CS 161. Computer Security
Catalog Description: Introduction to computer security. Cryptography, including encryption, authentication, hash functions, cryptographic protocols, and applications. Operating system security, access control. Network security, firewalls, viruses, and worms. Software security, defensive programming, and language-based security. Case studies from real-world systems.
Units: 4
Related Areas:
Prerequisites: COMPSCI 61B, COMPSCI 61C, and COMPSCI 70.
Formats:
Summer: 6.0-6.0 hours of lecture and 2.0-3.0 hours of discussion per week
Spring: 3.0-3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0-1.5 hours of discussion per week
Fall: 3.0-3.0 hours of lecture and 1.0-1.5 hours of discussion per week
Grading Basis: letter
Final Exam Status: Written final exam conducted during the scheduled final exam period
Class Schedule (Summer 2025):
CS 161 – MoTuWeTh 12:30-13:59, Hearst Field Annex A1 –
Peyrin Kao
Class Notes
* Time conflicts ARE allowed.
* This is a mixed modality class.
* The in-person lecture WILL be recorded for playback later.
* Some discussion sections will be in person and some will be offered online.
* To enroll - enroll in the lecture and 999 discussion section. Assignments to the ACTUAL discussion sections will be done by teaching staff prior to the start of class.
* High school students are not allowed to enroll in upper division CompSci classes.
* Midterm: 7/14/25 from 7-9 pm
* Final: 8/13/25 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
* An online final exam will be offered at the same time/duration as the in-person exam.
* One alternate final exam will be offered immediately after the regularly scheduled final exam.
* Email CS161-staff@berkeley.edu to reach instructors.
Class Schedule (Fall 2025):
CS 161 – Mo 14:00-16:59, North Gate 105 –
David Wagner
Class Notes
* Time conflicts ARE allowed but no alternate final exam will be offered.
* Lecture will be recorded for playback later.
* Questions? email: cs161-staff@berkeley.edu
Links: