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Integrating Cybersecurity in BSCS/BSIT Senior Design Capstone Projects: A Case Study

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Conference

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Portland, Oregon

Publication Date

June 23, 2024

Start Date

June 23, 2024

End Date

July 12, 2024

Conference Session

Computing and Information Technology Division (CIT) Technical Session 3

Tagged Division

Computing and Information Technology Division (CIT)

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/47649

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Paper Authors

biography

Radana Dvorak

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Radana Dvorak has worked as a researcher, professor, dean, consultant, and program architect. Her Ph.D. CS-AI and MSc-AI from the UK, and BA from the University of Michigan. She has worked in the UK, US and the Cayman Islands. Radana spent time in the software industry, headed a VC funded company bringing her PhD work to market, served on government, university strategic planning committees, international fellowships; she was one of the key architects of the Microsoft Software System Academy - partnership between the DoD, Microsoft, and Universities. Radana is currently an associate professor and a Chair of the CS Dept. at Saint Martin's University.

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biography

John L. Whiteman Saint Martin's University Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0003-3583-5916

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John L. Whiteman is a Senior Security Engineer for Lam Research in Oregon and a part-time adjunct cybersecurity instructor at Saint Martin's University. John received a Master of Science in Computer Science from Georgia Tech University. John holds multiple security certifications, including CISSP and CCSP.

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Abstract

Title: Integrating Cybersecurity in BSCS/ BSIT Senior Design Capstone Projects: A Case Study ABET mandates the incorporation of cybersecurity concepts in CS programs. Specifically, the BSIT's ABET outcome six emphasizes: “Using systemic approaches to select, develop, apply, integrate, and administer secure computing technologies to achieve user objectives.” At Saint Martin’s University, BSIT and BSCS students collaborate in a two-semester Senior Capstone Project course. These projects necessitate an external client, with students working in small groups to design, develop and deliver a product, presentation, and demonstration. While cybersecurity forms an integral part of all projects, this paper highlights a distinctive project centered on developing an IoT device that uses various sensors to continuously monitor for hidden cameras, microphones, and GPS trackers in a room even while humans are away. The unique aspect of the project is that it sends the sensor telemetry data to a cloud application the students build, using microservices, storage, and data models to identify invasive devices. Optionally, if an invasive device is confirmed, its telemetry data is cryptographically packaged as forensic evidence for law enforcement. Furthermore, the project resonates with modern software engineering practices, notably the employment of cloud microservices to collect and model data used to protect personal privacy. Our presentation is bifurcated into two segments: (1) Project Overview: This section expounds on the concepts covered, details the project’s structure, highlights its relevance to industry trends and employment opportunities, and pedagogical strategies for student engagement. (2) Beyond Technical Design: We discuss the broader aspects, including giving students firsthand experience in formulating a lean business plan, navigating patent applications, and effectively presenting to potential investors. The paper outlines the modules, learning outcomes, and student experiences in both product development and investor pitching.

Dvorak, R., & Whiteman, J. L. (2024, June), Integrating Cybersecurity in BSCS/BSIT Senior Design Capstone Projects: A Case Study Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. https://peer.asee.org/47649

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