Course Description
This course will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to scripting and automation within the context of information security including systems administration, text processing, alerting and more. This is a lab-based course consisting of three modules. First students receive an introduction to the Linux operating system, including bash shell scripting, text processing and basic *nix commands in a command-line environment. The second part covers Windows operating system topics focusing on PowerShell, automation for various infrastructure and operational tasks, data analysis, and using internal windows system components such as WMI and WinRM to analyze system state information. PowerShell will also be used to cover some of the topics mentioned above. The third part of the course will focus on tools for individual use and customization requirements in addition to automation using Python. This course will equip students with a practical hands-on knowledge, literacy, tools and languages to help them succeed in the CyberSecurity Program.
Learning Activities
The methods of instruction for this course will include lectures, seminars, demonstrations, and hands-on assignments/projects.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
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Assignments/Labs
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10% - 20%
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Midterm exam(s)*
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30% - 40%
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Final Exam*
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30% - 40%
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Research Project
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0% - 10%
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Total
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100%
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* Practical hands-on computer exam
In order to pass the course, students must, in addition to receiving an overall course grade of 50%, also achieve a grade of at least 50% on the combined weighted examination components (including quizzes, tests, exams).
Students may conduct research as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans, which can require obtaining Informed Consent from participants and getting the approval of the Douglas College Research Ethics Board prior to conducting the research.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Apply basic knowledge of the Linux operating system command-line utilities with bash scripting for text processing to retrieve, process and automate.
- Apply scripting languages in Windows and Linux to common security tasks.
- Apply scripting knowledge to solve problems of automation and integration within the context of systems administration and cybersecurity.
- Implement systems automation using Bash, PowerShell and Python.
- Apply security best practices and auditing for script coding and implementation.
- Explain, analyze and implement log file analysis.
- Implement various scripts to call external services such as WinRM, ssh, and web services.
- Automate screen scraping for Web Applications.
- Analyze, develop and implement third party modules in PowerShell and Python for information security related software.
Textbook Materials
Course Materials to be provided by the instructor and/or approved textbooks from the department