Module 2 Part 1 Overview

 Module Overview

In this module we present one of the five pillars of information assurance; namely, authentication. (The other pillars are confidentiality, integrity, availability, non-repudiation). We focus on different forms of authentication and learn about multi-factor authentication and mutual authentication and discuss pros and cons of biometric identification. Password storage and password cracking are also part of this module. Students experiment with creating users in the Linux operating system and apply some tools and techniques for cracking passwords in a  safe and secure environment.

Learning objectives for this module and the tasks you need to complete in this module are listed below. Along with each task you need to complete, the module learning objectives (MLOs) that it aligns with are indicated in parentheses at the end of the item.

 Module Learning Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

1. Explain the role of identification and  authentication in information security,  
2. Explain pros and cons of various types of authentication mechanisms including biometric authentication, 
3. Distinguish multi-factor authentication from non-multi-factor authentication,
4. Distinguish mutual authentication from multi-factor authentication, 
5. Explain password storage mechanisms and attacks against passwords,
6. Demonstrate basic skills in creating user accounts and groups in the Linux operating system, 
7. Apply password cracking techniques in an isolated secure environment, 

 Task List

The tasks included in this module are:

1. Go over the presentation on authentication, (aligned with MLO1, MLO2, MLO3)
2. Study the Linux Users and Groups presentation under the Linux submodule (a video going over the slides is provided), (aligned with MLO6)
3. Go over the pdf file on password storage and cracking, (aligned with MLO5)
4. Complete lab  on password cracking. (aligned with MLO5, MLO6, MLO7)
5. Complete Quiz 2 (aligned with MLO1, MLO2, MLO3,MLO4, MLO5)