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CyberSecurity and Ethical Hacking unit (KIT215)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit gives an introduction to the risks and threats to computer systems and some of the countermeasures that can be put in place to minimise them. Students will develop an understanding of the ethical and privacy issues relating to the security of computer systems and the professional code of conduct. This unit is also an introduction to ethical hacking which is attempting to penetrate secure systems in order to demonstrate vulnerability so that steps can be taken to mitigate risk. Students will develop an understanding of some of the techniques that can be employed to evaluate the security of, and defend against threats to, computer systems and networks through physical and electronic means.

Summary

Unit name CyberSecurity and Ethical Hacking
Unit code KIT215
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Information and Communication Technology
Discipline Information & Communication Technology
Coordinator Mr Tony Gray
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • explain ethical and privacy issues as they related to cybersecurity, hacking and the law.
  • analyse cyber threats and risks to computer systems.
  • penetrate specifically approved systems using ethical hacking techniques.
  • apply appropriate countermeasures to defend against cyber security threats.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
029901 $1,192.00 $1,192.00 not applicable $2,919.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

KIT111

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KIT112

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Teaching arrangements for this unit consist of:

  • Lectures: 2 hrs/wk (weeks 1-12)
  • Tutorials: 2 hrs/wk (weeks 2-12)
  • Post week 12 assessment tasks (weeks 13, 15)
  • Independent Learning: ~2 hrs/wk on tutorial and theory review, and keeping abreast of current security news

For this unit, students are expected to attend lectures (online) and on-campus lab classes and are expected to remain up-to-date with content they may miss due to illness or other unexpected circumstances. 

AssessmentPractical Demonstrations (20%)|Practical Test 1 (20%)|Practical Test 2 (20%)|Quiz (20%)|Report 1 (20%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.