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PRT572 - Communications and Network Security Engineering

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Information Technology

Credit Points

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

This unit provides a broad introduction to data communication and network technology. It encompasses the structures, techniques, transport protocols and security measures used to provide security for transmissions over private and public communication networks. The unit focuses mainly on the issues around threats to network layer, including methods of identifying and countering them. Students will acquire skills on how to secure network infrastructures where legacy systems/applications are hosted. This unit will also demonstrate various open source network level penetration testing tools to identify the network security vulnerabilities. This unit covers the Communications and Networks Security domains of Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
The unit is reliant on on-line materials. Students must have access to a reliable high-speed broadband connection.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Critically analyse the hardware and software components of a network and their interrelationships.
2.	Develop solutions for networking security problems by balancing business concerns and technical issues.
3.	Critically analyse the security risks in the networks via common security testing techniques and methods.
4.	Work effectively to perform security assessments of the networks and prioritise the threats.
5.	Propose and implement security management in networks especially with legacy systems.
6.	Communicate technical information effectively to non-technical users especially at management level.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Capture the Flag (Up to 500 words)	10%	1,2,3
2.	Penetration testing report (3000 to 5000 words)	40%	3,4,5,6
3.	Presentation based on the penetration testing report(up to 10 minutes)	20%	3,4,5,6
4.	Timed Assessment (Online) (2 hours)	30%	1,2,3

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 2	Internal	CDU Sydney	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	Internal	Danala - Education and Community Precinct	OLR	View
2026	Semester 2	External	External Studies	OLR	View

* Timetable will be displayed in new tab or window depending on your browser's configuration; ensure Pop-ups are allowed for this site to view the timetable.

OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
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