vcc.ca
CSTP 2220: Computer Security
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Computer Systems Tech Diploma
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
Students learn the fundamentals of computer security, building on skills learned in CSTP 1202, Data Communication and Networking. They learn the principles of computer and information security in general, and are familiarized with the fundamentals of designing secure hardware and software systems.
Students learn security policies, cryptography, authentication, data protection, access control, and software security. They learn the principles, practices, and analysis methods of secure software systems. Students also study security attacks, intrusions, security measures, evaluation techniques and security enhancement techniques.
Topics covered in detail include cryptographic protocols, authentication and access control, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and security enhancement technologies.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
CSTP 1202 or equivalent, taken prior to or concurrently.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe fundamental security concepts
- Describe security policies in organizational IT infrastructures
- Apply the principles of security design
- Explain the concepts of cryptographic protocols, tools, and algorithms
- Describe access control, authentication and account management
- Evaluate security certificates
- Explain security compliance and operational security
- Implement cryptographic algorithms
- Troubleshoot and manage security incidents
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies include classroom lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, computer labs and hands-on practical work.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
30 |
Labs and assignments |
|
Project |
30 |
A project which implements a popular security framework in the context of Window, web, or mobile application. |
|
Midterm Exam |
20 |
|
|
Final Exam |
20 |
|
Course topics
- Security Fundamentals
- Security threats and vulnerabilities
- Data, application and host security
- Network security
- Access control, authentication and account management
- The use of certificates
- Compliance and operational security
- Cryptographic algorithms and implementation
- Risk management
- Troubleshooting and managing security incidents
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.