CQUniversity Unit Profile
COIT20263 Information Security Management
Information Security Management
All details in this unit profile for COIT20263 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit provides you with a thorough understanding of the managerial aspects of information security in a business organisation. You will complement your existing knowledge of information and communication technologies by studying the organisational and management issues relevant to information security. You will learn about the importance of information security plans, security risk management and compliance monitoring, and develop and apply security policies and best practices. Through case studies, you will consider information security strategies that support business objectives while being aware of legal and ethical obligations. As a result, you will have the knowledge and skills to contribute to information security governance in accordance with standards set by governments, professional bodies and industry.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 9
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Prerequisite: COIT20261 Network Routing and Switching

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2024

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. In-class Test(s)
Weighting: 30%
2. Presentation
Weighting: 30%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Teaching Team and Discipline Lead

Feedback

Individual contributions are not evaluated in the group assessment.

Recommendation

Incorporate evaluation of group members' contributions and reflection into the group assessment.

Feedback from Student Feedback

Feedback

An oral assessment could be considered in the written report of the final assessment.

Recommendation

Introduce an oral assessment (viva) into the evaluation process of the written report (final assessment).

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Develop security policies and program for an organisations based on national and international standards and industry's best practice
  2. Apply appropriate security control mechanism to protect critical infrastructure
  3. Assess security risks and develop risk management strategies for an organisation
  4. Justify appropriate risk treatment options
  5. Integrate laws and ethics of information security management into the organisation's security framework.

The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association for Australia's ICT sector, recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is adopted by organisations, governments, and individuals in many countries and provides a widely used and consistent definition of ICT skills. SFIA is increasingly being used when developing job descriptions and role profiles. ACS members can use the tool MySFIA to build a skills profile.
 
This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA8. The SFIA code is included:
  • Information Management (IRMG)
  • Information Security (SCTY)
  • Risk Management (BURM);
  • Continuity Management (COPL)
  • Methods and Tools (METL)

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework defines knowledge, skills and tasks needed to perform various cyber security roles. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the NICE Framework is used by organisations to plan their workforce, including recruit into cyber security positions.

This unit helps prepare you for roles such as Systems Security Analyst, Network Operations Specialist and Systems Administrator, contributing to the following knowledge and skills:

  • K0002 Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk).
  • K0003 Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and ethics as they relate to cybersecurity and privacy.
  • K0004 Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles.
  • K0038 Knowledge of cybersecurity and privacy principles used to manage risks related to the use, processing, storage, and transmission of information or data.
  • K0040 Knowledge of vulnerability information dissemination sources (e.g., alerts, advisories, errata, and bulletins).
  • K0263 Knowledge of information technology (IT) risk management policies, requirements, and procedures.
  • K0267 Knowledge of laws, policies, procedures, or governance relevant to cybersecurity for critical infrastructures.
  • K0276 Knowledge of security management.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - In-class Test(s) - 30%
2 - Presentation - 30%
3 - Written Assessment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

MANAGEMENT OF INFORMATION SECURITY

Edition: 6th (2018)
Authors: Michael E. Whitman & Herbert J. Mattord
Cengage Learning
Boston Boston , MA , USA
ISBN: 9781337405713
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Salahuddin Azad Unit Coordinator
s.azad@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 04 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Introduction to Information Security


Social Engineering Attacks

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Security Vulnerabilities, Threats, and Countermeasures

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Managing Identity and Authentication

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2024

Module/Topic

Controlling and Monitoring Access

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Security Assessment and Testing

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 - In-class Test 1 Due: Week 5 During Tutorial

Vacation Week Begin Date: 08 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

- MID-TERM BREAK -

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 15 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Managing Security Operations

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Compliance: Law and Ethics

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2024

Module/Topic

Security Governance, Principles and Policies

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 - In-class Test 2 Due: Week 8 During Tutorial

Week 9 Begin Date: 06 May 2024

Module/Topic

Risk Management Concepts (Part 1)

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 2 Due: Week 9 Monday (6 May 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 13 May 2024

Module/Topic

Risk Management Concepts (Part 2)

Personnel Security

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 20 May 2024

Module/Topic

Protecting Security of Assets

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 - In-class Test 3 Due: Week 9 During Tutorial

Week 12 Begin Date: 27 May 2024

Module/Topic

Preventing and Responding to Incidents 

Chapter

Online resources supplied

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 3 - Oral Assessment Due: Week 12 During Tutorial


Assessment 3 Due: Week 12 Monday (27 May 2024) 9:00 am AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 03 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2024

Module/Topic

No final exam in this unit

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

Contact information for Dr Salahuddin Azad:

Email: s.azad@cqu.edu.au; Office: Level 6, 120 Spencer Street, Melbourne Vic 3000; P +61 3 9616 0680 | X 50680.

If you have any queries, please email me and I will get back to you within one business day or so. For an individual discussion, please ring me during business hours (or leave a message if I am not in) and I will return your call as soon as possible.

The following book will be used as an supplementary textbook:

Chapple, M. Stewart, J. M. and Gibson D. (2021). Certified Information Systems Security Professional Official Study Guide. 9th ed. Sybex.

Assessment Tasks

1 In-class Test(s)

Assessment Title
Assessment 1

Task Description

This is an individual assessment.

In this assessment, there will be three in-class tests: In-class Test 1, In-class Test 2, and In-class Test 3 in Week 5, Week 8, and Week 11. Each in-class test will carry 10 marks.

The in-class tests will assess your knowledge and understanding of security vulnerabilities, countermeasures, security controls, security assessments, managing security operations, risk assessments, risk management frameworks, security governance, policies, and ethics, laws and compliance.

In each in-class test, you will first complete an online quiz on Moodle during the tutorial. Afterwards, your tutor will interview individual students to check their understanding. Online students will be contacted by the Unit Coordinator to schedule in-class tests via Zoom. In that case, it will be mandatory to have your webcam on during the whole session.

Further detail of this assessment will be provided on the Moodle unit website.


Assessment Due Date

In-class Test 1 will be conducted in Week 5, In-class Test 2 will be conducted in Week 8, and In-class Test 3 will be conducted in Week 11.


Return Date to Students

The marks and feedback will be returned within 2 weeks after the completion of respective in-class test.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will assess your knowledge and understanding of security vulnerabilities, countermeasures, security controls, security assessments, managing security operations, risk assessments, risk management frameworks, security governance, policies, and ethics, laws and compliance.

The detailed marking criteria will be provided on the Moodle unit website.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
You will individually complete three in-class quizzes via Moodle.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop security policies and program for an organisations based on national and international standards and industry's best practice
  • Assess security risks and develop risk management strategies for an organisation
  • Justify appropriate risk treatment options
  • Integrate laws and ethics of information security management into the organisation's security framework.


Graduate Attributes

2 Presentation

Assessment Title
Assessment 2

Task Description

This is a group assessment. Students must form teams of at least 3 students and a maximum of 4 students, with any larger teams at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator.

For this assessment, you are required to work in a group to develop and deliver a presentation on an information security topic. You will be provided a list of topics to choose from for your presentation. You will conduct research on the chosen topic and present your findings in the presentation.

The presentations will be conducted during the tutorials in Week 9 and Week 10. Online students will be contacted by the Unit Coordinator to schedule presentations via Zoom. When the presentation is conducted via Zoom, it is mandatory to have your webcam on during the presentation. The presentation file must be submitted to Moodle by Monday Week 9.

Further detail of this assessment will be provided on the Moodle unit website.  


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Monday (6 May 2024) 9:00 am AEST

The presentation file must be submitted to Moodle by the above due date and time.


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Monday (20 May 2024)

The marks and feedback will be returned within 2 weeks after the submission due date.


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will assess your knowledge on security risks, security controls, security governance, policies, and ethics, laws and compliance, and capacity to apply that knowledge .


The detailed marking criteria will be provided on the Moodle unit website.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Each of you in the group must submit the same presentation file to Moodle as a .ppt file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Develop security policies and program for an organisations based on national and international standards and industry's best practice
  • Apply appropriate security control mechanism to protect critical infrastructure
  • Integrate laws and ethics of information security management into the organisation's security framework.


Graduate Attributes

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assessment 3

Task Description

This is a group assessment. Students must form teams of at least 3 students and a maximum of 4 students, with any larger teams at the discretion of the Unit Coordinator. 

There are two parts of this assessment task - Part A and Part B. It is mandatory to attempt both parts to complete this assessment.

Part A:  Written Report

For this part, you will be required to produce a written report, completing a few tasks on the security controls, security risk assessment and risk treatment. You may need to apply international standards such as NIST Cybersecurity Framework,  or ISO/IEC standards to produce your report. The written report is due on Monday Week 12

Although this is a group assessment, the marks might vary based on the individual contribution. In your final report, you need to clearly provide information regarding each group members contribution, peer evaluation of group members contribution, and reflection on your group experience.

Part B: Oral Assessment

There will be an oral assessment on the written report, during which you will need to answer questions about your written report verbally. The purpose of the oral assessment is to clarify the your understanding of the written report.

For on-campus students, the viva will be conducted face-to-face during the tutorial in Week 12. Online students will be contacted by the Unit Coordinator to schedule a oral assessment session. When the oral assessment is conducted via Zoom, it is mandatory to have your webcam on during the conversation.

Further details of this assessment task will be provided on the Moodle unit website.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Monday (27 May 2024) 9:00 am AEST

The written report must be submitted to Moodle by the above due date and time.


Return Date to Students

The marks and feedback will be returned on the day of certification of grades.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

This assessment will assess your knowledge on risk assessments, security controls, and capacity to apply appropriate risk treatment options .


The detailed marking criteria will be provided on the Moodle unit website.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Each of you in the group must submit the same written report to Moodle as a Microsoft Word file.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply appropriate security control mechanism to protect critical infrastructure
  • Assess security risks and develop risk management strategies for an organisation
  • Justify appropriate risk treatment options


Graduate Attributes

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?