Fall 2025 | Instructor: Rhett Saunders
Welcome to the CS 4910 Introduction to Computer Security course repository! This repository contains all course materials, project guidelines, and resources for the Fall 2025 semester.
- Course Syllabus - Complete course information, schedule, and policies
- Course Project Instructions - Comprehensive project guidelines and requirements
- Detailed Grading Rubric - Complete 100-point rubric with evaluation criteria
- Project Report Template - IEEE format structure for your report
- PowerPoint Template - Slide structure for your presentation
- Video Demo Creation Guide - Instructions for creating project demo videos
- Sample Project Examples - Inspiration and reference videos
- Assignment 1: Due September 21, 2025
- Assignment 2: Due October 12, 2025
- Assignment 3: Due November 2, 2025
- Assignment 4: Due December 7, 2025
- Final Exam: December 17, 2025 (take-home, due December 19)
- Project Report: Due December 15, 2025
- Demo Video: Due December 14, 2025
- Attendance: 10%
- Assignments: 30%
- Discussions: 10%
- Exam 1: 7.5%
- Exam 2: 7.5%
- Course Project: 20%
- Final Exam: 15%
The course project is a two-person team cybersecurity research and implementation project worth 20% of your final grade.
- Must be cybersecurity-related
- Must include hands-on technical component
- Teams of exactly 2 students
- Final Presentation (10-12 minutes)
- Demo Video (5-8 minutes, due 12/14)
- IEEE Format Report (3 pages, due 12/15)
- Network Security (IDS, Traffic Analysis, Firewalls)
- Cryptography & Data Protection
- Digital Forensics
- Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking
- AI/ML in Cybersecurity
- Web Application Security
See Course Project Instructions for complete details and 18 specific project ideas.
Rhett Saunders
- Email: rhett.saunders@university.edu
- Office: [Office Location]
- Office Hours: [Office Hours]
Computer Security: Principles and Practice by William Stallings and Lawrie Brown (4th Edition)
- CS 3910 (System Administration & Security) or equivalent
- Strong programming background
- Basic understanding of networking concepts
- Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
- Security Tools: Wireshark, Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite
- Platforms: Kali Linux, Ubuntu, Windows
- Cloud Services: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud (free tiers available)
- IEEE Xplore Digital Library
- ACM Digital Library
- Google Scholar
- University Library Database Access
- Office Hours: See syllabus for instructor availability
- Email: Include "CS4910" in subject line
- Canvas Discussion: For general questions and peer help
- GitHub Issues: For repository-specific questions
- Project topic approval: Email instructor with brief description
- Technical difficulties: Visit office hours or post on Canvas
- Formatting questions: Refer to template guides in this repository
- Team formation: Use Canvas discussion board to find partners
- No cheating, copying, or plagiarism on assignments or exams
- Proper citation required for all external sources
- Team projects require clear documentation of individual contributions
- AI tools may be used for learning and brainstorming
- All AI assistance must be documented and cited
- Final work must demonstrate your understanding
- AI cannot replace critical thinking and analysis
- 10% deduction per day late
- Extensions granted only for documented emergencies
- Final project deliverables have firm deadlines
This repository will be updated throughout the semester with:
- Additional resources and examples
- Clarifications to project requirements
- Sample code and templates
- Announcements and important information
Always check for updates before starting major assignments!
Course materials are provided for educational use by enrolled students. Please respect intellectual property rights and do not redistribute without permission.
Last Updated: July 2025
Course Website: [Canvas Course Page]
University: [University Name]
For the most current information, always refer to Canvas announcements and the official course syllabus.