Embedding Computer Forensics within an Undergraduate Programme

An paper on teaching computer forensics was recent published at 7th Annual Teaching Computer Forensics Workshop University of Sunderland on the 10^th Nov 2011.


An Embedded Pedagogic Model for Computer Forensics within an
Undergraduate Programme
Authors: Ali Al-Sherbaz , Amir Minai, James Xue, Rashmi Dravid , The University of Northampton


Abstract
The discipline of computer forensics which has a strong mutli-disciplinary background derives from the computing subjects in networking, programming, security and mathematics. Increasing awareness of cybersecurity and emphasising the need for a common vision among students addresses the challenges. The proposed pedagogic model is to embed the computer forensics materials within the undergraduate modules to extend students’ knowledge and skills in a practical context. However, it is also recognised that the depth of knowledge required learning such topics as cyber security should be offered from the underlying principles to their abstraction.


Cyber crimes are on the rise however, Cyber security professionals are in a depressingly low numbers. The lack of focus on this area has certainly resulted in a limited number of experts. Today, there is a demanding need to create new cyber security jobs, which should hopefully bring leverage to the uncontrollable rise of cyber crimes. It is, therefore, necessary to develop the analytical skills which create challenges in building a constructive approach to learning. Also, reflecting the technological fluctuations, it is seen as essential for students to be continuously updated.


The proposed model focuses on the delivery and assessment of certain computing modules, with an evaluation of its efficiency on the use of time and effort in order to satisfy the minimum requirements of the curriculum. The study has also discovered that some of the modules already cover part of computer forensics implicitly. Therefore, highlighting these topics to the students and making them more visible as computer forensics is one of the main objectives. Another objective is to enhance the existing computing modules by dedicating certain amount of lecture time on computer forensic related concepts. The model can then be adopted by Universities when considering developing new modules.


Over  the  last  few  years  there  have  been  large  increases  in  cyber-crimes  which  have  threatened individuals and organisations. To reduce the threat it is imperative that the computing courses within universities increase the level of student awareness by providing them with professional education in computer forensics and cyber-security without the need to create a separate specialised pathway.

For more information contact: Dr Ali Al-Sherbaz (ali.al-sherbaz@northampton.ac.uk)

Computing Courses

BSc and HND Computing Provision (click on the links below for more details of the courses)

• BEng/MEng Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• BEng/MEng Computing (Computer Systems Engineering) 

• BSc (Hons) Computing (also available part-time)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Graphics and Visualisation)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Mobile Computing)
• BSc (Hons) Computing (Software Engineering)
• BSc (Hons) Computing - One Year Top-Up 
• BSc  Computer Games Development
• HND Computing (Compute​r Net​works Engineering)
• HND Computing (Computer Systems Engineering)
• HND Computing (Graphics and Visualisation)
• HND Computing (Internet Tech​nolog​y and Security)
• HND Computing (Mobile Computing)
• HND Computing (Software Engine​ering) 
• HND Com​puting

The University of Northampton's, Department of Computing and Immersive Technologies offers five courses within the MSc Computing postgraduate provision (shown below) all available either part-time or full-time. 

• MSc Computing
• MSc Computing (Internet Technology and Security)
• MSc Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
• MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
• MSc Computing (Immersive Technologies)

The contents are the opinion of the author(s) and not necessarily the view of the University of Northampton.

The award for digital excellence goes to...Northamptonshire

The winner of the 2011  Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Local Public Services Award for Digital Excellence went to Northamptonshire County Council's My County Council . . .anywhere

CIPR said "...This customer focused project set clear and ambitious objectives, using creative marketing and implementation strategies to encourage uptake of newly developed mobile web browser and phone apps. With a relatively modest budget, targeted marketing and a carefully staged approach, the council has exceeded its initial targets, demonstrating cost savings and generating positive feedback from its customers." http://www.cipr.co.uk/content/events-awards/local-public-services/local-public-services-awards/results

The phone apps for the project (both Android and iPhone apps) were developed within the School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton as part of a strategic partnership between the university and Northamptonshire County Council.

More details on these free to download apps can be found at:

Android: http://computingnorthampton.blogspot.com/2011/07/northamptonshire-android-app-launched.html

iPhone: http://computingnorthampton.blogspot.com/2011/05/northamptonshire-iphone-app-exceeds.html

Security risks in a "nothing to hide society - BCS Northampton event

Thursday, 24th November 2011 - Security risks in a "nothing to hide society"

Speaker : Tom Schneider - Senior Security Consultant - Open Systems AG Zurich

Time: 19:00 start
Location: Room NW205 in The Newton Building, Avenue Campus, University Of Northampton, NN2 6JD. Parking is available at the rear of the building.

This event is open to Members and non-Members, just arrive on the night.

A look at the privacy and security risks associated with the use of Social Media (i.e. Facebook), Wikileaks & Cloud based services
- How does it affect you ?
- How does it affect business/companies ?

How can these risks be mitigated and how do these challenges in IT security develop into interesting careers ?

Introducing Open Systems a Zurich based high security business and examples of their work with one of their high profile clients the International Red Cross. .

Biography: Tom Schneider is currently Open Systems Senior Key Account Manager for NGO's (UNICEF, UNDP, WHO and ICRC)

He studied at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, where he gained an engineer's degree in Communications and Informatics.

During his studies, Tom Schneider worked for Bank Leu and Credit Suisse in the global network operations team in Zurich.

He joined Open Systems in 2005. Before his role as a Senior Key Account Manager he was head of a professional service unit, in charge of engineering and customer project implementations.

• Newton Building, University of Northampton

·         Open Systems (Zurich)

For more information about BCS Northampton Events follow this link.

Introduction to the world of Cryptography - BCS Northampton

Presenter: Sarith Chandra MBCS CISSP Security+ MSc(Info Sec) MSc(Eng) BEng(IT)

26th January 2012

Time: Evening session for 2 hrs - 18:30 registration, 19:00 start, 20:30 end, 20:30 - 21:00 Q&A + Networking session
Location: Room NW205 in The Newton Building, Avenue Campus, University Of Northampton, NN2 6JD

Objectives:
- Introduce Cryptography for Beginners
- Refresh some Crypto concepts for Experts
- Learn some Best practices
- Interactive session with "Crack some code" examples

Target Audience: Students, Fresh graduates, IT professionals, Developers/DBAs and anyone with general interest in Cryptography. All welcome.

Detail:
- Cryptology
- Cipher Exercise
- Cryptography
- Cryptanalysis
- Some Best Practices
- Database Encryption
- Crypto Challenge (competition)

Pre-requisites:
- You need to only have general awareness of IT and Computer Security concepts
- Willingness to learn about this field and its concepts
- This session does not delve into the mathematics of cryptography and is suitable for absolute beginners
- If you like solving puzzles then you might enjoy some of the exercises during the interactive session


For further queries please contact - csarith@bcs.org

• Newton Building, University of Northampton

Redefining Women in IT presentation in Belfast

Rashmi Dravid and Catherine Klimes recently presented (12th Annual Conference of the Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Information and Computing Sciences, University of Ulster 23-25th August, 2011) their work on addressing the gender imbalance in Computing.