Units / FIT3173
FIT3173 · Software security
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Faculty of Information Technology
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit aims to introduce secure software development issues from the design stage, through to implementation, testing and deployment. Topics studied include the secure software development life cycle, secure software design principles, threat evaluation models, secure coding and development practices, software security testing, deployment and maintenance. You are provided with a range of practical exercises and tasks to reinforce your skills including: identification of security bugs in programs written in different programming languages, design, implementation, and testing of secure concurrent and networked applications and identification of vulnerabilities in networked and mobile/wireless applications.
Areas of study: Advanced computer science Computer networks and security Cybersecurity Software development
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Clayton | First semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities (FLEXIBLE) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assignment 1 | Portfolio | 30% | — |
| 2 | Assignment 2 | Portfolio | 35% | — |
| 3 | In-Class Test | Quiz / Test | 35% | — |
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
- FIT1045 — Introduction to programming
Learning outcomes
- Understand the fundamentals of software security.
- Model the possible software vulnerabilities and threats for a given application system
- Apply a wide range of tools and technologies to evaluate software vulnerabilities.
- Apply appropriate methods for the design and realisation of secure software for memory exploits and web applications security.
- Analyse and evaluate security properties of concurrent and networked applications.
- Discuss and evaluate the significance of various software security weaknesses.
- Describe and select mitigation strategies for common vulnerabilities and attacks.
- Investigate, implement and exploit security vulnerabilities in a lab environment.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 24 hours |
| Laboratories | 24 hours |
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