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: 120 TMCB Tu/Th 3:00-4:15

Prerequisites: CS 465, CS Graduate Student or Instructor Consent

Dr. Kent Seamons
Office: 2230 TMCB
Phone: 801-422-3722
Email: seamons –AT– cs dot byu dot edu
Office hours: by appointment

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Students are expected to assume primary responsibility for learning
  • Unstructured and self-directed
• Time commitment: 9 hour/week average (including class time)

• Grades will be based on the following (tentative) distribution:
  • 45% Survey paper
  • 45% Homework
  • 10% Class participation (discussion, peer review)