Information Security as a Social Science
Instructors
Course Description
Most information security textbooks address security as the study of building operating systems and networks that can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in they work with. They may also examine mechanisms through which one system can verify properties of information received from other systems (e.g. who actually sent it).
No real system will be secure if those who design it, purchase it, deploy it, and use it dont have the knowledge or incentives to ensure that the system remains secure. Economic and psychological forces often have a far greater effect on the overall security of a system than choice of cryptography or the strength of the operating systems security primitives.
In this course we will study information security from a social science perspective, focusing on the economics, psychology, and studies of security usability. The readings have been selected to provide a wide cross-section of work in these areas. They have also been selected to include works that are both groundbreaking and entertaining.
This two-week course will be taught in English, offered for a single credit, and will be graded pass-fail.
Class Dates
2008 February 11, 13, 15, 18, & 22 from 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Prerequisites
- Must be willing to read, discuss, and present in English.
- Experience reading academic papers is recommended.
Language
English
Assignments
- Ten academic papers to read (two per class)
- One thirty minute presentation of one of the course readings
- One short final paper or study plan
Lecture Notes
Readings
Feb. 13 (Wed), 2008
Feb. 15 (Fri), 2008
Feb. 18 (Mon), 2008
Feb. 20 (Wed), 2008
Feb. 22 (Fri), 2008