=CS 665 Advanced Computer Security= This graduate course explores topics in computer security. We focus on reading recent research papers. There is also a heavy emphasis on writing reviews of the papers we read. Students have opportunities to present the key ideas of a paper to the class. Students also write a survey paper on a current topic in the field. == Winter 2018 Class Meetings== Winter 2018 Class Meetings: 120 TMCB Tu/Th 3:00-4:15 Prerequisites: CS 465, CS Graduate Student or Instructor Consent ==Instructors== Dr. Kent Seamons \\ Office: 2230 TMCB \\ Phone: 801-422-3722 \\ Email: seamons –AT– cs dot byu dot edu \\ Office hours: by appointment ==Objectives== * Develop a deep understanding of some state-of-the-art computer security research topics * Improve critical analysis skills * Improve technical writing skills * Improve verbal presentation skills * Gain experience identifying a research topic ** Identify and understand the research related to a specific security topic ** Identify an open research question related to your topic ** Write a survey paper *** Focus primarily on what is the problem and what have others done to solve it *** Where possible, propose some new way(s) to solve the problem *** Use the MS thesis proposal five-question outline from the graduate handbook as a guide ==Learning Activities== * Regular writing assignments ** 1 page, 11 pt font, 8×11 paper, pdf format (300-400 words) ** Submit online using Learning Suite for Dr. Seamons to review ** Suggestion: solicit one external review before submitting an assignment * Regular reviews of other student’s writing assignments ** Constructive feedback on both content and presentation ** Recommended reading: Elements of Style * Class presentations ** Each research paper we read will have a primary presenter ** Spend 15 to 20 minutes to summarize key points of the paper ** Prepare slides (10+), Concise, Clear, Graphics ** Present your own critique of the paper ** Presenter will upload slides instead of a peer review * Individual survey paper ** Deliverable: research proposal/survey paper (4000-5000 words) ** See thesis proposal guidelines in graduate handbook ** Verbal presentation during final exam time slot ==Guidelines for writing paper reviews== * Length - 300-400 words * Format - pdf * What is the key contribution of the paper. Summarize the main points (1 paragraph) * Discuss strengths (1 paragraph) * Discuss weaknesses (1-2 paragraphs) ** This should be your primary focus * What questions do you have about the paper? * What recommendations do you have to improve the paper or build on the results * If you run short of things to talk about, focus on summarizing the paper concisely ==Organization== * Students are expected to assume primary responsibility for learning ** Unstructured and self-directed * Time commitment: 9 hour/week average (including class time) ==Grade Distribution== *Grades will be based on the following (tentative) distribution: **45% Survey paper **45% Homework **10% Class participation (discussion, peer review)