12-08-2014, 01:15 PM
SEMINAR REPORT ON USING WEBCASTS TO TEACH COMPUTER SECURITY
USING WEBCASTS TO TEACH.pdf (Size: 28.32 KB / Downloads: 20)
ABSTRACT
Computer security classes can be enhanced by listening to or viewing webcasts.
Through webcasts students can learn about current security trends from experts.
This paper discusses of variety of sources of webcasts and how they can be
used to spice up a computer security class.
INTRODUCTION
The learning experience in computer security courses can be enhanced using digital
media. A previous paper [4] described how YouTube videos can be used to demonstrate
various security tools such as nmap, netcat, EnCase, and Wireshark. Live in-class
demonstrations of tools take a lot of setup time and are prone to glitches. "Videos present
a security professional applying a specific tool in an environment that would take a lot of
time and effort to replicate".
Webcasts, webinars, and podcasts are another form of digital media that can be used
to enhance a computer security course. "A webcast is a media presentation distributed
over the Internet." [1] "The term webinar is short for Web-based Seminar, a presentation,
lecture, workshop or seminar that is transmitted over the Web". [2] "A podcast is a type
of digital media consisting of an episodic series of files (either audio or video) subscribed
to and downloaded through web syndication." [3] Webcasts and webinars are often used
interchangeably. Podcasts can be downloaded and played on portable media players. For
simplicity, the term webcast will be used in this paper.
Computer security is a dynamic field. Through webcasts students can learn about
current trends, hear from experts, and see what vendors are offering for security solutions.
WEBCASTS TO TEACH INFORMATION SECURITY
Live webcasts are difficult for scheduling. Many webcasts are archived and can be
listened to or watched on demand. There are a variety of sources for webcasts. Some
come from vendors. These are often informational but can involve sales pitches. I will
describe some of the web site I use for webcasts to teach computer security
OWASP Podcasts
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) provides a number of
resources for developers that are useful especially in a software security class. OWASP's
website has 90 podcasts [8] on various topics in software security. I cover the OWASP
Top 10 Most Critical Web Application Security Risks [9] in my software security course,
but also in my computer security course when we discuss application and web security.
I assign OWASP podcast 67 on Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), which is the second ranked
OWASP Top 10 vulnerability. I also assign podcast 62 on Web Application Firewalls
(WAF) and podcast 68 Cryptographic Storage.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
New issues are continually arising in cyber security. Issues involving the cloud,
mobile devices, and social media are current topics of discussion in the security
community. Viewing webcasts is a form of continuing education to keep current and to
bring the latest topics in information security into your class.
CONCLUSION
I continue to find new webcast web sites that can be used to teach computer security.
I maintain a "Webcasts for Teaching Computer Security" web page. [16] While webcasts
represent only a small part of my computer security and software security classes, they
afford my students the opportunity to hear from experts discussing the latest issues in
information security. These webcasts provide a break from traditional lectures, labs, and
homework assignments. They point students to resources where they can continue their
education once they obtain their degrees. They help introduce students to the information
security profession.