Course content

The course will focus on information and communication networks as critical infrastructure, where the central functions (basics, operations, maintenance of quality of service), and the properties of autonomy and heterogeneity are described. The course demonstrates how communication networks are integrated with other systems, such as Content Delivery Networks, P2P, Virtual Networks, Clouds, Emergency (wireless) networks, sensor networks, business critical systems, Smart Grids, and discusses what can happen when attacked or prone to outages. A descriptive taxonomy is introduced, which includes information security, privacy, safety, dependability, survivability, performances portability, and a classification of threats. Threats include both human-made (both intentional, incompetence, ignorance, accident) and random failure (environments / nature, weather, wear-out). Several countermeasures exist, and this course covers technological (security mechanisms, fault avoidance and fault tolerant design, measurement / monitoring, standards), organizational (contingency, preparedness, importance of role specification, communication between operational units), and political, including laws and regulations (e-Governance). The course focuses on the qualitative aspects, and will provide brief introduction to methods such as risk management and the application of graph theory.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge: To gain basic understanding of: 1) How information and communication networks support and interact with others socially critical system 2) the criticality, complexity and diversity (technological, organizational, interacting actors) of information systems and communications networks 3) approaches to represent information and communication networks for the evaluation of the best possible design 4) Different taxonomy for describing security and robustness properties, threats, and countermeasures 5) The broad set of threat through presentations of various risks (ranging from human to random, malicious people unfortunate combination of random events) 6) Various countermeasures for securing information systems and communication networks against such threats (including technological, organizational, regulations and laws, economic, political) 7) That it is a compromise between the demands for quality and safety (security, reliability, performance), cost (OPEX / CAPEX), environment (energy efficiency), 8) The use of contracts and agreements (e.g., Terms of Service, Service Level Agreements, privacy policies, etc.) to describe this B. Skills: 1) To learn methodical approach to analysis of risks / threats 2) To be able to carry out basic risk assessments 3) To be able to use graphs to represent the complexity and qualitative analysis of the impact of threats 4) To be able to identify and prioritize appropriate countermeasures to mitigate threats.

The learning outcomes of TTM4185 are directly related to UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 (9.1: Develop sustainable, resilient and inclusive infrastructures).

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and practical exercises.

Some lectures are given in Norwegian, others in English. Most of the lecture materials are in English, but not all; some are in Norwegian only.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercise 3
• Exercise 1
• Exercise 2

Recommended previous knowledge

TTM4175 -Introduction to Cyber Security and Data Communication, and/or TDT4109/10 - Information Technology, Introduction, and/or TTM4200 Computer Networks or TTM4100 - Communication - Services and Networks, or equivalent.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the term.