CMP426 Network and Cyber Security
Network and Cyber Security notes
10 chapter notes, in syllabus order. Each starts with the key points.
Unit 1
Cyber Security Basics: Threats, Attacks, Defenses & ModelsUnit 1 of Network and Cyber Security introduces core concepts of cyber security, including threats, vulnerabilities, attacks, security models (CIA triad, AAA), and fundamental security principles. It covers real-world examples, security architectures, and the importance of cyber security in modern systems.12 min readUnit 2
Classical & Symmetric Cryptography: Ciphers, AES, DES, Block vs Stream ModesUnit 2 of Network and Cyber Security explores the foundations of cryptography—classical ciphers (Caesar, Vigenère, Playfair) and modern symmetric encryption (AES, DES, 3DES)—how they transform plaintext into ciphertext, their mathematical underpinnings, and real-world trade-offs between security and performance.9 min readUnit 3
Public Key Cryptography: RSA, ECC, Diffie-Hellman, Digital SignaturesUnit 3 of Network and Cyber Security explores asymmetric cryptography, covering RSA, ECC, Diffie-Hellman key exchange, and digital signatures, with real-world applications in secure communications, authentication, and blockchain.6 min readUnit 4
Hash Functions & Digital Signatures: How Data Integrity & Authenticity WorkUnit 4 of Network and Cyber Security explores hash functions (how data is condensed into fixed-size fingerprints) and digital signatures (how to prove authenticity and non-repudiation), including their cryptographic principles, attacks, and real-world applications in security protocols like TLS and blockchain.9 min readUnit 5
Authentication Protocols: Kerberos, CHAP, OAuth, SAML, RADIUS, BiometricsUnit 5 of Network and Cyber Security explores authentication protocols—how systems verify user identities securely. Learn Kerberos’ ticket-based logins, CHAP’s password hashing, OAuth’s token delegation, SAML’s XML assertions, RADIUS’ centralized access control, and biometric verification (fingerprint, retina). Include18 min readUnit 6
IPsec & TLS: Protocols Securing Data in TransitUnit 6 of Network and Cyber Security explores IPsec (securing IP packets) and TLS (securing web traffic), covering their architectures, modes, handshakes, and real-world deployment in banking, e-commerce, and VPNs—with visuals of packet formats, protocol flows, and hardware.11 min readUnit 7
Firewalls & Intrusion Detection: Rules, IDS/IPS, Honeypots & LogsUnit 7 of Network and Cyber Security covers firewalls (types, rules, packet filtering), intrusion detection systems (signature-based vs anomaly-based), honeypots, and log analysis—explaining how they protect networks from attacks like DDoS, malware, and unauthorized access, with real-world examples from Nepali and glob17 min readUnit 8
Web App Security: Attacks, Defenses & Secure CodingUnit 8 of Network and Cyber Security covers vulnerabilities in web apps (SQLi, XSS, CSRF), defense mechanisms (OWASP Top 10, WAFs), secure coding practices, and real-world case studies like eSewa breaches and Daraz payment hacks.17 min readUnit 9
Malware Analysis: Types, Behavior, Detection & Reverse EngineeringUnit 9 of Network and Cyber Security explores malware analysis techniques—how to classify, dissect, and mitigate malicious software threats like viruses, ransomware, and spyware. This note covers malware anatomy, static/dynamic analysis methods, reverse engineering basics, and real-world attack case studies (e.g., Emot14 min readUnit 10
Cyber Law & Digital Forensics: Acts, Evidence & InvestigationUnit 10 of Network and Cyber Security covers Nepal’s cyber laws (Electronic Transactions Act, Cyber Security Act), digital evidence rules, forensic investigation processes, and real-world case studies like eSewa frauds and Ncell SIM cloning. Learn how courts admit digital proof, how investigators recover deleted data, 10 min read