CSS454: Computer and Communication Security

Course Information

Basic Details

• Course Code: CSS454
• Course Title: Computer and Communication Security
• Semester: 2/2025
• Instructor: Assoc.Prof.Dr.Somchart Fugkeaw
• Email: somchart@siit.tu.ac.th
• Class Schedule: Tuesday, 1:00-4:00 PM

Recommended Textbooks

Primary Textbooks

1. William Stallings and Lawrie Brown

   • Title: Computer Security: Principles and Practice
   • Publisher: Pearson
   • Published: July 28, 2023
   • Edition: © 2024

2. B. A. Forouzan

   • Title: Cryptography and Network Security
   • Publisher: McGraw-Hill
   • Edition: 3rd edition, 2015

3. Wm. Arthur Conklin, Greg White, et al.

   • Title: Principles of Computer Security: CompTIA Security+ and Beyond
   • Edition: Sixth Edition (Exam SY0-601)
   • Published: October 28, 2021

Additional Resources

• Top security conferences:
  • CSS
  • AsiaCSS
  • UNIX
  • Eurocrypt
  • EROSICS
  • DBsec

Intuition: These conferences publish cutting-edge research in security. Referencing them keeps course content current with latest threats and defenses.

Course Content Overview

Topics Covered

• Introduction to basic theory and techniques in cryptography
• Symmetric and Asymmetric encryption
• Cryptanalysis techniques
• Hash and MAC (Message Authentication Code)
• Key Exchange and Key Agreement Protocol
• Identification and Authentication mechanisms
• Software Security
• Security in computer networks
• Security threats and Vulnerabilities
• Firewall and Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
• IT Security Management

Intuition: Course follows a bottom-up approach: starting with crypto fundamentals (encryption, hashing), then moving to system-level security (software, OS, network), and finally to organizational security (management, policies).

Grading Breakdown

Note: Project carries the highest weight (30%), emphasizing practical application of security concepts.

Tentative Course Outline

Week-by-Week Schedule

Intuition: Note Week 9 is missing (likely a break week). The course structure: Weeks 1-7 cover cryptography foundations, Week 8 midterm, Weeks 10-15 cover applied security (systems, networks, management), Week 16 presentations, Week 17 final.

Key Milestones

• Week 6: Introduction to Post-Quantum Cryptography (cutting-edge topic)
  • KEM (Key Encapsulation Mechanism)
  • Dilithium (Post-quantum digital signature)
  • AEAD (Authenticated Encryption with Associated Data)
• Week 8: Midterm Exam
• Week 16: Project Presentation
• Week 17: Final Exam

Attendance Policy

Requirements

• Minimum Attendance: 70% of total classes
• Consequence: Students with <70% attendance are NOT allowed to take the final exam

Critical: Missing more than ~5 classes (out of 17) disqualifies you from the final exam, which is worth 30% of your grade.

Calculation

• Total weeks: ~17
• 70% attendance = at least 12 classes
• Maximum absences: 5 classes

Term Project

Overview

• Weight: 30% of final grade
• Purpose: Demonstrate ability to apply and implement security knowledge
• Format: Design and develop an application OR conduct research-based project

Requirements

• Must be related to Security-related topics
• Can be either:
  1. Application Development: Build a security tool/system
  2. Research-Based: Investigate a security problem/solution

Timeline

• Details will be discussed and posted in Google Classroom
• Information released: Before Midterm (before Week 8)
• Presentation: Week 16

Intuition: Start thinking about project ideas early (Weeks 1-4). Popular ideas: implementing encryption schemes, building intrusion detection systems, analyzing vulnerabilities, creating secure authentication systems.

Study Tips

Recommended Approach

1. Read ahead before each lecture (use textbooks)
2. Practice coding for cryptography implementations
3. Stay updated on current security news and breaches
4. Form study groups for project collaboration
5. Review conference papers for deeper understanding

Key Success Factors

• Strong attendance (70% minimum required)
• Active participation (5% of grade)
• Early project planning (30% of grade)
• Consistent study for exams (55% combined)

Important Dates Summary

Contact Information

• Instructor: Assoc.Prof.Dr.Somchart Fugkeaw (Aj. Ohm)
• Email: somchart@siit.tu.ac.th
• Office Hours: TBA (check Google Classroom)
• Platform: Google Classroom (for announcements and materials)