Introduction to Computer Security Fall 2025

This course introduces the principles and practices of computer security as applied to software, host systems, and networks. It covers the foundations of building, using, and managing secure systems, standard cryptographic functions and protocols, and threats and defenses for real-world systems. See the schedule for details.

Professors	Nikita Borisov Yupeng Zhang Adam Bates (Coursera)
TAs	Minh Duong Dylen Greenenwald Emma Hartman Nicholas Wang (Coursera)
CAs	Sophia Liu Jake Mayer
Prerequisites	Credit in CS 341 or ECE 391 or both CS 233 and CS 340
Lectures	Tue./Thu.: 12:30pm – 1:45pm, 1320 Digital Computer Laboratory
Discussion Sections	ADB: Wed. 11:00am–11:50am, 0218 Siebel Center for Comp Sci ADC: Wed. 12:00pm–12:50pm, 0218 Siebel Center for Comp Sci ADD: Wed. 01:00pm–01:50pm, 0218 Siebel Center for Comp Sci ADE: Wed. 02:00pm–02:50pm, 0218 Siebel Center for Comp Sci
Communications	We will make use of the following communication methods during this course: Reading, slides, and recordings: Schedule section of this site Assignments: Assignments section of this site Grades: Canvas Announcements and discussion Ed
Office Hours
Reference Books	No textbook is required, but if you would like additional references, we recommend: Security Engineering by Ross Anderson Cryptography Engineering by Ferguson, Schneier, and Kohno Introduction to Computer Security by Matt Bishop Computer Security: Principles and Practice by William Stallings Computer Security: Art and Science by Matt Bishop Security in Computing by Charles P. Pfleeger Introduction to Computer Security by Michael Goodrich and Roberto Tamassia
Resources	Security and Privacy Research at Illinois Security Course Roadmap

Grading

We'll calculate your course grade based on these components:

Programming Projects	50%	Four programming projects
Midterm Exam (in class)	17%	One exam covering material in the first half of class
Final Exam	33%	One exam covering all material from the course

Coursera students: This is for in-person sections only and does NOT apply to you. Please refer to the published syllabus and grading rubrics on Coursera.

Ethics, Law, and University Policies Warning

This course will include topics related computer security and privacy. As part of this investigation we may cover technologies whose abuse could infringe on the rights of others. As computer scientists, we rely on the ethical use of these technologies. Unethical use includes circumvention of an existing security or privacy mechanisms for any purpose, or the dissemination, promotion, or exploitation of vulnerabilities of these services. Any activity outside the letter or spirit of these guidelines will be reported to the proper authorities and may result in severe academic and legal sanctions.

Acting lawfully and ethically is your responsibility. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) broadly criminalizes computer intrusion. Understand what the law prohibits — you don’t want to end up like this guy. If in doubt, we can refer you to an attorney.

Academic Integrity

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Code should also be considered as a part of this syllabus. Students should pay particular attention to Article 1, Part 4: Academic Integrity. Read the Code at the following URL: http://studentcode.illinois.edu/.

Academic dishonesty will be reported to the provost's office and may result in a failing grade. Every student is expected to review and abide by the Academic Integrity Policy: http://studentcode.illinois.edu/. Ignorance is not an excuse for any academic dishonesty. It is your responsibility to read this policy to avoid any misunderstanding. Do not hesitate to ask the instructor(s) if you are ever in doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, cheating, or any other breach of academic integrity.

Statement on Mental Health

Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, substance/alcohol abuse, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance, social development, and emotional wellbeing. The University of Illinois offers a variety of confidential services including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services, and specialized screenings at no additional cost. If you or someone you know experiences any of the above mental health concerns, it is strongly encouraged to contact or visit any of the University's resources provided below. Getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do -- for yourself and for those who care about you.

Counseling Center: 217-333-3704, 610 East John Street Champaign, IL 61820

McKinley Health Center:217-333-2700, 1109 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801

Disability-Related Accomodations

To obtain disability-related academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the course instructor and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES) as soon as possible. To contact DRES, you may visit 1207 S. Oak St., Champaign, call 333-4603, e-mail disability@illinois.edu or go to https://www.disability.illinois.edu. If you are concerned you have a disability-related condition that is impacting your academic progress, there are academic screening appointments available that can help diagnosis a previously undiagnosed disability. You may access these by visiting the DRES website and selecting "Request an Academic Screening" at the bottom of the page.