Module 2 Part 2 Overview

Big ideas Module Overview

In this module we focus on authorization and various access control mechanisms to provide authorization. We examine the security principles that underlie good effective access control mechanisms.  We also learn about the basic file permissions in the Linux operating system .

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.

Learning outcomes Module Objectives

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

  1. Explain the role of access control in implementing information security, 
  2. Compare and contrast access control mechanisms including access control directory, matrix, list, and capabilities, 
  3. Examine the principles that underlie effective access control mechanisms 
  4. Demonstrate basic skills in setting up file permissions for access control in Linux.

To-dos Task List

The tasks included in this module are:

  1. Go over the presentation on authorization (aligned with MLO1, MLO2, MLO3, MLO4)
  2. Read the first section of the article "The Protection of Information in Computer Systems" by Saltzer and Schroeder (aligned with MLO3)
  3. Study the Linux File Permissions presentation under the Linux submodule (a video going over the slides is provided) (aligned with MLO4)
  4. Complete the discussion on principles in access control(aligned with MLO3)
  5. Complete  Lab 3 on access control (aligned with MLO4)
  6. Complete Quiz 3 (aligned with MLO1, MLO2, MLO3)