Vandalism in cyberspace:understanding and combating malicious software
On this page
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| 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) | |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
Register for the course
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No current presentation - see Future availability |
| This course is expected to run until October 2009. | |||
Summary
Computing is wonderful, but it has a dark side, including junk email (spam); hoax messages; malicious software; and electronic viruses, worms and 'Trojan horse' programs that invade and sometimes destroy your precious data. Most non-technical computer users feel powerless in the face of these threats, and some are terrified when a virus strikes. Starting from the view that fear is generally fear of the unknown, this ten-week online course demystifies malicious software (or malware) by explaining the threats posed by it and giving an insight into how such software works. It teaches you how to protect yourself in cyberspace and practise safe computing.
Course content
This course is aimed at the home user who wants to learn about protecting themselves and feeling safe when connecting to the internet. The idea is to empower users – so you are able to handle anything that may be detrimental to you or your computer system. IT support people in business may also find the course useful in helping to devise and implement a protection strategy for their place of work.
After studying the course you will understand:
- the differences between the various terms usually grouped by the media under the general heading of 'computer virus'
- how viruses, worms and trojans operate
- the driving forces behind spam and how it effects users' perceptions of the internet
- some theories about what motivates the authors of malicious software
- how to combat the problem in relation to your home or office
- how malicious software impacts on businesses in terms of cost, loss of confidence in IT systems, etc
- how legislation is being used to redress the problems caused by malicious software
- how to apply a systematic approach to identifying and addressing the risks to IT systems by malicious software.
There is no set book for this course. Instead your work is primarily centred round the course website, with some time spent reading the material supplied and carrying out internet-based activities. Approximately 10 hours study per week will be required, including time for exercises and assignments. The course is quite an intensive study experience. If you miss a week, especially near the beginning, you may find it hard to catch up.
This course is part of the Technology Faculty's Relevant Knowledge programme.
Entry
Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you to progress to courses at Level 2. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Preparatory work
Although you need not have had much experience with a computer, you will need to install software and get an account with an internet service provider (ISP) before the course begins. You also need to be able to manage your computer files competently and to use basic software such as a word processor and web browser. If you don’t feel comfortable about doing that on your own, you might want to take a basic introductory course at a local college before you start the course.
Qualifications
This course can count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change. It is up to you to ensure that you are properly informed about the circumstances in which the course can count towards these qualifications. You should think carefully about fitting 10 points into a degree that consists mostly of 30-point and 60-point courses.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer and the internet. If you use special hardware or software you must, well before the course begins, find out whether it will work with the course software. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Access to the course website; Online Applications CD-ROM which includes FirstClass® email and conferencing, web browser and web-authoring software and access to the OU Library.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
The course is taught entirely online. You will not have an individual tutor, but you can use the online forum to ask for help and advice about any aspect of the course. The forum will be overseen by experienced academic moderators. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the forum, because it is an excellent source of support and information.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You must use the online eTMA system to submit your end-of-course assessment (ECA).
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in May and October 2009 when it will be available for the last time. A replacement course is not planned.
How to register
We regret that we are currently unable to accept registrations for this course. Where the course is to be presented again in the future, relevant registration information will be displayed on this page as soon as it becomes available.
About this page
An undergraduate course.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Student Reviews
Fantastic course. Highly recommended. Workload was not too high, and for a non-techie, very very doable, and so easy to ...
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