Computer Science Class Presentation

[T4R2014]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if I could get any ideas for a presentation I have to do for an introductory computer science class. The topic needs to relate to global issues in computer security in some way. I was thinking of doing something on security breaches(think Target and Sony), but if anyone would have an idea that is a little more outside the box, that would be great.

Thanks.

 

[THatfield]

Our power grid is highly computerized and susceptible to breaches in security or cyber terrorism. Might consider that as well. Good luck.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

An observation that's perhaps a bit dated, but one that always made me wonder was the blatant outsourcing of U. S. IT to foreign countries.

Some has come back in-house, but much remains on foreign soil.

 

[GrossMan]

Both of the above topics are good. You may also want to tie in our banking/investment industry which is entirely on-line.

Personally, I would look at "State-Sponsored" cyber attacks as they relate to all of the above. Nations, including the U.S., are launching attacks against each others' cyber-infrastructure, so far it's mostly amounted to nothing more than a "kick to the shins" but I suspect things will escalate in the near future.
Take a look at this article:
The New Target for State-Sponsored Cyber Attacks: Applications

Good luck....and tell us what topic you finally decide upon.
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[djskorch]

I would suggest checking out the website abovetopsecret.com. Granted, 95% of it is bs but there are some interesting reads and I'm sure you could find something that would be way out of the box to run with.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I always thought the first computer class was entry level programming in Java.

Presentation? That doesn't make sense.

 

[NHRunner]

Last night, I presented a product I'm building that would essentially use an android app to control 12 volt components in automotive applications. I thought I was prepared for every question, but someone asked me how secure the bluetooth between the tablet and unit would be. I dont know how secure I could make that bluetooth connection. If I cant be sure its secure, then someone could maliciously take control of all of those 12volt components (ie winches lights inverters).

Im curious how secure bluetooth connections really could be.

 

[slides]

corporate espionage, just had an FBI agent come into my work and give us a 30 min run down on how countries...china. Is trying to steal information from anyone and everyone.

 

[T4R2014]

I always thought the first computer class was entry level programming in Java.

Presentation? That doesn't make sense.

I took that last semester. I am in programming 2 as well now. However, the class this is for is completely different. It's more of the background and history on computer science. How does a presentation involving computer security not make sense?

 

[broncosi]

My first CS class was a painful semester of java. Hated it. But as far as your presentation goes, how about android's face recognition or the new program that can crack the iPhone's passcode in under 111 hours?

 

[T4R2014]

My first CS class was a painful semester of java. Hated it. But as far as your presentation goes, how about android's face recognition or the new program that can crack the iPhone's passcode in under 111 hours?

Yeah... Java is a b!tch. My programming 1 class wasn't too bad, but programming 2 is proving to be painful. I'm considering switching to Info Tech with minors in Comp Sci and Business Admin. Thanks for your input.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I would say the real undergraduate FILTER classes are:

* Assembly Language
* Programming Data Structures
* Algorithms 101

These classes often filter out at least 30% of all students who start in person and want to pass. That doesn't include people who drop in the first few days for other reasons. That is how it works at University of California but I suspect most State Universities and reputable private schools (non-profit) would be similar.

Online for-profit Universities like Phoenix, Kaplan etc are a totally different ballgame and aren't directly comparable.

:bat:

 

[T4R2014]

the real undergraduate FILTER classes are:

Assembly Language
Programming Data Structures
Algorithms 101

:bat:

Thanks for the heads up. Are you a CS major?

 

[BrianSD_42]

I actually have a BS in Information Systems from UCSC.

But I took CS classes and was within the School of Engineering (we call it SOE) so I am familiar with the so called "filter classes" that hang up most CS and CE students.

Of the 3 listed I took and passed Assembly and also Data Structures. Algorithms is a beast and luckily not required for my major. But for most if not all CS majors from a public university it would be required.

Data Structures is usually the 2nd or 3rd programming class. Doing things like coding a full linked list in C++, stacks, basic sorting and searching.

And that assumes one passes all the math requisites. You could call the math classes (Calc 1-3, Diff Equations, Probability etc) a second type of filter.

:wow:

It is hard stuff and many students balk. But I always tell everyone (especially on this forum) that if they are in any way inclined towards technology or mathematics that they should try it out. I believe there are many people who are smart enough to pass these classes but they never tried or didn't have the discipline when they did.

You won't know your limits unless you give it your best and try to achieve your goals.

 

[forerunner95]

I probably would try to do something recent and trending these days. A quick google search through news regarding Computer Security or any specific interest might be helpful to find inspiring stories. It is a huge topic so you could put this under scope from many different aspects depending in your interest as well.

As far as the field of Computer Science goes, I would agree that those classes putting many people off where they realize the difference between the influence and reality of the subject. However, I don't necessarily think you have to be smart but I think you need to have the intrinsic interest and curiosity towards the field. I worked with different people both in development and creative fields where efficiency, aesthetics and simplicity translate into different meaning depending on the angle (design vs development for example).

Good luck with the presentation!

 

[JBurt]

What about the vulnerability of all encryption systems to quantum computers. Not happening anytime soon but still a possibility.