Free Online Computer Security Class from Stanford & UC Berkeley

If you already signed up for a few of the 10 free online Computer Science classes from Stanford University, get ready to pack your self-learning schedule even further, because three professors from Stanford University and University of California Berkeley are teaming to offer a new free online course on Computer Security, starting in February 2012.

The class is a budding hackers dream, aiming to teach you how to design secure systems and write secure code. Specific topics covered include:

• How to find vulnerabilities
• Limiting the impact of security vulnerabilities
• Memory safety vulnerabilities
• Vulnerability detection
• Sandboxing & isolation
• Web security
• Network security
• Malware detection and defense
• Mobile platform security

Even the homework and labs sound fun, you’re basically finding exploits and then patching them yourself:

Course homework and labs will teach students how to find vulnerabilities and how to fix them. The labs are designed to help students practice the principles of secure system design.

Prerequisites include concepts of computer science and operating systems, and at least some programming knowledge of C and C++.

• Computer Security – Classes start February 2012, sign up now, everything is free

Check out the video below to see a brief overview of the course, and for a brief introduction with the professors who will lead the class:

If computer security isn’t your thing, don’t forget to check out their other free online course offerings, each class starts early next year.