| Unit name | Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) Security |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0119 |
| Credit points | 30 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Adepu |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Units in TB1 for the MSc in Cyber Security:
|
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
There is an increasing threat of attacks to IoT devices. For example, the Mirai botnet utilises IP cameras to launch very high bandwidth distributed denial-of-service attacks. Furthermore, attacks against ICS are increasing, and securing such systems is a high priority for governments worldwide. Security of IoT and IIoT in infrastructure settings is, therefore, paramount. Students will learn about approaches to secure internet-of-things (IoT) and industrial internet-of-things (IIoT) devices and deployments. This includes the consumer-grade devices typically found in smart homes, as well as the industrial devices (and associated services) found in smart buildings/building automation systems and within industrial control systems. Students will learn about a range of attack and defence methods for IoT/IIoT devices and protocols, and the associated architectures such as cloud environments. The students will gain the ability to both perform security analysis of existing IoT devices and architectures, as well as design new IoT devices are architectures that are secured against attacks.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The IoT and IIoT Security unit, alongside the ICS Security unit, is one of the two core specialised modules that are taught as part of the programme. This unit builds upon and goes beyond the knowledge gained in TB1 units Foundations and Network Security, incorporating the additional elements taught in the Fundamentals of Systems Security unit.
An overview of content
Topics will include:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the topics above. They will also gain hands-on understanding of attacks and defences for IoT/IIoT through lab work as well as undertaking a security analysis of an IoT/IIoT architecture – working with others to identify issues and suitable countermeasures. Students will also develop their individual analytical and problem solving skills by applying their knowledge to a substantial case study.
Learning Outcomes
This unit will be delivered through lectures, labs and office hours.
In the event of a return to fully remote teaching due to COVID-19 we will adopt the University’s recommended blend of synchronous, asynchronous and on-campus (where possible) sessions.
Asynchronous sessions are designed for students to access in their own time and are made up of a structured sequence of inputs and activities. Synchronous sessions are delivered live and will include opportunities for interaction, for example, tasks, quick polls or chat) to support and encourage student engagement. Synchronous sessions will be recorded, where possible, for those unable to attend. Peer to peer interaction and group work will remain key elements of the unit. For lab work, on-campus will be prioritised, however, where that is not feasible this will be adapted to suit available software. For specialised activity, Bristol Cyber Security Group host an isolated VPN network that sits alongside that of the main university. This VPN can be used across any units that require specific services that cannot be replicated at home.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Weekly lab sessions and workbook; Extension exercises. This will include both group work and individual work.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Coursework (100%), comprising Group work (40%) & Individual work (60%)
Security analysis of a IoT device and associated architecture (group work: 40%)
Security analysis of a case study of emerging architecture in IoT/IIoT (Individual work: 60%)
For group work, each student will be required to submit a reflective log (max. 500 words) reflecting on their learning, their contributions and that of other group members. These reflective logs will be used by markers to evaluate group dynamics and contributions.
When assessment does not go to plan
If students do not pass an individual assessment, an equivalent (different) assessment will be set by the unit director.
For group work, if the reflective logs highlight an unequal contribution by the students and therefore it would be unfair to award all students within the group the same mark, the marker will hold a meeting with relevant students to assess their understanding of the topic. Where extenuating circumstances mean that a student cannot participate in this summative group work, an equivalent piece of work will be set which would require an in-depth study of two contrasting approaches from literature through their application to a suitably sized case study and a report.
As the formative assessments in each of the units involve group work the students will still be able to gain relevant group work skills and meet the programme level ILOs even if they cannot complete a summative group work assessment in group work mode due to extenuating circumstances
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMSM0119).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
