FIT3031 Network security
Faculty of Information Technology
FIT3031 Network security is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Information Technology, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It needs FIT1047 and (FIT3165, FIT2093 or FIT1093).
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before FIT3031
After FIT3031
No unit lists FIT3031 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
Computer networks underpin modern communication and digital services, and network attacks can disrupt systems, expose sensitive information, and cause serious consequences for organisations and individuals. This unit introduces foundational and practical knowledge of network security principles and the mechanisms used to protect modern computer networks.
You will explore common network attacks and the protocols and techniques used to secure both wired and wireless networks. Topics include cryptography fundamentals for network security, secure communication protocols, authentication and access control, and defensive mechanisms such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, as well as attacks like denial‑of‑service.
By the end of the unit, you will understand how security mechanisms operate within real‑world networks and how they are applied to mitigate security risks.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | Flexible |
Assessment
- Assignment 1Project30%
- QuizQuiz / Test25%
- Final assessmentProject45%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Analyse and evaluate networked environments for security threats, vulnerabilities, and risks, and recommend appropriate security improvements.
- 2
Explain and critically evaluate common security standards and protocols used in networked applications.
- 3
Apply and compare appropriate cryptographic techniques to secure network communications.
- 4
Identify and analyse security issues and attacks in wired and wireless networks.
- 5
Design and implement secure networked systems that defend against malicious activities.
- 6
Identify and examine the ethical and legal issues relating to the security of information and computer networks.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories24 hours
- Lectures24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.
Learning resources
Required resources
W. Stallings. (2016). Network Security Essentials: Applications and Standards . Global Edition (6e) Pearson International.
Where it fits
FIT3031 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Mengmeng Ge
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for FIT3031?
You need FIT1047 and (FIT3165, FIT2093 or FIT1093) before you enrol.
When is FIT3031 offered?
In 2026, FIT3031 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is FIT3031?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does FIT3031 have an exam?
No. FIT3031 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include FIT3031?
FIT3031 is part of Applied cybersecurity, Cybersecurity and Software engineering.