Computer & Network Security #


This is the course website for the Fall 2026 offering of CSC/ECE 574 Computer & Network Security at North Carolina State University (NC State).

Computer & Network Security is a computer security course for graduate and advanced undergraduate students introducing the concepts and methods of human-centered cyber security research. Topics include the design, planning, execution, and statistical analysis of research studies.

Course NameComputer & Network Security
Course NumberCSC/ECE 574
SemesterFall 2026
FormatIn-person, recorded
Credits3
Meeting TimesMon, Wed 4:30pm – 5:45pm
Meeting LocationEB3 02207
InstructorDominik Wermke (Office hours)
ResourcesWebsite, Schedule, Policies, Moodle, Gradescope, Panopto, Ed Discussion

Course Overview #

Computer & Network Security provides a graduate-level introduction to computer and network security and privacy covering four key topic areas: basics of cryptography and crypto protocols, network security, systems security, and privacy. This is likely the first of a set of courses security PhD students and MS students who pursue the MS Track in Security will take, and it serves as an introduction to material that will be covered in later security electives in cryptography, network security, software security, systems security, and privacy.

It is also suitable as a single elective for MS students and PhD students who wish to enrich their education with an expanded base of computer security experience.

Staff #

Prof. Dr. Dominik Wermke
RoleInstructor
Emaildwermke@ncsu.edu
Webhttps://dwermke.com
https://www.csc.ncsu.edu/people/dwermke
Office Hoursonline, booked as 15 min slots
(See office hours for booking URL)
Xiang Lan
RoleTeaching Assistant
Emailxlan4@ncsu.edu
Office HoursPinned on Ed

Office Hours #

Prof. Wermke’s online office 15min slots scheduled via Google Calender:

Additional Materials #

Note: You should never need to pay to download an article from the reading (e.g., from the ACM Digital Library). If you are on campus, you won’t be prompted to purchase articles. If you are off campus, you can go through the University Library. Alternatively, you can use the library’s EZproxy.

Books that might provide some useful additional information and insights (but are not required for this course):

  • Paul C. Van Oorschot. Computer Security and the Internet: Tools and Jewels. Springer. 2020. Note: Author’s self-archived version is freely available.
  • Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World by Kaufman, Perlman, Speciner, and Perlman. 3rd Edition only. ISBN: 978-0136643609.
  • Ross Anderson. Security Engineering, 2nd Edition. Wiley. April 2008.
  • Alfred J. Menezes, Paul C. van Oorschot and Scott A. Vanstone. Handbook of Applied Cryptography. CRC Press. October 1996.

Further Resources #

Further resources for wellbeing:

Up-to-date overview at NC State’s “Academic and Student Affairs” website.