CYT130 - Ethical Hacking and Vulnerability Testing

Subject Title
Ethical Hacking and Vulnerability Testing

Subject Description
This course introduces students to what and who ethical hackers are, how they are different from non-ethical hackers, and why/how they are essential for protecting data from cyber-attacks. Students will look closely at the different types of tests that can be conducted by ethical hackers to assess the readiness of an organizations system to withstand cyber-attacks. The course also investigates the methods and tools used in cyber-attacks and their countermeasures, as well as available security resources that every organization needs to possess to be able to counter the different cyber-attack "types".  This will equip the students with the knowledge and techniques to successfully consider the different methods of combating hackers and cyber-attacks.

Credit Status
One Credit

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Describe different types of malicious software's, viruses, malware attacks, and methods of network attacks, physical security attacks and vulnerabilities in order to protect our environment in efficient way.
2. Describe web applications, their vulnerabilities and the tools used to attack them in order to prevent the attacks
3. Analyze various hacking techniques and their effectiveness in order to be proactive to in protecting the IT environment
4. Explain the motivations for attacks and defenses on computer systems and use this knowledge to assess the impact of both attacks and defenses
5.  Demonstrate the use of tools and processes to identify malicious software and system-level infections in order to analyze then and prevent malware attacks and infections
6. Demonstrate the use of tools to escalate privileges on a remote device
7. Compare and contrast various techniques for launching server attacks to be able to close those vulnerability
8. Differentiate various ethical hacking issues such as hacking, cybercrime, hacktivism and cyber terrorism in order to categorize the risk and impact in protecting the data

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.