- introduction to computer security
- introduction to cryptography
- authentication, access control, security models
- intrusion detection, firewalls
- malware: virus/worms/troyans
- web attacks
- buffer overflow attacks
- human factors, security audits, and social manipulation
- selected current security related problems and technologies
DD2395 Computer Security 6.0 credits
Overview of computer/cybersecurity (6 ECTS). Taught together with DD2391 Cybersecurity overview, with overlapping content. The courses can thus not be combined, i.e., one cannot receive credits for both courses.
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus DD2395 (Autumn 2025–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus DD2395 (Autumn 2025–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
After passing the course, the student should be able to:
- identify threats against confidentiality, integrity and availability in digital systems
- explain basic terminology and concepts in computer security and use them
- find and use documentation of security related problems and tools
- analyse simple program code and system descriptions to identify vulnerabilities and predict their corresponding threats
- select countermeasures against identified threats and argue for their suitability
- compare countermeasures and evaluate their side effects,
- present and explain their reasoning to others,
in order to
- be able to develop software and computer systems with security in mind
- enable those interested to move on and specialise in the field of cybersecurity.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Knowledge and skills in programming covering 5 credits, equivalent to completed course DD1337/DD1310-DD1319/DD1321/DD1331/DD100N/ID1018.
Knowledge in algorithms and data structures, at least 6 higher education credits, equivalent to completed course DD1338/DD1320-DD1328/DD2325/ID1020/ID1021.
Recommended prerequisites
Internet protocols and principles, basics of command-line interface and operating systems, and general programming skills are prerequisites. Web programming (html, javascript, sql) knowledge is needed for lab exercises.
Literature
You can find information about course literature either in the course memo for the course offering or in the course room in Canvas.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
The exam is written.
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
Computer Science and Engineering
Education cycle
Second cycle
Supplementary information
In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see:
http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex