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Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking unit (KIT715)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

This unit provides a practical introduction to the risks and threats that computer systems and networks face, and some of the countermeasures that can be put in place to minimise them. This unit also provides 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 KIT715
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Information and Communication Technology
Discipline Information & Communication Technology
Coordinator Doctor David Herbert
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

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
  • 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 hacking as it relates to cybersecurity, privacy and the law
  • Evaluate cyber threats and risks to computer systems
  • Penetrate specifically approved systems using ethical hacking techniques
  • Defend against cybersecurity threats by applying appropriate countermeasures

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

KIT501

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Lectures ("Online-Lec"): 2 hours/week - delivered via Zoom

Tutorials: 2 hours/week

Independent Learning: 3 hours/week (on average)

For this unit, students are expected to attend the online lectures and on-campus tutorials and are expected to remain up-to-date with content

AssessmentCase Study Video (20%)|Cybersecurity Process Configuration (20%)|Vulnerability Assessment Proposal (20%)|Tutorial Practical Demonstrations (40%)
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.