Computer Systems Security

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via MIT OpenCourseWare

Overview

6.858 Computer Systems Security is a class about the design and implementation of secure computer systems. Lectures cover threat models, attacks that compromise security, and techniques for achieving security, based on recent research papers. Topics include operating system (OS) security, capabilities, information flow control, language security, network protocols, hardware security, and security in web applications.

Syllabus

1. Introduction, Threat Models.
2. Control Hijacking Attacks.
3. Buffer Overflow Exploits and Defenses.
4. Privilege Separation.
6. Capabilities.
7. Sandboxing Native Code.
8. Web Security Model.
9. Securing Web Applications.
10. Symbolic Execution.
11. Ur/Web.
12. Network Security.
13. Network Protocols.
14. SSL and HTTPS.
15. Medical Software.
16. Side-Channel Attacks.
17. User Authentication.
18. Private Browsing.
19. Anonymous Communication.
20. Mobile Phone Security.
21. Data Tracking.
22. Guest Lecture by MIT IS&T.
23. Security Economics.

Taught by

Prof. Nickolai Zeldovich

Reviews

4.5 rating, based on 41 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Computer Systems Security

MUSA LUKAS DAGATI @Mapesa

Course Title: Computer Systems Security Platform: MIT OpenCourseWare Rating: 5/5 I recently completed the "Computer Systems Security" course offered by MIT OpenCourseWare, and I found it to be an excellent resource for anyone interested in unders…

Course Title: Computer Systems Security

Platform: MIT OpenCourseWare

Rating: 5/5

I recently completed the "Computer Systems Security" course offered by MIT OpenCourseWare, and I found it to be an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of computer security.

One of the standout features of this course is the depth of coverage it provides on various aspects of computer security. The lectures cover a wide range of topics, including cryptography, network security, access control, and secure coding practices. The instructors present the material in a clear and concise manner, making complex concepts easy to understand.

Another strength of the course is the emphasis on hands-on learning. Throughout the course, students are presented with practical exercises and assignments that allow them to apply the concepts learned in lectures. These hands-on activities helped solidify my understanding of key security principles and techniques.

Additionally, I appreciated the quality of the supplemental resources provided, including lecture notes, readings, and additional materials. These resources helped reinforce the concepts covered in the lectures and provided further insight into the field of computer security.

One aspect that could be improved is the organization of the course materials. While the content itself is excellent, navigating through the lectures and supplementary materials can be challenging at times. A more structured approach to presenting the materials could enhance the overall learning experience.

Overall, I highly recommend the "Computer Systems Security" course on MIT OpenCourseWare to anyone interested in learning about computer security. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional looking to expand your knowledge, this course offers valuable insights and practical skills that are applicable in a variety of contexts.
JAWAD HASSAN KHAN @Jawadhassankhan

This course exceeded my expectations in every way. The content was well-structured, engaging, and covered all the essential topics thoroughly. The instructors were knowledgeable and approachable, making complex concepts easy to understand. I appreciated the practical examples and real-world applications, which enhanced my learning experience. The course materials were clear, and the interactive elements kept me engaged throughout. I now feel confident in applying what I've learned in real-life situations. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and skills. It's an investment well worth making!
Tasnim Ur Rahaman Anas @TasnimAnas

This Computer Systems Security was an amazing course! Learning from real-life examples made it interactive and enjoyable.
Muhammad Usman @musman5264

I had the opportunity to take the Computer Systems Security course offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through their OpenCourseWare platform, and I must say it was an outstanding learning experience. The course provided a comp…

I had the opportunity to take the Computer Systems Security course offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through their OpenCourseWare platform, and I must say it was an outstanding learning experience. The course provided a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts and techniques in computer systems security.

The course content was well-structured and covered a wide range of topics related to computer security, including authentication, access control, network security, software security, and cryptography, among others. The lectures were delivered by knowledgeable and engaging instructors who effectively conveyed complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. The course materials, including lecture slides, readings, and assignments, were easily accessible and supplemented the learning experience.
Luigi Gigliotti @lgkr07

ottimo ed esaustivo. sicuramente da consigliare per aggiornamenti relativi alla sicurezza informatica e su tutte le problematiche ad essa connessa
Aung Zaw Lwin Moe

The Computer Systems Security course offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) via MIT OpenCourseWare is an excellent resource for individuals interested in learning about computer security. The course covers a wide range of topics rela…

The Computer Systems Security course offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) via MIT OpenCourseWare is an excellent resource for individuals interested in learning about computer security. The course covers a wide range of topics related to computer security, including threat models, access control mechanisms, cryptography, and network security.

One of the strengths of this course is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Throughout the course, students have the opportunity to work on labs and assignments that allow them to apply the concepts they learn in class to real-world scenarios. This approach not only helps students better understand the material but also prepares them for practical challenges they may encounter in their professional careers.

Another notable aspect of this course is the quality of the instructors and the materials they provide. The lectures are clear and engaging, and the course notes and slides are well-organized and informative. Moreover, the instructors are highly knowledgeable in their respective areas of expertise and are available to answer questions and provide guidance to students as needed.

Overall, I highly recommend the Computer Systems Security course offered by MIT via MIT OpenCourseWare. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional looking to expand your knowledge of computer security, this course provides an excellent foundation for understanding key concepts and developing practical skills.
Kgomotso Hendrick Madisha

- "A good starting course to give people an understanding about cybersecurity." - "Cybersecurity has always been my preferred field. The Foundation of Cybersecurity course, in collaboration with Google, is exceptionally comprehensive, informative, a…

- "A good starting course to give people an understanding about cybersecurity."
- "Cybersecurity has always been my preferred field. The Foundation of Cybersecurity course, in collaboration with Google, is exceptionally comprehensive, informative, and intriguing."
- "The course is well-paced and they get you comfortable with the topics even though we do not have any sort of prior exposure in this field. It is very good for the beginners who are new to this field."
- "I highly appreciate Tony's nice way of introducing cybersecurity to us. Coursera platform is very powerful that allows interaction with the content easily."
- "Great introduction into the remaining courses. I love that there are different learning methods, i.e., audio and reading and that there are quizzes at the end of each to help you digest the information."
Taima Dshli

The "Computer Systems Security" course by MIT on MIT OpenCourseWare offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the principles and practices in computer security. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including threat models, cryptography, network security, and operating system security, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the field. The lectures are delivered by experts, providing valuable insights and real-world examples that enhance learning. Additionally, the course includes hands-on assignments and projects that facilitate practical application of theoretical concepts. Overall, it's an excellent resource for anyone serious about mastering computer systems security.
SRINIDHI S (RA2211030010098)

“In my study of Computer System Security, I learned the importance of protecting systems from threats like malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches. Key concepts such as the CIA Triad—Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability—help define how security measures should be applied. I also explored cryptography, including encryption and digital signatures, to ensure data protection. Additionally, I gained insight into authentication methods like passwords and biometrics, and how access control models like DAC and RBAC manage permissions. Overall, this subject has enhanced my understanding of building secure, resilient systems.”
Princy-Grace NDOUDI-BASSOUMBA

Ce cours est une ressource exceptionnelle pour quiconque souhaite approfondir ses connaissances en sécurité informatique. Les concepts sont expliqués de manière claire et les exemples pratiques permettent de mieux comprendre les enjeux réels de la cybersécurité. Le contenu est à jour et couvre des sujets allant des attaques réseau à la cryptographie, en passant par la gestion des accès. Il s'adresse aussi bien aux débutants qu'aux professionnels souhaitant renforcer leurs compétences. Je le recommande vivement à tous ceux qui veulent comprendre et sécuriser les systèmes informatiques modernes
DESU HARSHITH

Taking the Computer Systems Security course through MIT OpenCourseWare has been an enriching experience. This course provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of computer systems security, covering a wide range of topics essential for understanding and implementing effective security measures.

One of the highlights of the course is its structured approach, which begins with foundational concepts before delving into more advanced topics. The instructors at MIT have done an excellent job of breaking down complex ideas into digestible modules, making the content accessible to learners of all levels.
Shikin S

After watching the video, I found it informative and engaging. The content was well-structured, making it easy to follow and understand. The visuals were clear and complemented the narration effectively. The pacing was just right, keeping me interested throughout without feeling rushed. The speaker was knowledgeable and communicated the key points concisely. However, there were moments where more in-depth explanations could have added value. Overall, it was a valuable watch that provided useful insights and practical information. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.
Raphael Amofa-Baah

My review on a Computer Systems Security course I just took.
I recently completed a course on Computer Systems Security offered by an online platform. The course covered various topics such as cryptography, authentication, network security, web security, malware analysis, and system security. The course was well-structured and engaging. The instructors were knowledgeable and clear and helpful. I learned a lot from this course and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about computer systems security.
I really enjoyed the program. I will make time and do more and will also introduce it to others
Vaishu Narne

The MIT Computer Systems Security course is an exceptional offering for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of computer security. It is particularly beneficial for students and professionals aiming to specialize in this critical field. While the course is demanding, the knowledge and skills gained are well worth the effort. By the end of the course, students will have a robust foundation in computer systems security.
40 Justin Soni

The class was very detailed and organized. At times, I wish I had taken in a traditional manner because of the complexity of some of the topics. However, overall, I found it effective and I enjoyed it.

I liked being able to access info anytime of the day. I actually didn’t become as interested in the subject after all. I did have trouble with the speed of the course webpage, I have a high speed connection and I always had trouble with the webpage being too slow. I would have liked more extra credit opportunities.
Anonymous

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Ulugbek Kobilbekov

I found the course to be quite informative and engaging. It covers a wide range of topics, including current news and other relevant content, which has enriched my understanding. The structure and presentation are effective, making it a worthwhile learning experience overall.
John Doe

"Excellent cybersecurity course! Engaging instructors, hands-on labs, and relevant content. I gained valuable skills to protect against threats and vulnerabilities. Highly recommended!" (96 characters)
Anurag

concepts were easier to understand and the concepts are also in detailed which helps to learn in easy way. The security courses are specially designed for the people who arethe beginner .
Joseph Opiyo

Very interesting course takes dedication and hard work ,if you are focused enough you will finish and pursue your dreams in computer security system and Technology in general.