CS566 - Principles and Practices of Cyber Defense

Graduate-level course covering cybersecurity defense strategies, attack methodologies, and network security analysis

CS566 ODU Graduate

CS566 - Principles and Practices of Cyber Defense

Graduate-level course focusing on practical cybersecurity defense strategies, attack methodologies, and hands-on security analysis techniques.

Course Overview

This course provided comprehensive hands-on experience with cybersecurity defense principles, focusing on:

• Network Security Analysis: Understanding attack vectors and defensive measures
• Penetration Testing: Ethical hacking methodologies and vulnerability assessment
• Incident Response: Systematic approach to security breach investigation
• Defense Strategies: Multi-layered security architecture and implementation

Laboratory Work

Lab 2: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack Analysis

Comprehensive laboratory exercise demonstrating ARP poisoning attacks and defensive countermeasures, providing hands-on experience with network security vulnerabilities.

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Technical Skills Developed

Network Security Analysis

• Wireshark: Network packet analysis and traffic inspection
• Nmap: Network discovery and security scanning
• Metasploit: Penetration testing framework and exploit development
• Python/Scapy: Custom network tool development and packet crafting

Attack Methodologies

• ARP Poisoning: Layer 2 network attack implementation and detection
• MITM Attacks: Intercepting and analyzing network communications
• Social Engineering: Human-based attack vectors and countermeasures
• Vulnerability Assessment: Systematic security weakness identification

Defense Strategies

• Network Segmentation: Isolating critical systems and services
• Intrusion Detection: Implementing monitoring and alerting systems
• Incident Response: Coordinated response to security breaches
• Security Architecture: Designing resilient network infrastructures

Professional Applications

Skills from this course directly apply to:

• Security Operations Centers (SOC): Real-time threat monitoring and response
• Penetration Testing: Ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment services
• Incident Response Teams: Security breach investigation and remediation
• Network Administration: Secure infrastructure design and maintenance
• Cybersecurity Consulting: Risk assessment and security architecture advisory

Laboratory Outcomes

MITM Attack Simulation

• Successfully implemented ARP poisoning attack in controlled environment
• Analyzed intercepted network traffic for sensitive data exposure
• Developed detection methods using network monitoring tools
• Documented attack vectors and implemented defensive countermeasures
• Presented findings with risk assessment and mitigation strategies