DPI912 - Python for Programmers: Sockets and Security

Outline info
Semester
School
Last revision date 2024-01-29 00:30:08.014
Last review date 2024-04-01 00:15:06.466


Subject Title
Python for Programmers: Sockets and Security

Subject Description
This course focuses on developing intermediate and advanced competencies in socket programming, and is informed and guided by information technology and cybersecurity concepts, concerns, and problem sets. Students will explore developing applications on TCP/IP as well as in higher level protocols. Applications developed may include forensic, defensive, and offensive security tools.

Credit Status
1 credit (3 units)
Professional Option for IFS - Honours Bachelor of Technology (Informatics and Security)
Professional Option for BSD - Honours Bachelor of Technology (Software Development)

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  • Explain the common computer security threats to enable an effective mitigation plan.
  • Identify computer security attack vectors to devise remediation strategies.
  • Create applications that implement best practices and effective threat response to create secure software.
  • Experiment with offensive and defensive techniques and specialized datasets to implement secure software.
  • Collaborate with others and a team to solve security problems and enable an effective working environment.
  • Manage time and resources in different task settings to complete a project successfully.
  • Assemble information after locating, evaluating, analyzing, organizing from a variety of sources.
  • Communicate clearly, concisely, and correctly in written, spoken, and visual forms, to fulfil a purpose for an audience.
This is the initial version of the learning outcomes, and it may be revised in the future.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.

Prerequisite(s)
Student who started the IFS program before Fall 2019: SRT411 and SPR401 and RIS420 
Student who started the IFS program in Fall 2019 or later: SRT411 and RIS430 and RIS440 
BSD student: BTP305 and BTN415

Topic Outline

This is a Python 3 course and is normally conducted on the Linux platform. Students should have familiarity with using Virtual Machines, and a working knowledge of Linux.

Students should have programming experience with at least one of C or a C derivative language, KSH, PowerShell, or similar high level interpreted language, in addition to familiarity with OO concepts and debugging source code. Students should also have some familiarity with IT/Cyber security concerns and rationale. This is a cross-disciplinary course, and normally includes students from more than one program; students are expected to work together across disciplines in order to best take advantage of their diverse skillsets and knowledge bases.  

Topics:

  • Python Review
  • Python 2 vs Python 3
  • TCP/IP Review
  • Overview of TCP/IP stack
  • Using sockets and transport layer services in Python
  • Using higher level network protocols (SSL, SSH, SMTP, HTTP, etc.)
  • Client/Server development
  • Developing non-blocking daemons
  • Multithreading  & Concurrency
  • Multiprocessing and Coroutines (cooperative multitasking)
  • Event-driven application development
  • Eric (IDE)
  • Scapy Debugging
Additional material will include on an as required basis:
  • Python and Git
  • Network Security with Python
  • Scanning and analysis with Python
  • Network Monitoring with Python
  • Data Visualization with Python
  • Machine Learning / Deep Learning
  • Neural Networks
  • Steganography
  • Cryptography / Encryption
  • Forensics
  • Twisted Python

Mode of Instruction
Modes: In-class lecture, in-class exercises, and hands-on activity
Hours per week: 4
Room configurations: Computer-lab
Typical scheduling pattern: Fall or Winter term

Prescribed Texts
None

Reference Material
To be assigned by the professor during the course delivery.

Required Supplies
None

Student Progression and Promotion Policy
To obtain a credit in this subject, a student must:

  • Average of 50% or better for the two tests.
  • 50% or better on the overall course.

http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/student-progression-and-promotion-policy.html

Grading Policyhttp://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/grading-policy.html

A+ 90%  to  100%
A 80%  to  89%
B+ 75%  to  79%
B 70%  to  74%
C+ 65%  to  69%
C 60%  to  64%
D+ 55%  to  59%
D 50%  to  54%
F 0%    to  49% (Not a Pass)
OR
EXC Excellent
SAT Satisfactory
UNSAT Unsatisfactory

For further information, see a copy of the Academic Policy, available online (http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academics-and-student-services.html) or at Seneca's Registrar's Offices. (https://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/registrar.html)


Modes of Evaluation

Collaborative tasks / heuristics  5%
Diagnostics / labs  20% 
Milestones / assignments  50% 
Term project  25% 

Approved by: Suzanne Abraham