Access control and authentication systems are some of the most critical components of cybersecurity ecosystems. This course covers the theory, design, and implementation of systems used in identification, authentication, authorization, and accountability processes with a focus on trust at each layer. Students will examine formal models of access control systems and approaches to system accreditation, the application of cryptography to authentication systems, and the implementation of IAAA principles in modern operating systems. A special focus will be placed on preparing students to research and write about future topics in this area.

In today’s data-driven world, protecting sensitive information is more critical than ever. This research seminar explores the latest developments and challenges in privacy-enhancing technologies, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical methods. Students will examine how privacy risks arise in networked and distributed systems and investigate techniques such as anonymization, perturbation, cryptographic frameworks, and distributed privacy-preserving computation. Through critical analysis of current literature and research-driven projects, participants will learn to evaluate trade-offs, compare approaches, and propose strategies that advance the state of the art in privacy-preserving systems.