Introduction

The Master's in Cybersecurity program started in the 2020-2021 academic year. On 11/3/2024, it obtained full alignment with the Saudi Framework for Higher Education in Cybersecurity (Cyber-Education). The program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills to protect computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. The program offers a rich, multidisciplinary curriculum focused on information security, its technologies, and vulnerabilities, as well as critical topics like network security, cryptography, enterprise security analysis, legal, and ethical issues. Graduates of this program will be able to stay updated with rapidly changing technology, adapt to, and control new threats, and start successful careers in enterprise security.

Program Mission

To offer a high quality, multidisciplinary graduate curriculum that prepares information security professionals to protect systems, information and network infrastructure of organizations against information breaches, cybercrime and attacks; To create professionals with an aim to develop and implement IT security plans and policies of an organization.

Program Goals

The main objectives of the Master of Science program in Cybersecurity are to:

  • Prepare individuals with relevant technical knowledge and skill based in cybersecurity that equips them to protect and defend computer networks and systems.
  • Develop individuals capable of leading teams of technology specialists tasked with handling information security analysis, architecture, operations and monitoring for organizations.
  • Prepare individuals who can formulate long-term and near-term security strategies for an organization

Student (Program) Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, graduates of the program would be able to:

  • Explain concepts and theories related to the domain of cybersecurity.
  • Assess, analyze and evaluate the security requirements of an organization and discover security-related vulnerabilities.
  • Analyze, evaluate and implement appropriate solutions to meet the organizational security needs
  • Formulate a comprehensive security architecture, devise and manage security policies, plans and procedures for effective and efficient management of security.
  • Use state of the art cybersecurity tools and technologies that assist in identification, analysis, and recovery from security breaches.

Admission Requirements

The eligibility criteria for candidates applying for admission to the Master program in Cybersecurity is listed below:

  • Fulfil the conditions stated in the graduate studies rules for Saudi Universities.
  • Have a bachelor degree in Computer Sciences Domain from a recognized university by the Ministry of Education.
  • Have a minimum CGPA of 3.75/5.00 or equivalent in the bachelor degree. A minimum CGPA of 3.5/5.00 and less than 3.75/5.00 might be accepted based on the university regulations.
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
    • A Band 5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or equivalent
    • Earning a bachelor degree with English language as medium of instruction.
  • Provide two letters of recommendation
  • Provide a certificate of good character (behavior).
  • Provide a letter of approval from the employer if the candidate is currently employed.
  • Pass entry test or interview conducted by the department or the college.
  • Meet any other criteria recommended by the department or the college.

Graduation requirements

The requirements needed to be fulfilled by students enrolled in the Master Degree Program in Cybersecurity to successfully graduate from the College of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, King Faisal University are:

  • Successful completion of 36 credits including a 9-credit Dissertation (Thesis Track) or 42 credits including a 9-credit Project (Coursework Track).
  • A Thesis or a Project is mandatory for successful completion of the Master’s degree.
  • The minimum CGPA required for graduation is 3.75 out of 5.00.
Category
Units (MS Thesis Track)
Units (MS Coursework Track)

Core Courses

15

18

Elective Courses

12

18

Thesis

9

0

Project

0

6

Total

36

42

Course Specifications

Course Code
Course Name
Course Specification Document
0914611 Foundations of Cybersecurity 0914611
0911622 Cryptography 0911622
0914612 Network Security 0914612
0912614 Information Security Management 0912614
0912615 Research Methodology 0912615
0913631 Hardware Security 0913631
0911632 Incident Response and Digital Forensics 0911632
0911633 Malware Analysis 0911633
0914634 Security in IoT and Wireless Networks 0914634
0912635 Security Risk Analysis and Management 0912635
0912636 Security Audit and Compliance Testing 0912636
0912638 Future Trends in Information Security Research 0912638
0914639 Cloud Computing Security 0914639
0914640 Network Penetration Testing 0914640
0913641 Image Analysis with Security Applications 0913641
0912637 Web Server and Application Testing 0912637
0914700 Thesis 0914700
0914690 Project Proposal 0914690
0914695 Project Implementation 0914695

Communication and Inquireies

Computer Networks and Telecommunications Department Chairman: Dr. Mohammed Alnaeem

Email: naeem@kfu.edu.sa

IP: 0135899232