This unit teaches the principles and practice of IT system support and security management. Topics include desktop computer support, server computer support, helpdesk operation, cryptography and its application, software security, network security, operating system security, trusted computing and multilevel security, privacy issues, and professionalism and professional ethics. The unit provides students with a sound knowledge of IT infrastructure and security. It also provides students with the skills of daily operation, i.e., the support and management of these systems. In addition, the unit promotes and strengthens important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.
This unit may be cotaught with 11488 Security and Support in IT.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Describe the basic concepts of various encryption algorithms and choose appropriate encryption algorithms for applications;
2. Review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise security threats, such as malicious software and DOS, and apply appropriate counter measures, such as firewall, multiple security models, and authentication and authorisation;
3. Plan and execute the basic tasks in managing IT infrastructure in a hypothetical or real case scenario, including desktop and server and computers, network, helpdesk operation, and security;
4. Perform independent research to deepen the understanding in a specific area or keep the pace with latest development in the fields; and
5. Further strengthen important generic skills, such as communication, analysis and inquiry, problem solving, independent and group working, and professionalism and social responsibility.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

11488 Security and Support in IT and 7167 Security and Support in IT .

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Basic understanding of IT systems, including computer hardware, network, operating systems, storage media, database, and programming.