Laboratory projects for promoting hands-on learning in a computer security course

Abstract

This paper describes two laboratory projects which were developed for use in a computer security course. The first project requires that students examine and analyze an existing computer network environment in order to find security flaws. A sample network environment containing numerous flaws was developed for this purpose. The second project requires students to analyze the security needs of a hypothetical college with respect to its academic computing network and establish a secure computing environment which meets those needs. The environment for both projects consisted of a network of IBM compatible computers running Artisoft's LANtastic Network Operating System for DOS.