IoT (LoRA) Internet of Things protocols

 

Q9, Q10

  • routers, switches, firewall fundamentals & wireless access points

 

Q3, Q17

  • end to end test commands e.g. Ping, Traceroute, netcat

 

Q12

  • Quick User Datagram Protocol (UDP) Internet Connections (QUIC) Operation

 

Q4

  • Denial-of-Service (DOS) & Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDOS) attack mechanisms

 

Q20

  • Address Resolution Poisoning (ARP) attack mechanism

 

Q14

  • fundamental ransomware attack mechanisms

 

Q13

  • virtual machine images and their construction

 

Q11

Other Information

Credit Transfer and/or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
You may be eligible for credit towards courses in your program if you have already met the learning/competency outcomes through previous learning and/or industry experience. To be eligible for credit towards a course, you must demonstrate that you have already completed learning and/or gained industry experience that is:

  • Relevant
  • Current
  • Satisfies the learning/competency outcomes of the course

Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit to find more information about credit transfer and RPL

Study and learning Support:

Study and Learning Centre (SLC) provides free learning and academic development advice to you. 
Services offered by SLC to support your numeracy and literacy skills are: 

  • assignment writing, thesis writing and study skills advice 
  • maths and science developmental support and advice 
  • English language development 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/studyandlearningcentre to find more information about Study and learning Support 

Equitable Learning Services (ELS):

If you are suffering from long-term medical condition or disability, you should contact Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to seek advice and support to complete your studies.
Please refer to https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services to find more information about services offered by Equitable Learning Services (ELS).

Late submission: 

If you require an Extension of Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) for 7 calendar days or less (from the original due date) and have valid reasons, you must complete and lodge an Application for Extension of Submittable Work (7 Calendar Days or less) form and lodge it with the Senior Educator/ Program Manager. 
The application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date. You will be notified within no more than 2 working days of the date of lodgment as to whether the extension has been granted. 
If you seek an Extension of Submittable Work for more than 7 calendar days (from the original due date) must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form under the provisions of the Special Consideration Policy, preferably prior to, but no later than 2 working days after the official due date. 

Submittable Work (assignments, reports or project work etc.) submitted late without approval of an extension will not be accepted or marked. 


Special consideration: 

Please Refer http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration to find more information about special consideration 

Plagiarism: 

Plagiarism is a form of cheating and it is very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. 

Please Refer: www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity to find more information about plagiarism. 

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