Data and Network Protection Course Descriptor

Course Overview

The threat to data security and networks is a major concern of all business and organisations. The increasing sophistication of threat agents and their ability to access data and compromise networks has potentially devastating effects. The course explores the principles, concepts and methods that underpin data and network protection. From data and network protection governance, policy and procedures to the advanced tools and techniques employed in the monitoring, analysis and identification of threats, the course provides insight into the safeguarding of data and networks. It considers the key elements of a robust data and network protection strategy and critically considers the recovery strategies that mitigate risk.

Course Aims

• To provide learners with the principles, concepts and techniques that underpin data and network protection.
• To provide learners with detailed insight into data and network protection processes and solutions.
• To enable learners to analyse data and network protection and develop robust responses to threats.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Employability Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.
Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include:

• Online learning
• Online discussion groups
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the College’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.
The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Learning and teaching (6 days x 8 hours) = 48 hours
  Independent study = 102 hours
• Indicative total learning hours for this course: 150 hours

Assignments (see below) will be completed as part of independent study.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback.

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.
Feedback is provided on summative assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Guide or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

• Magnusson, A. (2020) Practical Vulnerability Management: No Starch Press.
• McNab, C. (2016) Network Security Assessment, 3rd Edition: O’Reilly Media, Inc.
• Wang, J. and Kissel, Z.A. (2015) Introduction to Network Security: Theory and Practice, 2nd Edition: Wiley, Singapore.

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on data and network protection as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on data and network protection.

Indicative Topics

Learners will study the following topics:

• Data and Network Protection
• Data Legislation and Regulations
• Network Security Threats and Solutions