Course content

In this course we will study various wireless networks and their security properties, with a focus on cryptographic protocols. Technologies that will be covered are for instance Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and mobile networks. The course addresses themes that are more advanced than in the introductory courses on information security and communication technology, and teaches students to develop their own abilities to analyze and discuss the security of a system.

After taking this course, you will be able to place these technologies in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for example target 9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure; target 9.5 - Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities; 16.10 - Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, and 17.8 - Enhance the use of enabling technology.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge:

1. Knowledge and understanding of security mechanisms and protocols in wireless networks.
2. Knowledge about some of the models, design principles, mechanisms, and solutions used to achieve secrecy, integrity, authentication, privacy, cryptographic key distribution, and access control.

B. Skills:

1. Skills and practice necessary to assess the security of wireless communication systems.
2. Individually analyzing a technical topic that the students pick themselves, in consultation with the teacher.

C. General competence:

1. Document preparation and structuring of a technical essay using LaTeX and related tools.
2. Analyzing and solving security-related problems in a group.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, writing assignment/technical essay (individual), lab assignment (in groups of 3 students), and optional exercises (if applicable).

Each student should select a topic for the technical essay in consultation with the professor. The expected workload for this assignment is approximately 60 hours.

The technical essay and the lab assignment are both compulsory and must be approved in order to qualify for the final exam.

All students in the group normally receive the same result based on the lab report. In exceptional cases where a student has not contributed sufficiently, the student may be given an individual result (not approved) based on documented lack of effort and/or participation.

Compulsory assignments

• Technical essay (individual)
• Lab assignment (in groups of 3 students)

Recommended previous knowledge

TTM4133 Mobile networks and services, or equivalent.

Required previous knowledge

TTM4135 Applied cryptography and network security, or equivalent.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions