From Nand and Utsav: We’re really excited to be teaching this course for the second year here at HKS! We’re doing this because we believe an understanding of computer systems, the Internet, and cyber-security is a key skill for managers and executives in business and government. In that spirit, expect a technical course with hands-on computer time. We can’t promise you’ll become a technologist or cyber security expert in two days, but we will give you a foundation of knowledge you can build upon.

Course Schedule

Thursday, September 12th (Bring a computer!)

4:30-5:45pm: Session 1, Computer and Network Fundamentals • Computer systems, LANs, WANs, the Internet, DHCP, and DNS

6:00-7:30pm: Session 2, Data and Software Security • Cryptography, vulnerabilities, exploits, malware, and antivirus **Homework: Listen to (or read) the Malicious Life podcast on the Conficker Worm (https://malicious.life/episode/conficker-worm). Prepare to discuss!

Friday, September 13th (Bring a computer!)

9:00-10:30am: Session 3, Protocols and Web Fundamentals • Routing, TCP/IP, HTTP, cookies, ports, and firewalls

10:45-12:00pm: Session 4, Personal Cybersecurity • Endpoint & web security, passwords in depth, and some advanced topics

12:00-1:00pm: Break for lunch

1:00-2:30pm: Session 5, Deep Dive on Cyber Threats • Common threats, command & control, and the Conficker case study

2:45-4:00pm: Session 6, Applied Offensive Cyber [Spear Phishing] • Target recon, attack infrastructure, social engineering, and email security

**Assignment: Deliver an effective spear phish!** (More details provided in Syllabus handout in class)