Information Technology Security Syllabus for 2024-2025
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>R. E. Byrd Business Building 336</p>

Office Hours

Tuesday 2-5PM - Thursday 2-4PM, or appointment by email.
(Zoom or Google Meet is available if student is not able to come to office)

Course Information

AI Statement

Collusion is defined as “the unauthorized collaboration with another person or by any other means, including artificial intelligence (AI) and computer translators, in preparing work for fulfillment of course requirements.” Using AI like (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) to create a document is considered colluding. <strong>The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence on specific assignments is at the discretion of the instructor. </strong>

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Enrollment Center, Suite 700. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Tutoring for Success applies to any student whose overall performance in the course falls below 75%. The instructor will create the task in the Student Engagement Portal (Watermark) to direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty- or SI-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. The tutoring service assigned, the due date for when the tutoring must be completed, and the amount of tutoring required are at the discretion of the instructor. Additionally, the task will alert the student’s success team. Students who do not fulfill the assigned tutoring task may be subject to program- and course-specific penalties that could result in a grade reduction and/or in not being allowed to progress in the course until the tutoring requirement has been satisfied.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

ITSY-1342-006 Information Technology Security

Prerequisites

Prerequisite/Corequisite: CPMT 1351

Course Description

Instruction in security for network hardware, software and data, including physical security; backup procedures; relevant tools; encryption; and protection from viruses.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Cengage Unlimited Access – Required
(Available at the AC Bookstore) – Includes an access code for Cengage Unlimited 1-Term.

Can also be purchased online:
CompTIA Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals, 8th Edition

Textbook Information:

  • Title: CompTIA Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals, 8th Edition
  • Author: Mark Ciampa
  • ISBN: 9798214000664
  • Publisher: Cengage

Supplies

Required Supplies:

  • Reliable Internet Access – Essential for accessing course materials, online labs, and assignments.
  • Textbook Bundle (available at the AC Bookstore) – Includes an access code for Cengage Unlimited, providing necessary digital resources.
  • Optional: CompTIA Security+ Exam Voucher – Available for purchase at a discounted rate through your Blackboard course. This voucher is optional but recommended if you plan to take the certification exam.

Student Performance

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE (as in catalog):
Instruction in security for network hardware, software, and data, including physical security, backup procedures, relevant tools, encryption, and protection from viruses.

Hours: 3 semester hours (3 lecture, 1 lab)

End-of-Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Employ physical security measures for network infrastructure components using National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines and other best practices.
  • Develop backup procedures to ensure data security.
  • Use network operating system features to implement network security.
  • Identify computer and network threats and vulnerabilities, and apply methods to mitigate their effects.
  • Use tools to enhance network security.
  • Utilize encryption techniques to protect network data.

Course Learning Objectives:
This course is aligned with the learning objectives of the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Certification Exam, ensuring students are prepared for real-world cybersecurity challenges.

About the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Exam:
The CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification represents the latest trends and skills in cybersecurity. Once certified, students will have demonstrated their ability to:

  • Assess the security posture of an enterprise environment and recommend appropriate security solutions.
  • Monitor and secure hybrid environments, including cloud, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), and operational technology.
  • Operate with an understanding of applicable regulations and policies, including governance, risk, and compliance principles.
  • Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents.

The CompTIA Security+ certification complies with ISO 17024 standards and is approved by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to meet Directive 8140.03M requirements. Regulators and government agencies rely on ANSI accreditation for trust and confidence in certification outcomes. Over 3 million CompTIA ISO/ANSI-accredited exams have been delivered since January 1, 2011.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work. Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College. The faculty of the CIS Department reserves the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test by reproducing any specific section or all of the test in question.

Any action that compromises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of “F” in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

AI Policy
Students are permitted to use AI tools (such as chatbots or AI-assisted software) for learning and research purposes, but the use of AI for completing assignments, tests, or any other graded activities must be done in compliance with academic integrity. AI-generated content must be cited properly, and any attempt to pass off AI-generated work as your own without acknowledgment is considered plagiarism and will be subject to the same penalties. Misuse of AI in any form will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to a grade of F for the assignment or course.

Grading Criteria

Grading Criteria/Grading Scale

PercentageGrade
≥ 89.5%A
≥ 79.5%B
≥ 69.5%C
≥ 59.5%D
< 59.5%F

Grade Components

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

ActivityLearning EnvironmentPercentage WeightAdditional Information
LabsCengage25%Lowest grade will be dropped.
QuizzesCengage25%Lowest grade will be dropped.
In-Class LabsBlackboard20%Those not in attendance must complete labs at home and submit screenshots of the completed work.
Attendance15%Attendance is a significant component of your grade.
Final Exam/Post AssessmentCengage15%Comprehensive exam (Cengage Post-Assessment Quiz). Successfully passing the CompTIA Security+ (SYO 701) exam before the final can replace this grade.

Important Notes

  • All work is assigned at the beginning of the semester. It is your responsibility to ensure all work is completed by the scheduled dates.
  • Late Policy: No assignment will be accepted more than one week after the due date.
  • The primary goal of this course is to prepare students to pass the CompTIA Security+ certification (SYO 701). Successfully passing this exam prior to the Final Exam will substitute your Final Exam grade.
  • This is an accelerated 8-week course and requires substantial work outside of class.

Attendance

  1. All Week 1 assignments must be completed by the end of Week 1 Monday at Midnight, in order to be considered Present in the course. Failure to complete all assignments by this date may lead to an administrative drop from the course.
  2. Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email issued to each AC student.
  3. Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time. 
  4. Attendance for on-campus classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be monitored by access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard and Cengage.  Excessive absence and lack of participation may result in failure of the course.
  5. Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10-12 hours per week on this course, outside of class. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity. Please schedule your time, so that you are able to devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success in this course.

  6. Your instructor, Cameron Meyers, can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email cmmeyers@actx.edu.  In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.
  7. Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response within that time-frame, please resend your message as a reminder.

Calendar

Instructor Information
Instructor: Timothy Vo
Contact: tvo121@actx.edu

Course Expectations
This course requires significant work outside of class. Please plan to spend 10-12 hours per week on assignments.

Course Schedule and Communication
The schedule below outlines a planned course structure. Actual dates may change, so it's important to check your email daily for updates from the instructor.

Assignment Deadlines
Assignments are due by 10 PM each Sunday. However, final week assignments are due by 10 PM on Thursday during Week 8.

Late Work Policy

  • Assignments and quizzes are due on or before the due date.
  • A 5% deduction will be applied per day for late submissions, up to 7 days.
  • After 7 days, late work will receive a grade of zero.
  • Extensions may be granted for exceptional circumstances if requested in advance and approved by the instructor.

Refer to the checklist in your Blackboard course to track due dates and your progress throughout the course.

Course Schedule

Week 1

  • Complete course orientation activities and exercises
  • Cengage Pre-Assessments
  • Unit 1: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 2: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Units 1 and 2 Quiz

Note: All Week 1 assignments must be completed by the end of Week 1 to be considered present in the course. Failure to do so may result in an administrative drop.

Week 2

  • Unit 3: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 4: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Units 3 and 4 Quiz
  • Blackboard In-Class Labs

Week 3

  • Unit 5: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 6: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 7: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Units 5, 6, and 7 Quiz
  • Blackboard In-Class Labs

Week 4

  • Unit 8: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 9: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 10: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Units 8, 9, and 10 Quiz
  • Blackboard In-Class Labs

Week 5

  • Unit 11: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 12: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Units 11 and 12 Quiz
  • Blackboard In-Class Labs

Week 6

  • Unit 13: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Unit 14: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Units 13 and 14 Quiz
  • Blackboard In-Class Labs

Week 7

  • Unit 15: Cengage Reading and Labs
  • Cengage Unit 15 Quiz
  • Blackboard In-Class Labs

Week 8

  • Blackboard In-Class Labs
  • Final Exam: Cengage Post-Assessment Quiz

Additional Information

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:

October 21:                             Fall 2 classes begin
October 28:                             Census Day (Administrative Drop for Non-Attendance)
November 4:                           Registration Begins - Spring 2025
November 28-December 1     Thanksgiving Holiday - AC Closed
December 4:                           Last Day to Withdraw
December 12:                         Last Day of Course
December 13:                         Fall Commencement

TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING ISSUES
  • Computer Services Center: Located within the AC Bookstore, trained staff will diagnose computer-related issues and repair problems on a fee-for-service basis. Laptop rentals are also available. Visit the Computer Services Center website for additional details: https://www.actx.edu/bookstore/computer-service-center.
  • Student & Faculty Help Center: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, the Help Center provides technical support to students and faculty. The Help Center offers assistance in logging into AC Connect, Blackboard, resetting passwords, and general computing and software questions. Visit the Student & Faculty Help Center website at https://www.actx.edu/ctl/helpcenter.
  • The Underground: Located in the basement of Ware Student Commons, The Underground contains more than 130 computers and features numerous individual work stations, production and collaboration rooms, some 85-inch screens, and high-quality printers. Hours of Operation are: Monday-Thursday (7am-8:30pm), Friday (7am-4pm), and Sunday (2pm-6pm).
COURSE ASSISTANCE
PERSONAL ISSUES
  • Advocacy & Resource Center: The Advocacy & Resource Center is located on the first floor of Ware Student Commons. A variety of resources are available in the areas of social services, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and adult student programs. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center website at http://www.actx.edu/arc/advocacy-and-resource-center.
  • Counseling Center: At the Counseling Center, student and counselor work together to develop more personal awareness and the skills needed to overcome barriers to success. All services are free and confidential. Visit the Counseling Center website at: https://www.actx.edu/counseling/index.php.
  • Legal Clinic: The Legal Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic assisting enrolled AC students on various legal issues including family law, immigration, probate, landlord-tenant issues, and general legal matters. Visit the Legal Clinic website at https://www.actx.edu/legalstudies/legal-student-intership.

    Syllabus Created on:

    10/19/24 1:44 PM

    Last Edited on:

    10/19/24 1:47 PM