Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc Honours

Program Overview

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Middlesex University's Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc Honours program equips students with the skills and knowledge to prevent cybercrime, conduct investigations, and manage data security. Through hands-on experience in specialized labs, students develop expertise in cybersecurity principles, digital forensics, and incident response, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in the cybersecurity and related sectors.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

• Specialised cyber security and digital forensic labs with industry-standard software and tools.
• Learn to identify breaches, vulnerabilities, and threats and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop skills to analyse and present findings for digital investigations.
• Opt for a year-long paid placement as part of a four-year study option to gain practical experience.
• Become a graduate with the potential for diverse career opportunities.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the skills and knowledge to prevent cybercrime, conduct investigations, and manage data security.
• Develop expertise in cybersecurity, digital forensics, operating systems, network security, and ethical and legal issues.
• Prepare graduates for various careers in cybersecurity and related sectors.

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Program Description:

The Cyber Security and Digital Forensics BSc program emphasizes practical learning through hands-on experience in labs, workshops, and group projects. The curriculum delves into cybersecurity principles, network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and incident response.

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Outline

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Structure:

• 3-year full-time
• 4-year full-time with placement
• 5-year part-time

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Course Schedule:

• Typically, 4 hours of lectures and 8 hours of lab sessions per week in the first year.
• Weekly schedule may vary in subsequent years.

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Modules:

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Year 1:

• Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 credits)
• Computer Networks (30 credits)
• Information in Organisations (30 credits)
• Programming for Data Communication and Networks (30 credits)

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Year 2:

• Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Compliance (30 credits)
• Digital Incident Scene Investigation and Analysis (30 credits)
• Network and Protocol Analysis (30 credits)
• Internet Technologies (30 credits)
• Individual Project (30 credits)

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Year 3:

• Defensive Security (30 credits)
• Memory Analysis (30 credits)
• Artificial Intelligence (30 credits)
• Security and Network Forensics (30 credits)

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Module Descriptions:

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Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 credits)

• Fundamental knowledge and principles of computer hardware and operating systems.
• Understanding the structure and operation of modern computers.
• Exploring core components and terminology.
• Hands-on labs with C, Batch, Bash, and Python for developing programming skills.

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Computer Networks (30 credits)

• Introduction to networking and the Internet.
• Exploring the OSI and TCP/IP models.
• Understanding network devices, addressing schemes, and network media.
• Routing protocols, configuration, verification, and troubleshooting.

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Information in Organisations (30 credits)

• Introduction to database technology, a vital transferable skill in IT.
• Developing database design, implementation, and manipulation skills.
• Building a firm foundation for further academic study and rewarding careers in IT-related areas like data analytics.

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Programming for Data Communication and Networks (30 credits)

• Fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs.
• Learning to solve problems related to data processing, storage, and transmission.
• Understanding data structures, types, and their use in networking and security fields.
• Developing programming skills through individual and collaborative projects.

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Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Compliance (30 credits)

• Understanding cybersecurity legislation and standards.
• Learning to identify, comply with, and write internal regulations.
• Exploring the language and terminology of laws and standards.
• Familiarity with the standardization process, creation to withdrawal/replacement.
• Evaluation and use of e-Disclosure/e-Discovery procedures.

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Digital Incident Scene Investigation and Analysis (30 credits)

• Comprehensive understanding of all phases of a digital investigation.
• Maintaining chain of custody and ensuring digital evidence integrity.
• Data extraction from digital devices using industry-standard tools and software.
• Forensic analysis and search techniques for efficient processing of digital evidence.
• Understanding different investigation types, data types, and evidence production.
• Verification and documentation of actions through contemporaneous notes.
• Anti-forensic techniques, detection, and identification.
• Practical experience with all investigation stages and simulated crime scenes.
• Reporting and documentation skills for forensic investigations.

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Network and Protocol Analysis (30 credits)

• Network and Protocol Analysis, including Internet Protocols, Network Services, Cloud Environments, Network Monitoring and Analysis.
• Building and analyzing any networking environment independent of underlying technology.
• Comprehensive study of Internet Protocols: ARP, IP, UDP, and TCP.
• Network services: DNS, DHCP, CIFS, Cloud Environments.
• Y-Comm Framework: Communication, mobility, quality-of-service, and security.
• Developing skills for web design and security compliance.

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Individual Project (30 credits)

• Demonstrating consolidated knowledge and skills from all modules through an individual project.
• Project types: computer
  etwork/communication solution, cyber security, digital forensic investigation method.

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Defensive Security (30 credits)

• Comprehensive study of network and cyber threats, and security measures.
• Countering and mitigating threats against computer systems and networks.

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Memory Analysis (30 credits)

• Memory extraction, identification, and artefact recognition.
• Memory acquisition using standard techniques and tools.
• Artefact analysis, extraction, and reconstruction of events/identification of threats.

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Artificial Intelligence (30 credits)

• Introduction to commonly used AI theories and techniques.
• Implementation and extension of AI techniques.
• Development of AI skills for real-world applications.

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Security and Network Forensics (30 credits)

• General and advanced areas of network security, cyber security, and network forensics.
• Issues covered: threats, security attacks, vulnerabilities, cryptography, security tools, software security, network attacks/defences, countermeasures, web-based security, network forensic analysis, and cloud computing security.

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Assessment

• coursework (70%-73%)
• practical exams (30%-27%)

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Assessment methods:

• Examinations
• Coursework (essays, reports, presentations)
• Practical assignments
• Group projects

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Lab sessions
• Independent study

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Teaching Staff:

• Experienced academics with industry expertise
• Guest speakers from industry

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Unique Approach:

• Emphasis on practical learning
• Industry-standard software and tools
• Focus on problem-solving and critical thinking
• Supportive learning environment

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Careers

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Potential career paths:

• Cyber Security Analyst
• Digital Forensics Investigator
• Network Security Engineer
• Penetration Tester
• Security Consultant
• Incident Response Specialist
• Compliance Officer
• Security Architect

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Graduate opportunities:

• Accenture
• Alvarez and Marsal
• Bedfordshire Police
• Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
• DMA UK
• Epic
• Ernst and Young
• Eurofins Forensic Service
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Grant Thornton
• The Insolvency Service
• Inventus
• Mindshare
• QA
• The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
• SAP
• Sussex Police
• Transport for London

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Other

• North London campus location
• Excellent teaching and support facilities
• Careers support services, including placements and internships
• Scholarships and bursaries available