Authentication plays a strong role in cybersecurity, and is a critical layer underpinning the “CIA triad.” This course will explore current technologies, issues, and policies surrounding practical authentication. Grouped by something you know, something you have, and something you are, topics will include passwords, certificates and public key infrastructures, graphical authentication, smart cards, biometrics, trusted computing, location authentication, identity federation, and a range of other topics determined by class interest. Each topic will be examined from the perspective of technical strengths, weaknesses, mitigations, and human factors, and will include discussions of authentication policies, trends, and privacy perspectives. Related background is developed as needed, allowing students to gain a rich understanding of authentication techniques and the requirements for using them in a secure environment including systems, networks, and the Internet. Students will prepare and present a research project that reflects an understanding of key issues in authentication. Recommended: EN.695.621 Public Key Infrastructure and Managing E-Security.
Course Prerequisite(s)
EN.605.202 Data Structures; EN.695.601 Foundations of Information Assurance. EN.695.621 Public Key Infrastructure and Managing E-Security is recommended.
Course Offerings
There are no sections currently offered, however you can view a sample syllabus from a prior section of this course.