MITS 5300: Operating Systems Security 1 RESEARCH PROJECT The project must be on a topic within the theme of operating systems security. Topics must be selected by each student and approved by the instructor (first-come-first-served) to avoid substantial overlap in class presentations. Topics can be one of the following forms: 1. A literature review of an operating-systems related topic. In this case, the literature review must contain at least 7-10 references from reputable sources. 2. A comprehensive review of the security features and vulnerabilities/threats of a particular operating system not covered in class. 3. A detailed description of the internal workings, algorithms, user interface issues, etc. of a particular standalone tool for OS security enhancement. 4. An evaluation or implementation of a software tool (or proposed software tool) that is relevant to OS security. 5. Other topics, as specifically approved by the instructor. Every student must submit a project proposal, which will be used to provide early feedback on the report. It is expected that the instructor’s feedback will be addressed in the final report. Every written project should contain at least the following sections (unless otherwise specified by the instructor for your topic), written in the style of an academic research paper, and numbered: Abstract Introduction Literature Review (may contain various sub-sections, which are topic-dependent) or Product Review (for the cases where a specific product or set of products are being reviewed). Discussion and Future Work (identifies gaps in the existing research, or missing/recommended security features if the topic is a particular product). References Proper academic citations must be used for all sources used. Your project presentation and written portions will be graded on its clarity, coverage of the topic, and demonstrated understanding (including relating it where appropriate to topics in the course). The written portion of the project will be graded out of 100 points as follows: Clarity of the Abstract and Introduction sections 10 Demonstrated understanding of the subject matter, including noting relevant relationships to course subject matter where appropriate. 30 Quality and coverage of the Literature/Product Review section 25 Clarity of the Discussion and Future Work section 15 Grammar and format 10 References (must have proper academic citations) 10 The written report should be formatted in 12pt font, single-spaced. It must not be longer than 16 pages; points will be deducted for each additional page over the limit. The video presentation portion of the project is due on March 23, 2020, at 11:59pm. The written portion of the project is due on April 6, 2020, at 11:59pm. Late projects will not be accepted. Medical excuses will be handled on a case-by-case basis; please contact the instructor directly regarding any medical or other reasonable excuses.
