IT 4990-40: Special Topics in Cybersecurity

Fall 2023 Syllabus

This course provides the student with a general understanding of how to install, configure, and manage Next Generation Firewalls (NGFW) for defense of enterprise security network architecture. Students will learn the configuration and management steps for setting up the security, networking, accounts, zones, and security policies of next generation firewall technologies. This course is the combination of two PaloAlto courses: Enterprise Security Management (ESM) and Enterprise Security Deployment (ESD) provided by PaloAlto Networks. Check with Canvas for updates and assignments.

Prerequisites: IT2400 with a C or better.

Course fee: $20, used to assist in maintaining Computing infrastructure.

One section:

• This is an online course

  • Final exam will be online during the week of December 10th. The final will consist of a multiple choice exam and a capstone project.

Instructor:

• Jay Sneddon
• Office: North Burns 235
• Office hours: MW 12:00pm-12:50pm, TTh 1:30pm-2:20pm or by appointment. Zoom appointments may be arranged.

Objectives

Resources

REQUIRED

The learning material and labs are provided by the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy. The labs are hands on exercises using a NGFW.

Some other supplemental online resources may be used.

Computer Resources

It is expected that you have regular access to a computer that is capable of running modern Internet browsers with full access to the Internet.

Course Information

You are responsible for being informed regarding announcements, the schedule, and other resources posted on this website. Grading and assignments are managed at https://utahtech.instructure.com.

Assignments and Exams

Reading

The student is responsible for reading the material found online. A reading schedule is provided with the class schedule on the course website. The student is expected to read the material before the class in which it is discussed. Each module covered has at least one associated hands on lab exercise. Feel free to bring questions from the reading to lectures or to office hours.

Assignments

Assignments will be graded based on completeness.

(See the Late Work policy for more information)

All assignments for the week are due Saturday night at 11:59pm, unless otherwise noted on Canvas.

Exams

At least four exams plus a final exam will be given. Students will be expected to completed the capstone project at the end of the course. Because this is an online course, exams will be provided in either the campus Testing Center or through Canvas using Proctorio as the proctoring agent.

Grading

Assignments, quizzes and exams each contribute to your point total.

Assignments/Labs = 20%

Quizzes = 20%

Exams = 30%

Comprehensive Final Exam = 20%

Capstone Lab = 10%

Here is the grading scale: >= 94 = A >= 90 = A- >= 87 = B+ >= 84 = B >= 80 = B- >= 77 = C+ >= 74 = C >= 70 = C- >= 67 = D+ >= 64 = D < 64 = F

Tentative Topic Schedule

This schedule is subject to change.

Course Policies

Absences

Students are responsible for material covered and announcements made. School-related absences may be made up only if prior arrangements are made. The class schedule on Canvas presented is approximate. The instructor reserves the right to modify the schedule according to class needs. Changes will be announced in class and posted to the website. Exams and quizzes cannot be made up unless arrangements are made prior to the scheduled time.

Time

Courses should require about 2 hours of outside work per lecture hour of class. This class will require about 6 hours of work per week on the part of the student to achieve a passing or higher grade. Be sure to evaluate your schedule before committing to this course.

Late work

Assignments are due on the date specified in the schedule. Late assignments and make up quizzes will be accepted but penalized 10% per day for five days after the due date, with the maximum penalty being 50% for late work. No work will be accepted after the final exam.

Cheating and Collaboration

Limited collaboration with other students in the course is permitted and encouraged. Students may seek help learning concepts and developing programming skills from whatever sources they have available, and are encouraged to do so. Collaboration on assignments, however, must be confined to course instructors, lab assistants, and other students in the course. See the section on cheating.

Cheating will not be tolerated, and will result in a failing grade for the students involved as well as possible disciplinary action from the college. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, turning in homework assignments that are not the student’s own work. It is okay to seek help from others and from reference materials, but only if you learn the material. As a general rule, if you cannot delete your assignment, start over, and re-create it successfully without further help, then your homework is not considered your own work.

You are encouraged to work in groups while studying for tests, discussing class lectures, and helping each other identify errors in your homework solutions. If you are unsure if collaboration is appropriate, contact the instructor. Also, note exactly what you did. If your actions are determined to be inappropriate, the response will be much more favorable if you are honest and complete in your disclosure.

Where collaboration is permitted, each student must still create and type in his/her own solution. Any kind of copying and pasting is not okay. If you need help understanding concepts, get it from the instructor or fellow classmates, but never copy another’s written work, either electronically or visually. It is a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes after any discussion to start your independent write-up. This will help you commit what you have learned to long-term memory as well as help to avoid crossing the line to cheating.

Policy for Absences Related to College Functions

Students may periodically may miss classes for various college-related functions or military functions; these include athletics, club events, or to fulfill the requirements of a course or a program. Military functions may include: Reserve and Guard activation, activation, special assignments or other approved events or activities. These absences may often conflict with the instruction, assignments, and tests in this course.

Please provide an advanced written notification from your activity supervisor that explains the nature of the activity, and the anticipated time missed.

Disruptive Behavior Policy/Classroom Expectations

The classroom needs an atmosphere of learning and sharing. Class members need to feel safe and able to concentrate. Disruptive behavior that seriously detracts from this environment or inhibits the instructor’s ability to conduct proper instruction will not be allowed. Disruptive behavior includes:

• Physical violence, verbal abuse, or harassment
• Intoxication or illegal drug use
• Use of profanity
• Failing to respect others when expressing their own viewpoints
• Talking while the instructor or another student is talking
• Constant questions or interruptions that interfere with classroom presentation

Disruptive class members will be warned. Continued misbehavior may lead to dismissal from class or the course. If necessary, Campus Police may be called.

Disability/Accessibility Resources

Utah Tech welcomes all students and strives to make the learning experience accessible. If you are a student with a medical, psychological, or learning disability that may require accommodations for this course, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as soon as possible. You may request reasonable accommodations at any time during the semester; however, they are not retroactive. The DRC is located next door to the Testing Center in the North Plaza Building (435 652-7516, drc@utahtech.edu, drcenter.utahtech.edu).

University Policies

OTHER UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES

UTAH TECH POLICIES & STATEMENTS

PRIVACY

It is your responsibility to protect your data and privacy online. Be careful and use discretion when using any of the course technologies to complete required learning activities. If you are unsure about how to protect your data and privacy online, please use the resources provided to understand your responsibility.

101 Data Protection Tips: How To Keep Your Passwords, Financial, and Personal Information Safe

Harper, E. (2018). 9 Simple Ways To Protect Your Privacy  

Canvas Privacy Policy

Google Privacy Policy

YouTube Policies

Vimeo Privacy Policy

Utah Tech Policy Links

Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Academic dishonesty / academic integrity policy, student academic conduct policy)

Financial Aid

Registration

Student Association

Student absence related to college function

Sexual Harassment

DISABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

UT welcomes all students and strives to make the learning experience accessible. If you are a student with a medical, psychological, or learning disability that may require accommodations for this course, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as soon as possible. You may request reasonable accommodations at any time during the semester; however, they are not retroactive. The DRC is located next door to the Testing Center in the North Plaza Building (435-652-7516, drc@utahtech.edu).

TITLE IX STATEMENT

Utah Tech University affirms its commitment to the promotion of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational institution. Harassment and discrimination—including sex/gender discrimination, gender identity, gender expression, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, gender-based violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, pregnancy or parental , family or marital status and or retaliation—not only disrupts our commitment to maintaining an environment in which every member of the University community is treated with respect and dignity, but may also violate University policy and federal, state, and/or local law.

Should you or someone you know experience behavior that is coercive, discriminatory, harassing, and or sexually violent in nature, or if you or someone you know has questions about their rights and options regarding such behavior, you are encouraged to contact:

Title IX Coordinator 435.652.7747 (ext. 7747)

Incidents may also be reported directly to law enforcement, either separately or in conjunction with any report made to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, and the University will aid in making contact if requested.

Utah Tech University Police 435.275.4300 or by calling 9-1-1

Maintaining a safe and inclusive University community is a shared responsibility. For more information on how Title IX protections can benefit you and help us keep a productive campus environment, visit titleix.utahtech.edu to learn more.

STUDENT EMAIL

You are required to frequently check your university email account. Important class and university information will be sent to your university account, including Utah Tech bills, financial aid/scholarship notices, notices of cancelled classes, reminders of important dates and deadlines, and other information critical to your success at Utah Tech and in your courses. To access your university-sponsored account, visit helpdesk.utahtech.edu/about-dmail. Your username is your digital ID (e.g. D00111111).

NON-STUDENT

Non-student in the classroom and other designated study areas: It is expected that only bona fide students as defined and classified by the Utah Tech University catalog, will attend classes, unless specific prior permission for guests has been obtained from the instructor.

ACADEMIC GUIDELINES REGARDING COVID-19

For Utah Tech’s up-to-date COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan, please visit the university website.

Last Updated 12/21/2023