Semester-wise syllabus for an MSc in Cyber Security

Semester 1: Foundations of Cyber Security

1. Introduction to Cyber Security
   • Basics of cyber threats, attacks, and defense mechanisms.
   • Security policies, ethics, and legal aspects.
2. Network Security
   • Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPNs, secure protocols (SSL/TLS).
   • Network vulnerabilities and mitigation techniques.
3. Cryptography & Encryption Techniques
   • Symmetric & asymmetric encryption (AES, RSA).
   • Hash functions, digital signatures, PKI.
4. Operating System Security
   • Security in Windows, Linux, and macOS.
   • Hardening techniques, access control, malware protection.
5. Programming for Security (Python/C/C++)
   • Scripting for security automation, exploit development basics.

Semester 2: Advanced Security Concepts

1. Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing
   • Footprinting, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation.
   • Tools: Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap.
2. Web Application Security
   • OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities (SQLi, XSS, CSRF).
   • Secure coding practices.
3. Digital Forensics & Incident Response
   • Forensic tools (FTK, Autopsy), evidence collection.
   • Incident handling & recovery.
4. Cloud & IoT Security
   • Threats in cloud computing (AWS/Azure security).
   • IoT vulnerabilities & protection methods.
5. Malware Analysis & Reverse Engineering
   • Static & dynamic analysis of malware.
   • Tools: IDA Pro, Ghidra, Wireshark.

Semester 3: Specialization & Research

1. Advanced Threat Intelligence
   • APTs, zero-day exploits, threat hunting.
2. Blockchain & Cyber Security
   • Smart contract security, decentralized threats.
3. Mobile Security
   • Android/iOS vulnerabilities, app security testing.
4. Elective (Choose One)
   • Biometric Security / AI in Cyber Security / 
5. Research Methodology (Prepares for dissertation)

Semester 4: Project & Dissertation

1. Advanced Digital Forensics
   • Memory forensics, anti-forensics techniques.
   • Tools: Volatility, Cellebrite, EnCase.
2. AI for Cyber Security
   • • Using ML for malware detection/network anomaly detection.

      3.    IndustrialControl Systems (ICS) Security

      4.    Capstone Project / Thesis

• • • • Real-world security problem-solving (e.g., designing a secure system, vulnerability research)
        1. Internship