Target group for the subject package is developers, teachers, technical project managers and individuals, who work with IT projects or software development and want a deeper insight into IT security and to be better grounded in assessing security aspects and risks in existing or planned IT projects.

Knowledge

Through the subject package, the student will gain knowledge of theories, technologies, disciplines, methods and techniques in the following areas:

• Fundamental principles of information security and data protection.
• Exploration of cryptographic algorithms, their properties, and their roles in network security applications and protocols.
• Comprehensive study of cryptanalysis, security algorithm attacks, challenges, and solutions in Internet of Things security.
• Introduction to post-quantum cryptography essential for safeguarding against quantum computers, including Quantum Key Distribution for secure communication.
• Application of distributed systems and blockchain technologies for IT security.
• Advanced privacy-preserving techniques, focusing on the theoretical concept and significance of Zero Knowledge Proofs and Multiparty Computation.

The student must also be able to relate critically and reflexively in relation to these theoretical subjects.

Skills

The student must be able to use theories, methods and models from the above-mentioned areas to identify, analyse, assess and come up with proposals for solving specific problems in practice. The student must be able to argue for the relevance of the chosen theories, methods and models as well as for the proposed solution. In addition, the student must be able to reflect on the significance for the context in which the solution is part of. Concretely, it is expected that after completion of the subject package, the student is able to:

• Recognize flaws and weaknesses in cryptographic algorithms and protocols.
• Evaluate and determine suitable protocols and applications in response to a specific information security challenge.
• Anticipate the vulnerability of technologies to quantum attacks, and choosing and integrating quantum-resistant technologies and security applications within a system or organization to ensure sustained long-term security.
• Attain expertise in configuring and launching prototype smart contract code on a test system for distributed ledgers, ensuring a thorough comprehension of the deployment procedures.

Competencies:

The student will have competences in:

• Evaluating and selecting appropriate security protocols and applications based on need of IT system.
• Developing a comprehensive understanding of privacy and distributed network security principles, enabling the identification of vulnerabilities and assessing the overall security of distributed network-based applications for the robust protection of organizational data and assets.

The course is structured without prerequisites, starting from the basics; however, it is expected that students are open to acquiring knowledge in fundamental mathematics. Some background in basic programming can help students to develop better understanding. No technical prerequisites are required, but it is necessary to be able to read and work with the English language, technical material.

Read about how to log in and apply through the Application Portal. 

Applied cryptography

• Thursday 12 September 2024
• Thursday 3 October 2024
• Thursday 24 October 2024
• Exam: Thursday 7 November 2024

Modern security solutions: safeguarding the digital landscape

• Thursday 21 November 2024
• Thursday 10 December 2024
• Thursday 16 January 2025
• Exam: Thursday 30 January 2025

Blockchain security and privacy

• Thursday 6 February 2025
• Thursday 27 February 2025
• Thursday 13 March 2025
• Exam: Thursday 27 March 2025

All course dates are from 9.00-16.00.

Course provider

Aalborg University

Location

Aalborg University, Department of Electronic Systems
Fredrik Bajers Vej 7, 9220 Aalborg East

Subject package coordinator

Post.Doc. Ashutosh Dhar Dwivedi

Lecturers

• Professor Jens Myrup Pedersen
• Post.Doc Ashutosh Dhar Dwivedi
  

Apart from the tuition fee, other expenses should be anticipated for literature, travel expenses, catering and accommodation(if necessary) during seminars.