INFO 2004 Cyber Crime and Social Engineering

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102700

Coordinator Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

Description This subject focuses on both the theory and application of cyber crime and cybersecurity. More specifically, it focuses on the intersection between human behaviour, cyber crime, and cyber security with topics ranging from social engineering to organisational security infrastructure. It asks - What outcomes do cyber criminals seek? How can you protect yourself and your business from cyber crime? What methods do cyber criminals typically use to gain their desired outcomes? In this subject, cyber crime and cyber security is covered from both a theory-based and applied understanding of how to reduce the likelihood of or harm caused by cyber crime.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Security Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) -

Assumed Knowledge

A basic understanding of computer systems and network structures. This knowledge is gained as the student progresses through their first semester in the program with a start-year intake; or from the completion of two semesters in the program in the case of a mid-year intake. A basic understanding of core theories related to social and cognitive psychology is desirable but not essential.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Define cyber crime and cyber safety by its related theories, terms and methods of investigation.
  2. Compare and contrast cyber criminal practices with standard criminal practices.
  3. Describe effective interventions to reduce susceptibility and risk from cyber attacks on an individual or organisation.
  4. Evaluate the quality of organisational preparedness for cyber crime and susceptibility to different cyber criminal tools.
  5. Develop an approach to identifying and assessing weak points in organisational defences.

Subject Content

Introduction and History of Cyber Crime
Online Safety ? applied and theoretical perspectives
Cyber criminals and cyber crime practices
Vulnerability to cyber crime and social engineering attacks
Protection from cyber crime and social engineering attacks on individuals and organisations

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task Mandatory
Quiz 10 X 5 MCQ each 10 N Individual N
Final Exam 2 hours 40 N Individual N
Applied Project 2,000 words 35 N Group N
Portfolio 1,000 words 15 N Individual N

Prescribed Texts

  • Hadnagy, C. (2010). Social engineering: The art of human hacking. John Wiley & Sons
  • Alexandrou, A. (2021). Cybercrime and information technology: The computer network infrastructure and computer security, cybersecurity laws, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile devices. CRC Press.

Teaching Periods

WSU Online TRI-2 (2024)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

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Spring (2024)

Melbourne

On-site

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Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

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Summer (2024)

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

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Sydney City Campus - Term 1 (2025)

Sydney City

On-site

Subject Contact Alan Nixon Opens in new window

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WSU Online TRI-2 (2025)

Wsu Online

Online

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

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Sydney City Campus - Term 2 (2025)

Sydney City

On-site

Subject Contact Alan Nixon Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring (2025)

Melbourne

On-site

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Summer (2025)

Parramatta - Victoria Rd

On-site

Subject Contact Ala Al-Areqi Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window