DCU Masters Security & Forensics

petes2008

Hi,
i have recently deferred a place on the 2008 Post Grad course in DCU until Septmeber 09 due to work commitments. I was hoping to hear some feedback on students who are currently undertaking this course on a part-time basis just to find out some info on the amount of time/dedication required to stay on top of things whilst in full-time employment. I would also love to hear some feedback on the course content , is it interesting and do you think it will be relevent to your career once you have completed everything. Any feedback of any sort is greatly welcome.
Cheers.

H2G2

I have never heard of an MSc in IT Security & Infrastructure in DCU. Do you mean MSc in Security & Forensic Computing?

petes2008

Apologies, the MSc in Security & Forensic Computing is the course I was referring to.

H2G2

The Security & Forensic Computing - MSSF - has only just launched a part time option so I am not sure if there is much feedback from part time version. The full time stduent feedback is very positive. Its a good course, but a lot of work. Maybe try a post in DCU forum if no other replies here.

Gavin

It depends what you are interested in getting into after the course. It's not the most practical of courses in terms of coming out with immediately deploy-able skills in Computer Forensic analysis. E.g. You'd need to be trained up in Encase when you arrive into industry (if you don't know it already) The Network security aspect is somewhat weak, as DCU don't have network security experts. They do get a guy in to lecture and he's meant to be decent, but it's not as good as it could be.

However, it is a Masters at the end of the day and there is plenty of interesting stuff on the course. Secure Coding is good, the crypto courses are good. It is a lot of work, I don't know how the current part time people are going to manage it.

AARRRGH

I'm nearly certain Michael Scott (Elliptic Curve Cryptography expert) works for DCU, so I would imagine their cryptography courses are quite decent.

I haven't done their course, but I did do a MSc with a lot of crypto stuff (and did my thesis on Elliptic Curve Cryptography), so my advice to you would be to start learning the basics now if you are not too hot on cryptography and don't consider yourself a hard worker.

Start with this paper on DES (private key cryptography): http://billstclair.com/grabbe/des.htm

RSA (public key cryptography) is very straightforward so just google it.

Once you have a good understanding of both of those crypto systems (and the differences/advantages of private v public cryptography) implement both using C.

This will give you a very good grasp of what cryptography is all about and no doubt will cover quite a bit of what you're going to learn in DCU.

Gavin

AARRRGH wrote: »

I'm nearly certain Michael Scott (Elliptic Curve Cryptography expert) works for DCU, so I would imagine their cryptography courses are quite decent.

I don't know if this is relating to my comment re network security, so if not, I apologise. If it is, Mike is very strong on crypto, particularly implementation, as is David Gray and Angela Murphy, however there are no network security experts. Although I don't know if Mike is actually lecturing the crypto courses this year.

Start with this paper on DES (private key cryptography): http://billstclair.com/grabbe/des.htm

RSA (public key cryptography) is very straightforward so just google it.

Once you have a good understanding of both of those crypto systems (and the differences/advantages of private v public cryptography) implement both using C.

This will give you a very good grasp of what cryptography is all about and no doubt will cover quite a bit of what you're going to learn in DCU.

There's no need to do any of this. Jumping into RSA and elliptic curve stuff without understanding the number theory behind is not terribly productive. Number theory is comprehensively covered by Angela Murphy and provides a solid foundation for all the crypto in the course. She is very good actually, really brings things up from the absolute basics.

If you want to prepare yourself for the course, in as general a way as possible, your best bet is to get good at Java to handle DGray's security protocols and PKC. Familiarise yourself with C and ASM for secure coding. Purchase a comfortable pillow and alarm clock to wake you when your advanced programming lecture is finished. No, wait ! You are in luck, they seem to have scratched this incredibly boring subject.

The course looks better than it used to alright.

gavinfitz

I'm currently on enrolled on the 2008 Part Time MSc in Security & Forensics Computing.

I've just completed the first semester, and i will admit the course does take alot of work..

If you plan on enrolling, make sure you understand c programming, java script,
Understand how Processes work, assemby etc.
This all falls under the Secure Programming Subject...

The course itself is very well structured, and professionally ran.

I would definately reccomend you look at enrolling, but be aware this will take up alot of your spare time.

Luckily for me I have a relatively short commute to both work & college which helps.

The course runs 2 evenings a week 4-7... if your able to leave work early

ramblingcelt

UCD have a course on Computer forensics which is part-time but it is meant for those in law enforcement. It is not as cheap as the DCU one either but much more focused on forensics.

Much of what I have seen advertised tend to be Masters courses with a core forensics and lots of general security courses thrown in. Be clear what u want to do, security or forensics is my advice.

Worth asking where their graduates have gone.

PS nothing against DCU, did the Grad Dip in IT and was an excellent course. Still in IT 8 years later!

ramblingcelt

Just heard UCD will be doing a Master's in Business Forensics from this year. Again part-time but unlike their current MSc you will not need to be in Law Enforcement to be allowed sit the course. Some modules will focus more on business problems but the core is similar I am told.

ramblingcelt

UCD are doing a MSc by negotiated learning where you can choose your modules and allows you to pick forensic modules from UCD and to do the security modules from DCU. Fees are also 2000 euros.

Worth a look as there are some interesting modules.

magicwand

Will this area of forensic I.T take off in ireland in a few years do ye think? Is it a good area to get into?

ramblingcelt

magicwand wrote: »

Will this area of forensic I.T take off in ireland in a few years do ye think? Is it a good area to get into?

There will be an increased demand as more regulation from Europe comes in regarding data protection and the handling of financial data (see the Sarbanes Oxley Act from the US). The Gardai also have a need but you must be a Garda before you can work in the area for them.

The Big 4 consulting firms also have departments specialised in forensics where they investigate fraud etc. But forensics alone is not that well paid. It is when you can combine it with accounting qualifications or with other IT skills like penetration testing that you become more valuable.

Have a look at www.itjobswatch.com for current IT salaries in the UK. As a qualified specialist you would expect £30,000+ in the UK.

For a management role, say Chief Information Officer, the more understandng of the different areas of IT you have the better and forensics and security will play an increased role as our reliance on electronic data becomes absolute.