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SUNY GCC - Genesee Community College

Overview of Computer & Network Security

Provides a solid foundation of the core concepts and terminology used in the field. Includes topics such as authentication, identifying and describing risks, and intrusion detection. Fall only. Prerequisite: CSN 121.

Subject Code: CSN

Course Number: 209

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours 3

Course Learning Outcomes:

1. Explain why information security is important
2. Identify the types of security threats (vulnerabilities, attacks and defenses)
3. Identify the major components of information security
4. Identify virtualization and describe how attackers are targeting virtual systems
5. Explain how to harden operating systems
6. Identify various software security applications and vulnerability scanning tools
7. Identify the different types of network security devices and describe how they can be used
8. Identify vulnerabilities of open system authentication
9. Describe various protocols (IEEE 802.11, WPA and WPA2)
10. Describe the different types of physical access control
11. Explain authentication
12. Define risk and risk management
13. Describe how businesses can use penetration testing to strengthen security
14. Formulate an auditing procedure explaining how usage audits can protect security
15. Explain the importance of policies, plans and procedures related to organizational security
16. Summarize basic concepts of forensics
17. Troubleshoot common security issues given a scenario

Effective Term: Fall 2025

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