Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/software-design-threats-mitigations
### Course Review: Software Design Threats and Mitigations on Coursera In today’s fast-paced software development landscape, understanding the intricacies of design is paramount. The course **"Software Design Threats and Mitigations"** offered on Coursera provides an in-depth exploration of the unique aspects of software design and its relationship to security, making it essential for software developers, architects, and security professionals alike. #### Course Overview The course kicks off by emphasizing the significance of the design phase in software development. Unlike other phases, design is predicated on visualization; it involves diagrams, models, and representations that communicate complex relationships and functionalities in a way that text alone cannot. This aspect is crucial, as design plays a foundational role in shaping the success or failure of a software project. Students will be encouraged to draw lessons from other disciplines, particularly building architecture, to inform their design practices. This multidisciplinary approach enriches the learning experience and underscores the real-world relevance of applying sound design principles. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Common Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses**: The course introduces the *Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)* and *Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE)* databases, providing participants with tools to systematically assess potential threats to their designs. 2. **Specific Design Considerations**: Various design techniques aimed at mitigating threats and improving overall software architecture will be discussed. This section is pivotal for establishing a foundation for defensive coding practices. 3. **Building Security In**: Security is a core focus; the course emphasizes the necessity of incorporating security features into software from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought. This mindset shift is critical for modern software development. 4. **A Dramatic Failure**: Participants will explore case studies that highlight the long-term repercussions of poor design choices. This realization serves as a strong incentive to prioritize thoughtful design practices. 5. **Bitcoin Foundations**: The course ventures into an analysis of Bitcoin’s initial white paper by Satoshi Nakamoto, unpacking the linguistic nuances that form the backbone of this groundbreaking technology. 6. **The Bitcoin Project**: Continuation from the previous section, further dissecting Bitcoin's functionality and the security protocols that underpin it. 7. **Simple Software Compromises**: A focused look at two classic exploits—buffer overflows and SQL injections—demonstrating how even "old" vulnerabilities remain pertinent to today’s security landscape. 8. **Final Exam**: The course concludes with a comprehensive assessment comprising five quizzes that reinforce key concepts. This format allows for a robust evaluation of the students' grasp of course material. #### Recommendations **Who Should Take This Course?** "Software Design Threats and Mitigations" is highly recommended for: - Software engineers aiming to deepen their understanding of secure design principles. - Software architects who wish to integrate security into their architectural designs. - IT security professionals looking to expand their knowledge of the intersection between design and security. - Students or professionals aspiring to work in software development or cybersecurity. **Final Thoughts** This course provides an impressive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application that can transform how developers approach design and security. The multidisciplinary insights, particularly from architecture, add a unique flavor, encouraging students to think critically about their designs. On Coursera, learners benefit from a flexible online format, allowing individuals to engage with the content at their own pace. If you are involved in software development or security, investing in this course will undoubtedly enhance your skill set and prepare you to face the complexities of modern software design with confidence. Happy learning!
Common Vulnerabilities and Weaknesses
How to use the CVE and CWE on-line databases to assess threats and mitigations
Specific Design ConsiderationsSpecific things you can do to create a better design.
Building Security inSecurity must be built in to a project, not added on.
A Dramatic FailureThe consequences of a bad design can haunt you forever.
Bitcoin FoundationsA detailed look at the first two sentences of the abstract of Nakamoto's 2009 paper announcing Bitcoin.
The Bitcoin ProjectContinuing with the abstract of Nakamoto's Bitcoin paper. More details on how it works and how security is integrated into it.
Simple software compromisesA look into the specifics of two common exploitation techniques--buffer overflow and SQL injections. Even though they're "old", these exploits are still used today!
Final ExamA comprehensive course assessment comprising of 5 quizzes. Each assessment contains a randomized set of questions from different modules of the course.
The design step in developing software has some unique characteristics. First of all, it’s the only step where drawing pictures of things is the norm. Why is that? What do pictures do that other representations cannot do? Pictures have varying levels of detail; pictures have context. Pictures…paint a picture. Why are these things important? In this course, too, we begin looking at other disciplines (building architecture is a favorite one) for lessons on design.
Awesoome Really helped a lot in the understand about bitcoin and malfunction and also the
Very interesting course, in terms of content and the delivery.
it is a very good course and I am very happy to complete it I learn a lot about design and security aspect thank you so much university of Colorado
Pretty good start, a bit stretchy at the end. Great for people fairly new to the security business, early material good for everyone.