Computer Science

These courses make up the major courses for both Cyber Security and General Studies with a Concentration in Computer Science.

CSS 101 - Cybersecurity Fundamentals (3 credits)

This course covers the importance of cybersecurity in today's business operations and explores the job responsibilities and skills of an entry-level cybersecurity analyst. There is an emphasis on how cybersecurity professionals use frameworks and controls to protect business operations. Additionally, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) data and the use of a playbook to respond to identified threats, risks, and vulnerabilities is also covered. (3 credits)

CSS 146 - Legal Issues/Information Security (3 credits)

This course will focus on an overview of the legal processes involved in implementing and maintaining an e-commerce website. In addition, the course examines security issues involved in maintaining a web or intranet/internet site and potentials for misuse. Prerequisite(s): ITE 145 or CSS 101

CSS 230 - Managing Risk Information Systems (3 credits)

This course will focus on the broad topic of risk management and how risk, threats, and vulnerabilities impact information systems. Areas of instruction include how to assess and manage risk based on defining an acceptable level of risk for information systems. Elements of a business impact analysis, business continuity plan, and disaster recovery plan will also be discussed. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, and ITE 145 or CSS 101

CSS 245 - Security Policies & Implem. Issues (3 credits)

The course will focus on security policies that can be used to help protect and maintain a network, such as password policy, e-mail policy and Internet policy. Topics also include organizational behavior and crisis management.Prerequisite(s): ITE 145 or CSS 101

CSS 345 - Auditing IT Infrastrct for Complnc (3 credits)

This course will focus on the principles, approaches, and methodology in auditing information systems to ensure compliance with pertinent laws and regulatory provisions, especially in the context of information systems security (ISS). Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, ITE 220. and ITE 145 or CSS 101.

CSS 346 - Access Controls,Authentication &PKI (3 credits)

This course will focus on the concept of access control to information systems. Applications, authentication, and accounting for end users and system administrators will be covered. In addition, security controls for access control including tokens, biometrics, and use of public key infrastructures (PKI) will be covered. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, and ITE 145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220

CSS 347 - Security Strtgs in Wndws OS/Appl (3 credits)

This course will focus on security implementations for various Windows platforms and applications. Areas of study involve identifying and examining security risks, security solutions, and tools available for various Windows platforms and applications. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, and ITE145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220.

CSS 348 - Security Strategies in Linux OS/App (3 credits)

This course will focus on the securing of Linux platforms and applications. Areas of study include identifying and examining methods of securing Linux platforms and applications and implementing those methods. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, and ITE145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220.

CSS 435 - Network Security Strategies (3 credits)

This course offers an introduction to firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs) for securing a network. Various network security-related issues, such as threats and business challenges, are introduced and examined. The course addresses firewall functionality and how to select, construct, configure, and manage a firewall. Different types of VPNs for securing data in an organization are also addressed, as well as the benefits and architecture of a VPN and implementation considerations. In addition, students will learn the essentials of secure network design and management. (Formerly titled: Fundamentals of Network Security) Prerequisite(s): ENG 101; ENG 102, and ITE 145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220.

CSS 436 - System Forensics, Invest and Rspns (3 credits)

This course will focus on examining the fundamentals of system forensics, i.e.: what forensics is, an overview of computer crime, and the types of laws that affect forensic investigations. A significant part of the course is devoted to examining the tools, techniques, and methods used to perform computer forensics and investigations. Students will learn how to collect, preserve, analyze, and document all types of digital evidence, from computers running various operating systems, mobile devices, e-mail, and more. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, and ITE 145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220.

CSS 437 - Hacker Tech,Tools/Incident Handling (3 credits)

This course will focus on an introduction to hacking tools and incident handling. Areas of instruction include various tools and vulnerabilities of operating systems, as well as the software and networks used by hackers to access unauthorized information. This course also addresses incident handling methods used when information security is compromised. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102 , and ITE 145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220

CSS 438 - Scrity Strtg for Web Aps & Soc Ntw (3 credits)

This course will focus on how internet and web-based applications have transformed the way businesses, organizations, and people communicate. With this transformation comes new risks, threats, and vulnerabilities for web-based applications and the people who use them. This course presents security strategies to mitigate the risk associated with Web applications and social networking. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, and ITE145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220.

CSS 448 - Cyberwarfare (3 credits)

This course will focus on the cyberwarfare landscape, offensive and defensive cyberwarfare techniques, and the future of cyberwarfare. It also addresses military doctrine and strategies, intelligence operations, and cyberwarfare-related laws and ethics. Students will be exposed to many cybersecurity technologies, processes, and procedures that help to protect endpoints, networks, and data. They will also learn how to identify and analyze threat and vulnerabilities, and create appropriate mitigation strategies. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101, ENG 102, and ITE145 or CSS 101. Recommended Prerequisite(s): ITE 220.

CSS 490 - Cybersecurity Capstone (3 credits)

This is the capstone course for the Cybersecurity major. The student can have no more than 6 credits remaining in their major to complete in their degree program prior to enrolling in this course. This course serves as a comprehensive assessment of knowledge and skills in information systems and cybersecurity. Activities include research into selected security problems and planning, designing and implementing security solutions for a user organization. The course must be taken at Charter Oak State College. Prerequisite(s): ENG 101; ENG 102, and ITE 145 or CSS 101.