Course Details

Human-Centric Security and Privacy

This is a graduate-level course on User-Centric Computer Security & Privacy. I am teaching it for the first time (that is why it is Core Topics, and not a regular course, so please be patient.) We will discuss several aspects of how humans fit in the discussion of computer security and privacy, what are the unique challenges arise due to this new perspective, and what happens when S&P fails to consider that. 

Class time:  We will meet three times a week in some weeks, and no classes in some weeks.  Please see the schedule below to know which classes are canceled. 
Time: 9:30-10:45 am on MWF.

Location: Psychology 103 (Across the Campus Drive from the CS building)

Office Hours: On request. Send me an email to meet.

Books

There is no text book for this class. We will be reading 20-24 research papers in the class. For background materials, refer to the related work section of the papers. 

• For a quick primer on cryptography you can use An Introduction Links to an external site.to Cryptography. Links to an external site.  
• For HCI research methods you can use this book Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction, 2nd edition. Jonathan Lazar, Jinjuan Heidi Feng, Harry Hochheiser, 2017.
• For understanding the ontological and epistemological backgrounds, Qualitative Research Basics: A Guide for Engineering Educators Links to an external site.

Assignments.

There are three main assignments of the class:

1. (20 pts) Paper reviews and participate in in-class discussions. (Individual) In every session, we will discuss one or two papers. You have to read the paper(s) and write detailed reviews before 8:30 am on the day of the class. Remember to be precise, critical, but constructive while reviewing. Avoid common pitfalls Links to an external site.. See here for some idea about the review format. You are not allowed to use AI-tools to create paper summaries.
2. (20 pts) Paper presentation. (Group of 1-2) You have to present one of the papers in the class. You can use the slides from the authors' or conference website. You can meet me early to make sure your presentation is up to the mark. This can be done in a group of one or two. 
3. (60 pts) Project. (Group of 1-2) The substantial part of the course is to work on a long project. You have to pick a topic to explore. Bonus points for coming up with your own project idea. Else, here are some project ideas and more details (WILL BE UPDATED).

Please refer to Course Syllabus for academic integrity, inclusion, diversity, and accommodation for students with different abilities.

Take good care of yourself. 

Students frequently encounter challenges that can affect their academic performance and personal well-being. Your mental and physical wellbeing is of utmost importance. Please take advantage of UW-Madison's mental health services or other available resources as needed. For more information, visit https://osas.wisc.edu/for-students/, https://uhs.wisc.edu or contact University Health Services at (608) 265-5600.

Schedule (838-2024) - Subject to Change Links to an external site.