System Security - MERIT Short Course Series

System Security is a MOOC provided by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), designed within the framework of the Digital Europe Programme-funded MERIT project. The course focuses on integrating a security-first mindset into the early stages of system development, with a particular emphasis on secure system design and modeling.

About this course

This course introduces the principles of system security from a design-oriented perspective, focusing on what happens before system implementation begins. Participants will learn how to incorporate security considerations during the system requirements and design phases, ensuring that security is embedded from the outset rather than added later.

A key component of the course is the use of UML-based approaches to model systems and express security requirements. Learners will explore how to use modeling techniques to identify potential vulnerabilities, define secure system architectures, and support structured requirement gathering with security in mind. The course emphasizes practical application of design methodologies to create secure-by-design systems.

Course details

• Format: Online, self-paced
• Training dates: Flexible start and completion (ideal for independent learning)
• Duration: Approximately 6–8 weeks (depending on pace)
• Mode: Includes video lectures, practical modeling exercises, and design-based assignments

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of security-first system design and its importance in software development.
• Apply UML-based modeling techniques to represent system structure and behavior.
• Integrate security requirements into system specification and design phases.
• Identify potential security risks during early system design stages.
• Develop secure system models that support robust and resilient software architecture.
• Use structured design methodologies to improve system security from the ground up.

Prerequisites

The course is intended for beginners and does not require advanced prior knowledge in system security. Participants should have basic understanding of software development concepts and be comfortable working with diagrams and modeling tools.

Enrolment details

To access the course, register in the learning platform at https://mima112.eu/moodle (or log in with an existing account). Then select the System Security course and use the enrolment key MERIT_SS. Your enrolment will remain active for 60 days.