Module Details

Module Code: ADMN
Module Title: Secure Systems Administration
Title: Secure Systems Administration
Module Level:: 7
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Nigel Whyte
Module Author:: Michael Gleeson
Domains:  
Module Description: To provide learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for deploying and
administering a secure computer domain.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain best practice as related to managing and administering systems and services securely.
LO2 Compare and contrast client/server and peer to peer system architecture.
LO3 Integrate directory services, DNS, DHCP and a web server to provide domain services as part of a computer system.
LO4 Create and implement robust computer security policies manually and via scripting.
LO5 Interpret the role of regulation such as GDPR, as it applies to system administration.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Server Systems
Analysing operating systems software capable of providing an array of secure services to clients. Investigating the requirements of the software and the limitations of the operating system. Evolution of server software releases and determining the version to implement.
Security Policy
Security policy standards and governance. Information security, network security, non-technical security. Policy types and examples. Contingency planning and security policy enforcement.
Directory Services
Directory services model, functionality and structure. Example implementations of LDAP and tree designs (root, branches and leaf objects). Objects, schema and organisational units.
DNS
Role of DNS and decentralised structure. Root servers and zones. DNS namespace forward and reverse lookups. Authoritative vs. Non-authoritative. Recursive vs. Non-recursive. Security issues with DNS.
DHCP
DHCP role in a network, static vs dynamic addressing. DHCP operating and interaction. Configuration of service and creation of scopes. Security issues with DHCP.
Web Server
Implementation of HTTP and HTTPS. URI, URL and URNs. HTML and GET/POST requests. HTTP status codes. Vulnerabilities of HTTP.
Securing Systems
Securing servers and systems, server OS and application hardening. Examining and protecting against common vulnerabilities on a domain.
Scripting
Automation and configuration via a command line interpreter/scripting environment. Pipelines and filtering. Testing and securing systems using shell tools and utilities.
Legal Regulations
Examination, analysis and interpretation of relevant legislation such as GDPR, as it applies to the role of a systems administrator.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Project40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Diagnostic Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Systems Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 40
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
End of Semester Exam
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
Reassessment Description
Repeat Exam (100%)

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Laboratory Contact Lab 12 Weeks per Stage 4.00 48
Tutorial Contact Support Tutorial 12 Weeks per Stage 1.00 12
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent learning 15 Weeks per Stage 11.87 178
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bekim Dauti. (2019), Windows Server 2019 Administration Fundamentals, 2nd. [ISBN: 1838550917].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: