Information Security
Basic concepts about information security (mathematical base, applications and legal aspects) along with apply security techniques.
About the course
Content
- Introduction: security aspects and objectives, possible attacks
- Security techniques: mathematical basis for encryption, cryptographic algorithms and protocols
- Applications: network built-in security, private key/certificate storage, intrusion protection, biometric systems, security project
- Security Standards: standards
- Legal Aspects: computer crime, privacy and protection of personal data, e-documents
Learning outcomes
- Understanding security services (confidentiality, authentication, etc.).
- Understanding the operation of security mechanisms (encryption, Firewall, biometry, etc.)
- Estimating the necessary resources to crack cryptographic security mechanisms.
- Using security mechanisms to achieve security functions.
- Recognising the complexity of achieving good information security.
- Recognising the social and legal aspects of information security.
Teaching methods
Group work, Seminar, Lecture, Practical
Assessment
Assessment moments: end-of-term and continuous assessment
Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: Oral assessment open-book
Examination methods in case of continuous assessment: Assignment
Possibilities of retake in case of continuous assessment: examination during the second examination period is possible in modified form
Extra information on the examination methods:
Assessment during examination period: oral open-book exam.
Continuous assessment (which has a 25% weight in the total examination mark): graded project reports + presentation of proof-of-concept software; second chance: possible in adapted form; frequency: 1 assignment (in groups of 2 (Approved) approximately 6 students) with deadline at the end of the course period.
Laermans, Eric: Lecturer-in-Charge
Course dates
This course takes place in the second semester of academic year 2026-2027:
- Educational activities: 08/02 - 15/05
- Easter recess: 29/03 – 10/04
- Catch-up activities: 17/05 – 22/05
- Examination period: 24/05 – 03/07
- Resit examination period: 16/08 – 18/09
Lectures will take place on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM and on Wednesday from 16:00 to 17:15. First lecture will be held on Tuesday, February 9, and the last lecture on Wednesday, May 12. All lectures will be webcast and recorded using Panopto. The schedule for the lab sessions will be announced later on.
How to apply?
Entry requirements: Knowledge of modular arithmetic (part of discrete mathematics) needed for part about cryptographic algorithms and basic knowledge of communication networks (basics of TCP/IP) for the part about security applications
How to apply
- Check whether you meet the entry requirements listed above. You cannot apply if you don’t meet the entry requirements.
- Check with your home faculty or study programme to confirm whether this course can be included in your curriculum, so the ECTS credits will be recognized. If you are unsure who to contact, reach out to your home university’s ENLIGHT office (contact details below).
- Apply by completing the Ghent University form (link will follow) by January 18th.
- Register at Ghent University. Registration instructions will follow after application.
Information per university
- University of the Basque Country:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Bern:
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This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Comenius University Bratislava:
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This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - University of Groningen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see information about BIPs and application form - University of Göttingen:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (for BIP’s) orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (other courses) - University of Tartu:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see information about BIP’s and virtual courses - Uppsala University:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , see application instructions for students at Uppsala University
Contact
For information regarding the procedure to take part in this course:
For information regarding the course content: