Curriculum & Courses
Dakota State University utilizes the Defense in Depth model to provide a holistic view of information assurance, including people, process, and technology components. Effective computer security must consider all aspects of a computer system and any networks involved. Security professionals must have a wide range of technical expertise. The MSIA coursework will include the following topics:
- Computer Network Design
- Network Infrastructure (firewalls, routers, and control systems)
- Cryptography
- Intrusion detection and control
- User authorization and authentication
- Data integrity and disaster recovery
- Financial institution security requirements
- Legal aspects of computer security
- Security policy, procedures, and strategy
- Security audits assessment and penetration tests
- Software security
The MSIA curriculum was developed to address the technical skills identified by governmental organizations such as the United States Department of Defense and National Security Agency. The National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Committee of the National Security Agency have developed a common, agreed-upon body of knowledge to be covered in the information assurance area. The standards developed by the National Security Agency, known as NSTISSI 4011, were used as the model for the development of the MSIA program.
