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M-TECH in Computer Science And Engineering Information Security at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Computer Science and Engineering – Information Security at National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal Dakshina Kannada?
This Computer Science and Engineering – Information Security program at National Institute of Technology Karnataka focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in protecting digital assets. Given India''''s rapid digitalization and growing cyber threats, this specialization is highly relevant, addressing the critical demand for cybersecurity professionals across various sectors. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on experience in securing complex information systems.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates, particularly those with a background in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, or related fields, who possess a strong aptitude for problem-solving and an interest in cybersecurity. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring to enter the cybersecurity domain as well as working professionals looking to upskill and specialize in information security to advance their careers in the Indian tech industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths such as Security Analysts, Penetration Testers, Security Architects, Cryptographers, and Cyber Forensic Experts. With a significant skill gap in cybersecurity, particularly in India, these roles command competitive salaries, ranging from INR 6-12 LPA for entry-level to significantly higher for experienced professionals in leading IT firms, financial institutions, and government agencies like CERT-In. The program also prepares students for industry certifications and higher research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Computer Science Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to building a strong foundation in Discrete Mathematics, Advanced Data Structures, and Operating Systems. These core subjects are critical for understanding the underlying principles of information security. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses, MOOCs on Coursera/edX, and problem-solving platforms like HackerRank or GeeksforGeeks to practice concepts and develop strong analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera/edX, GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank
Career Connection
A solid foundation is essential for excelling in advanced security topics and forms the basis for technical interview rounds in product and service-based companies.
Develop Hands-on Lab Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in and go beyond the syllabus for the Advanced Data Structures Lab and Information Security Lab. Experiment with different algorithms, tools, and techniques. Focus on understanding the practical implications of theoretical concepts like cryptographic primitives and vulnerability assessment. Consider setting up personal labs using virtual machines for safe experimentation.
Tools & Resources
VirtualBox/VMware, Kali Linux, Wireshark, OpenSSL
Career Connection
Practical skills are highly valued in the cybersecurity industry. Early hands-on experience translates directly into better performance in technical tasks and project-based interviews.
Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups with classmates to discuss complex topics, solve problems collaboratively, and prepare for exams. Teaching concepts to others can deepen your own understanding. Participate in department seminars and workshops to expand your knowledge base beyond regular classes and network with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative whiteboards, Online forums, Departmental technical clubs
Career Connection
Effective communication and teamwork are crucial in professional environments. Peer learning enhances these soft skills while reinforcing academic understanding.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Security Certifications- (Semester 3-4)
Alongside your coursework, prepare for industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications. Options include CompTIA Security+, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), or relevant vendor-specific certifications. These certifications validate your skills to potential employers and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
Tools & Resources
Official certification study guides, Practice labs (e.g., virtual labs for CEH), Online training platforms
Career Connection
Certifications significantly boost your resume, providing a competitive edge in the Indian job market for roles like Security Analyst, Network Security Engineer, and Penetration Tester.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Open Source Contributions- (Semester 3-4)
Apply your knowledge by working on mini-projects related to information security, either individually or in small teams. Explore areas like secure coding practices, building secure web applications, or developing intrusion detection scripts. Contribute to open-source security projects to gain practical experience and showcase your skills to the community and potential employers.
Tools & Resources
GitHub/GitLab, Python/Java security libraries, Vulnerable web applications (e.g., DVWA)
Career Connection
Strong project experience and open-source contributions are excellent portfolio builders, demonstrating practical application of skills to recruiters and helping secure internships and full-time positions.
Participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions- (Semester 3-4)
Regularly engage in CTF competitions and hacking challenges. These events provide hands-on experience in various cybersecurity domains like cryptography, reverse engineering, web exploitation, and forensics in a competitive, real-world scenario. They help in developing problem-solving abilities under pressure and expose you to new attack vectors and defense mechanisms.
Tools & Resources
CTF platforms (e.g., CTFtime.org), Security tools (e.g., Metasploit, Nmap)
Career Connection
CTF participation is a clear indicator of practical skills and passion for cybersecurity, highly regarded by security firms. It also helps network with security enthusiasts and professionals.
Advanced Stage
Focus on a Specialised Major Project- (Semester 3-4)
For your Major Project (Part A & B), choose a topic that aligns with a specific area of Information Security you wish to specialize in, such as Blockchain Security, AI/ML in Security, or IoT Security. Aim for a project with real-world impact or research potential. Work closely with your faculty advisor and potentially collaborate with industry mentors to ensure your project is cutting-edge and relevant.
Tools & Resources
Academic research papers, Industry reports, Specialized software/hardware platforms
Career Connection
A strong major project can be a gateway to research opportunities, advanced roles, or even entrepreneurship in your chosen niche. It also forms a major talking point in placement interviews.
Seek Industry Internships and Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Actively apply for internships at cybersecurity companies, government organizations, or IT firms with dedicated security teams. Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, expose you to corporate culture, and are often a direct path to full-time employment. Attend industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to network with professionals and stay updated on emerging trends.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Company career portals, Cybersecurity conferences (e.g., c0c0n, Nullcon)
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for gaining practical experience and making industry connections. Networking can lead to mentorship, job referrals, and insights into career opportunities.
Intensive Placement Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Prepare rigorously for placements by practicing technical questions, aptitude tests, and mock interviews tailored for cybersecurity roles. Refine your resume to highlight your projects, certifications, and skills relevant to information security. Also, focus on developing strong communication and presentation skills, as these are vital for technical discussions and professional interactions.
Tools & Resources
Interview preparation platforms (e.g., LeetCode, InterviewBit), Resume builders, Mock interview sessions with career services
Career Connection
Thorough preparation directly impacts your success in securing top placements at leading companies, ensuring a strong start to your professional journey in cybersecurity.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E. / B.Tech. or equivalent degree in Computer Science and Engineering / Computer Engineering / Information Technology / Electronics and Communication Engineering / Electrical and Electronics Engineering / Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering / Information Science and Engineering with 6.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) or 60% for General/OBC/EWS candidates, and 6.0 CGPA or 55% for SC/ST/PwD candidates. A valid GATE score in CS.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 73 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS7001 | Mathematics for Computer Science | Core | 3 | Discrete Probability, Graph Theory, Linear Algebra, Number Theory and Cryptography, Mathematical Logic, Abstract Algebra |
| CS7002 | Advanced Data Structures | Core | 3 | Review of Data Structures, Advanced Trees, Heaps and Priority Queues, Hashing and Skip Lists, Amortized Analysis, Disjoint Set Data Structures |
| CS7003 | Foundations of Information Security | Core | 3 | Security Goals and Attack Surface, Cryptographic Primitives, Authentication and Access Control, Network Security Fundamentals, Software Security, Operating System Security |
| CS7004 | Advanced Operating Systems | Core | 3 | Distributed Operating Systems, Process Management in Distributed Systems, Distributed File Systems, Distributed Shared Memory, Distributed Deadlock Detection, Security in Distributed Systems |
| CS7005 | Advanced Data Structures Lab | Lab | 2 | Implementation of Trees, Graph Algorithms, Hashing Techniques, Amortized Analysis Applications, Disjoint Set Operations |
| CS7006 | Information Security Lab | Lab | 2 | Cryptographic Algorithms Implementation, Network Scanning Tools, Vulnerability Assessment, Access Control Configuration, Firewall Rules |
| CS7000 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core | 2 | Introduction to Research Methodology, Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Scientific Writing and Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights, Patents and Trademarks |
| CS70XX | Elective-I | Elective | 3 | Specialized topics based on chosen elective |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS7007 | Cryptography and Network Security | Core | 3 | Classical Cryptography, Symmetric-key Cryptography, Asymmetric-key Cryptography, Hash Functions and Digital Signatures, Network Security Protocols (IPSec, SSL/TLS), Email and Web Security |
| CS7008 | Information Systems Security | Core | 3 | Information Security Principles, Access Control Models, Database Security, Cloud Security, Mobile Security, Security Auditing and Risk Management |
| CS7009 | Secure Software Design and Engineering | Core | 3 | Software Security Principles, Threat Modeling and Security Requirements, Secure Coding Practices, Vulnerability Analysis, Secure Software Development Lifecycle, Testing for Security |
| CS7010 | Advanced Cryptography Lab | Lab | 2 | Implementation of Symmetric Ciphers, Implementation of Asymmetric Ciphers, Digital Signature Schemes, Key Exchange Protocols, Secure Communication using APIs |
| CS7011 | Information System Security Lab | Lab | 2 | SQL Injection Attacks and Defenses, Cross-Site Scripting Exploits, Web Server Security Configuration, Intrusion Detection System Deployment, Digital Forensic Tools |
| CS70XX | Elective-II | Elective | 3 | Specialized topics based on chosen elective |
| CS70XX | Elective-III | Elective | 3 | Specialized topics based on chosen elective |
| CS70XX | Elective-IV | Elective | 3 | Specialized topics based on chosen elective |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS70XX | Elective-V | Elective | 3 | Specialized topics based on chosen elective |
| CS70XX | Elective-VI | Elective | 3 | Specialized topics based on chosen elective |
| CS7049 | Industry Practice/Internship/Mini Project | Project | 6 | Problem Identification, Literature Survey, Design and Implementation, Testing and Evaluation, Technical Report Writing, Presentation and Viva-Voce |
| CS7050 | Major Project (Part-A) | Project | 6 | Project Proposal Development, Detailed Literature Review, Problem Formulation and Scope, Methodology and Experimental Design, Preliminary Implementation, Progress Report and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS7051 | Major Project (Part-B) | Project | 12 | Advanced Implementation and Development, Extensive Testing and Evaluation, Performance Analysis and Optimization, Results Interpretation and Discussion, Comprehensive Thesis Writing, Final Presentation and Viva-Voce |
Semester list
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS7012 | Advanced Computer Networks | Elective | 3 | Network Architecture and Protocols, Advanced Routing Protocols, Quality of Service (QoS), Software Defined Networking (SDN), Network Security Fundamentals, Wireless and Mobile Networks |
| CS7013 | Wireless and Mobile Security | Elective | 3 | Wireless Network Architectures, Security in IEEE 802.11, Cellular Network Security, Mobile Device Security, Mobile Application Security, Privacy in Mobile Systems |
| CS7014 | Web Security | Elective | 3 | Web Application Architecture, Common Web Vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10), Authentication and Session Management, Client-side Attacks, Server-side Attacks, Web Security Best Practices |
| CS7015 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Ethical Hacking, Footprinting and Reconnaissance, Scanning Networks, Enumeration and Vulnerability Analysis, System Hacking, Web Application Penetration Testing |
| CS7016 | Secure Coding | Elective | 3 | Secure Coding Principles, Memory Management Issues, Input Validation and Sanitization, Race Conditions and Deadlocks, Secure API Usage, Static and Dynamic Analysis for Security |
| CS7017 | Digital Forensics | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Digital Forensics, Digital Evidence Collection, File System Forensics, Network Forensics, Mobile Device Forensics, Forensic Tools and Techniques |
| CS7018 | Cloud Security | Elective | 3 | Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Security Challenges, Data Security in Cloud, Identity and Access Management in Cloud, Virtualization Security, Cloud Security Standards and Compliance |
| CS7019 | Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems | Elective | 3 | Introduction to IDS/IPS, Signature-based and Anomaly-based Detection, Network-based IDS (NIDS), Host-based IDS (HIDS), Intrusion Prevention Systems, Deployment and Management of IDS/IPS |
| CS7020 | Applied Cryptography | Elective | 3 | Number Theory for Cryptography, Elliptic Curve Cryptography, Homomorphic Encryption Principles, Zero-Knowledge Proofs, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Cryptographic Protocols |
| CS7021 | Blockchain Technology | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Blockchain, Cryptographic Foundations of Blockchain, Consensus Mechanisms, Smart Contracts, Blockchain Platforms, Security and Privacy in Blockchain |
| CS7022 | Big Data Security | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Big Data Ecosystem, Security Challenges in Big Data, Data Privacy in Big Data, Security Architectures for Hadoop, Cloud-based Big Data Security, Compliance and Governance |
| CS7023 | Cyber Laws and Ethics | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Cyber Law, Information Technology Act, 2000 (India), Cybercrimes and Cyber Offences, Digital Signatures and E-commerce Legalities, Intellectual Property Rights in Cyberspace, Ethical Hacking and Privacy Issues |
| CS7024 | Machine Learning for Security | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Machine Learning, Supervised and Unsupervised Learning for Security, Anomaly Detection using ML, Malware Detection with ML, Threat Intelligence using ML, Adversarial Machine Learning |
| CS7025 | IoT Security | Elective | 3 | IoT Architecture and Components, Security Challenges in IoT, Device Security and Authentication, Network and Cloud Security in IoT, Privacy Issues in IoT, Threat Models for IoT Systems |
| CS7026 | Formal Methods in Security | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Formal Methods, Logic and Proofs for Security, Formal Models for Cryptographic Protocols, Verification of Security Properties, Model Checking for Security, Automated Reasoning for Trust |
| CS7027 | Privacy Enhancing Technologies | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Privacy Concepts, Anonymity and Pseudonymity, Differential Privacy, Secure Multi-Party Computation, Homomorphic Encryption for Privacy, Privacy Preserving Data Mining |
| CS7028 | Secure Multi-Party Computation | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of Secure Computation, Oblivious Transfer, Homomorphic Encryption, Garbled Circuits, Secret Sharing Schemes, Protocols for Secure Computation |
| CS7029 | Quantum Cryptography | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Key Distribution Protocols (BB84, E91), Quantum Cryptographic Primitives, Quantum Random Number Generators, Attacks on Quantum Cryptography, Future of Quantum Cryptography |
| CS7030 | Homomorphic Encryption | Elective | 3 | Basics of Public Key Cryptography, Partially Homomorphic Encryption Schemes, Somewhat Homomorphic Encryption Schemes, Fully Homomorphic Encryption Schemes, Applications in Cloud Computing, Challenges and Future Directions |
| CS7031 | Biometric Security | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Biometrics, Types of Biometric Systems, Biometric Sensing and Feature Extraction, Matching and Recognition Algorithms, Security Vulnerabilities in Biometrics, Privacy and Ethical Issues |
| CS7032 | Security and Trust Management | Elective | 3 | Concepts of Trust and Security, Trust Models and Metrics, Reputation Systems, Risk Management and Analysis, Security Policies and Standards, Compliance and Governance |
| CS7033 | Distributed Systems Security | Elective | 3 | Security Challenges in Distributed Systems, Authentication in Distributed Systems, Access Control in Distributed Systems, Secure Communication Protocols, Distributed Consensus and Byzantine Fault Tolerance, Security in Cloud and Blockchain based Distributed Systems |
| CS7034 | Incident Response and Management | Elective | 3 | Introduction to Incident Response, Incident Response Life Cycle, Preparation and Detection, Containment, Eradication, and Recovery, Post-Incident Activities, Incident Response Tools and Technologies |
| CS7035 | Security Audit and Assurance | Elective | 3 | Principles of Security Auditing, Audit Methodologies and Frameworks, Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing (Overview), Security Controls and Compliance, Reporting and Assurance Statements |
