(EECE 5698 ST Section 8). There would be no need for you to submit this Google form if you can register.Ā
This form is for the Embedded Security course taught by
Prof. Kevin Fu and the
SPQR labĀ at Northeastern University!Ā
Ā šĀ Ā This Google form introduces the course and its prerequisites. It provides a mechanism for students without the formal pre-requisites to petition for consideration of a waiver of prerequisites.
Important Notes:Ā
- If you have not already completed theĀ prerequisites, you may take the following quiz to seek enrollment consideration by theĀ instructor.Ā
- For any other inquiries not answered by the FAQ, please use this form to submit your questions andĀ refrain from emailing instructors directly.Ā
Course Prerequisites: At least one of the following
courses:Ā EECE 2160 (Embedded Design: Enabling Robotics), EECE 2412 (Fundamentals of Electronics), EECE 4534 (Microprocessor-Based Design), EECE 5666 (Digital Signal Processing), OR EECS 5515 (Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things)Ā
Course Description: This lab-based special topics course
focuses on signal physics and Fourier domain analysis of the security of
emerging cyber-physical systems. It will leverage experiential learning to teach
students advanced methods to model, measure, and protect the security of
embedded systems and the Internet of Things (IoT) in the age of AI.Ā
The course will have a particular focus on the interface between hardware and software and the physics of computation, as well
as their impact on downstream control systems that could employ AI technologies.
Included in the IoT security topic is a deep dive on security of Operational
Technology (OT) such as found in high-assurance factory floors, and
Microelectrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology common in IoT, automotive,
medical, RFID, and satellites. Hands-on lab exercises will involve
frequency-domain analysis of signals, voice recognition system integrity and
authenticity, acoustics both audible and ultrasonic, radio waves and
modulation, and laser fault injection of semiconductors.Ā
The semester will culminate with a group project and demonstrations. Short essays will give individual
students the opportunity to explore the application of the new skills and
methods to design secure implantable medical devices, automobiles, and
smartphones. Students will be required to complete safety training and will
gain comfort with working in a maker space.Ā
By the end of the course, students will become comfortable safely
creating signals with acoustics, radios, and lasers to test the security of
embedded systems and measure their impact on prevalent AI-based control
algorithms.
Course Topics:
ā¢ Part 1: Building Blocks: Threat modeling based on physics, principles of information security and privacy, risk, research ethics
ā¢ Part 2: Embedded Security: Side channels, spectral analysis, timing attacks, power analysis, data remanence
ā¢ Part 3: Sensor Security: Physics of security, transducers, MEMS, audible and ultrasonic acoustics, RF, optics
ā¢ Part 4: Internet of Things (IoT) & Operational Technology (OT): Factory floors, robotics, advanced manufacturing, medical devices, smart homes
ā¢ Part 5: Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Embedded security for ML and AI
FAQ:Ā
0.Ā
Q: How do I contact the instructors?
A: We appreciate your interest! Please read the course website and FAQ thoroughly.Ā If the FAQ does not answer your question, use the form below to submit a query to the course staff.Ā Because of the popularity of the course, any emailed questions will be redirected to this form. SoĀ please only use this form to contact the instructors, not email.Ā
1.
Q: I am not an ECE major. Can I sign up for this course?Ā
A: Yes, we welcome all undergraduate and graduate majors! If you have taken the prerequisites, you may directly sign up on Banner. If not, we ask you to complete the quiz questions in this form to ask for the instructor's consideration for approval to enroll.Ā
2.
Q: Can I succeed in this course if I didn't have any ECE or cybersecurity background?Ā
A: Yes, you could succeed. The key requirement is basic understandings of signals and systems. You are welcome to teach yourself and answer the quiz questions that help gauge your preparedness to take this course. The course has many hands-on labs combining physics and signals and systems as well as basic computer security tasks.
3.
Q:Ā What are the components of this course?
A:Ā The course grade is primarily composed of the following five components:
- Class Participation and Presentation - 5%
- Essays - 15%
- Hands-on Labs - 30%
- Midterm - 15%
- Final Group Project - 35%
