Expanding security awareness in introductory computer science courses

Information Security is typically reserved for upper division courses in Computer Science (CS) and Computer Information System (IS) programs. It is often an elective or graduate level course. Information Security is an important topic that can be introduced early and often throughout the undergraduate curriculum. Security is pervasive in all disciplines of computer-related fields and early introduction not only would underscore its importance but begin skill development. Rather than labeling security as only one of the many specialized areas, it should also be incorporated into all areas. Increased worldwide connectivity enhances the need for security. Surprisingly, security has yet to meaningfully penetrate the undergraduate curriculum. This paper describes ways to introduce information security early in the CS and IS curricula. Students are taught to consider information security through real world scenarios and relevant exercises. Several security topics of interest are discussed along with an account of experiences teaching CS1 with Python. The foundation that is laid down through early exposure will give students the ability to automatically consider security issues in their future work. Security can be integrated into the problem solving process, from problem conception to project completion.