MITS 5300: Operating Systems Security 1
RESEARCH PROJECT

The project must be on a topic within the theme of operating systems security. Topics must be selected by
each student and approved by the instructor (first-come-first-served) to avoid substantial overlap in class
presentations. Topics can be one of the following forms:
1. A literature review of an operating-systems related topic. In this case, the literature review must
contain at least 7-10 references from reputable sources.
2. A comprehensive review of the security features and vulnerabilities/threats of a particular
operating system not covered in class.
3. A detailed description of the internal workings, algorithms, user interface issues, etc. of a
particular standalone tool for OS security enhancement.
4. An evaluation or implementation of a software tool (or proposed software tool) that is relevant to
OS security.
5. Other topics, as specifically approved by the instructor.

Every student must submit a project proposal, which will be used to provide early feedback on the report.
It is expected that the instructor’s feedback will be addressed in the final report. Every written project
should contain at least the following sections (unless otherwise specified by the instructor for your topic),
written in the style of an academic research paper, and numbered:
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Literature Review (may contain various sub-sections, which are topic-dependent) or Product
Review (for the cases where a specific product or set of products are being reviewed).
 Discussion and Future Work (identifies gaps in the existing research, or missing/recommended
security features if the topic is a particular product).
 References

Proper academic citations must be used for all sources used. Your project presentation and written
portions will be graded on its clarity, coverage of the topic, and demonstrated understanding (including
relating it where appropriate to topics in the course). The written portion of the project will be graded out
of 100 points as follows:

Clarity of the Abstract and Introduction sections 10
Demonstrated understanding of the subject matter, including noting
relevant relationships to course subject matter where appropriate.
30
Quality and coverage of the Literature/Product Review section 25
Clarity of the Discussion and Future Work section 15
Grammar and format 10
References (must have proper academic citations) 10

The written report should be formatted in 12pt font, single-spaced. It must not be longer than 16 pages;
points will be deducted for each additional page over the limit.

The video presentation portion of the project is due on March 23, 2020, at 11:59pm. The written portion
of the project is due on April 6, 2020, at 11:59pm. Late projects will not be accepted. Medical excuses
will be handled on a case-by-case basis; please contact the instructor directly regarding any medical or
other reasonable excuses.