Foundations of Computer Security

Overview

Overview text

Content

Course Information

• Staff
  • Instructor: Anwar Hithnawi
  • TAs: TODO
• E-mail: ahithnawi@cs.toronto.edu
• Time & Location:
  • Lecture: Time: Mon 9:00-11:00 am. Room BA1180
  • Discussion: Time: Wed 10:00-11. Room: BA1130
• Office Hours: By appointment. Use this link to book an appointment. TODO: Check link

Important Links

• Course Website: https://pps-lab.com/teaching/comsec
• Quercus (announcements): TODO

All course materials, including the schedule, lecture slides, and readings, will be available on the course website.

Prerequisites

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A general background in computer systems and cryptography is required. There is no required textbook for this course. For a refresher on security concepts, you can consult the Berkeley Introduction to Security Textbook and for cryptography, see A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography.

Course Evaluation

• Homework (10%)
  • Four homework assignments, weighted equally
  • Completed individually
  • No credit for late submissions unless an extension is granted
  • Graded via MarkUs
• Projects (20%)
  • Two projects:
    • Project 1 (10%)
    • Project 2 (10%)
  • Can be completed individually or in groups of 2
  • No credit for late submissions unless an extension is granted
  • Graded via MarkUs
• Midterm Exam (30%)
• Final Exam (40%)

Late Policy

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• Paper reviews: No reviews are accepted once the class has started. You may skip reviews for two papers without penalty.

• Project proposal and final report: If your project proposal or final report is submitted late, 20% will be deducted from the grade for each day it is overdue.

Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence

Large-language model-based tools (e.g., ChatGPT) can be very helpful, and you are encouraged to leverage them. However, please do not use them in any way that trivializes the assignments or bypasses the course's learning objectives. If you have doubts about permissible usage, please check with the instructor first.

Course Deadlines

Project 1: Secure Messaging System

Project 2: Vulnerability Detection Tool

Schedule and Readings

The schedule may be adjusted as the semester progresses; any changes will be announced in class and on Quercus. TODO check

(2h lecture per week; Mon 9-11 am; Room: BA 1180, 1h Discussion Wed 10-11 Room: BA 1130. Fall term – no class during UofT Reading Week in mid‑October)