CSCI 435: Anti-Forensics and Digital Privacy

Spring 2025

This course complements CSCI 434 – Digital Forensics by focusing on techniques to reduce the amount of information collected and stored by computer systems, with an emphasis on protecting the system and user from fraud and identity theft resulting from a compromised or stolen system. Concepts related to privacy in the digital world are discussed. Vulnerabilities in digital devices are explored in the context of a dystopian society in which citizens are under perpetual surveillance.

Course Information

• Syllabus

Planning Phase (1/13 - 1/22)

• Course Plan Instructions

Discovery Phase (1/24 - 4/14) Milestones

1. Security and Privacy Terminology
2. Privacy, Psychology, and the Panopticon
3. Encryption
4. 1984
5. Internet Tracking
6. Convergent Tracking
7. Browsers and Search Engines
8. Connection Privacy
9. Health and Fitness Data
10. Devices and Software

Reflection Phase (4/15 - 4/29)

• Part A: Knowledge, Skills, and Achievements
• Part B: Challenges, Future Learning, and Grade