Network security: Focus on security, skills, and stability

Computer network security is a new and fast moving technology in the field of computer science. As such, the teaching of security is still a moving target. Security courses originally focused on mathematical and algorithmic aspects such as encryption and hashing techniques. However, as crackers hacked away at networks and systems, courses arose that emphasized the latest attacks. These attacks soon became out-of-date with security software responses. As security technology continues to mature, there is an emerging set of security techniques and skills. Network security skills emphasize business practices, legal foundations, attack recognition, security architecture, and network optimization. These skills tend to stabilize network security course(s). This paper summarizes skills relating to network security, and discusses active-learning exercises that assist students in learning these important skills.