Networking and Security in iOS Applications from Coursera

You will learn to extend your knowledge of making iOS apps so that they can securely interact with web services and receive push notifications. You'll learn how to store data securely on a device using Core Data. You’ll also learn to securely deploy apps to the App Store and beta users over-the-air.

The format of the course is through a series of code tutorials. We will walk you through the creation of several apps that you can keep as a personal app toolbox. When you make your own apps after this course, you can bring in these capabilities as needed. When necessary we pop out of the code tutorials to talk about concepts at a higher level so that what you are programming makes sense.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Post Facebook, Twitter, Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo messages to social media using single sign-on on behalf of a user.

2. Use OAuth 2.0 to securely authenticate to Instagram and retrieve photos on behalf of a user

3. JSON

4. Describe JSON’s syntax

5. Write well-formed JSON

6. Work with JSON data objects in Objective-C

7. Appropriately set the security settings for App Transport Security in iOS 9.0

8. Use http, https and https with perfect forward secrecy to fetch web resources

9. Obtain permissions to receive local push notifications

11. Write an app that can send and receive local push notifications

12. Obtain permissions to receive remote push notifications

13. Write an app that can receive remote push notifications

14. Authenticate using Apple’s cryptographic services such that the developer can use 3rd party infrastructure to send remote push notifications to their app.

15. Securely store data on the user’s device.

16. Authenticate using Apple’s cryptographic services such that they can deploy an app to the app store

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome!

Welcome to this course on Networking and Security in iOS Applications. Our focus in this course is very practitioner oriented. We want to get you up and running using social networking integration with single sign-on, basic OAuth2 functionality, secure JSON web APIs, cryptographically secured push notifications, and secure data storage so that you can get apps into the iTunes ecosystem and out into the marketplace. This course will have several code sessions in which we walk you through the process of building apps, some of which you will also build for peer review assignments. Interspersed with the tutorials we will take time-outs to cover the basics of some concepts that might be mysterious without a more formal treatment. Our hope is that you come out of this course knowing more (of course!) and having several projects that you can refer to in the future when you want to incorporate these techniques into your apps - your personal app toolbox. The intensity picks up from the previous course in this Specialization, so get ready!

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what should give you pause

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Develops professional skills in building secure web services and data storage for iOS applications

Builds a strong foundation in iOS networking and security principles

Taught by recognized experts in iOS development, Don Patterson and Sam Kaufman

Requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge in iOS development

Reviews summary

Practical ios networking and security skills

According to students, this course offers a highly practical approach to learning networking and security concepts for iOS applications. Learners appreciate the focus on building apps and hands-on coding tutorials covering essential topics like OAuth 2.0, JSON handling, Core Data storage, and push notifications. While the course content provides a solid foundation in these areas, a significant point raised by recent reviewers is that the material and code examples are potentially outdated, particularly regarding the latest iOS versions and practices, which can lead to frustrating debugging. Some learners also found the course challenging and felt it requires significant prior iOS development knowledge.

Relevant coverage of networking and security.

"Covered essential topics like push notifications and Core Data storage which are vital for many apps."

"The core concepts like OAuth and JSON handling are still relevant and well-explained through the code tutorials."

"The sections on secure JSON and using OAuth were exactly what I needed."

"I appreciated the depth on Core Data and the practical examples for networking."

Focuses on hands-on coding and app building.

"Excellent hands-on approach! Building the sample apps gave me a solid foundation for integrating social login and handling secure data."

"Very practical and directly applicable to my work. The sections on secure JSON and using OAuth were exactly what I needed. The hands-on labs were the best way to learn."

"The instructor's code walkthroughs are thorough and helpful for building the sample apps."

"I found the code tutorials very helpful in learning the concepts by actually building things."

Quality of peer review feedback varies.

"Peer review quality was inconsistent."

"The peer review process could be improved."

Steeper learning curve than expected for some.

"Found this course very difficult. It assumes a lot of prior knowledge beyond basic iOS development."

"The course definitely moves quickly, so make sure you're comfortable with iOS development basics first."

"Debugging the sample code (due to version differences) was frustrating."

"Not beginner-friendly in this specialization."

Code examples need updates for modern iOS.

"This course is largely obsolete. App Transport Security requirements have changed significantly... relying on Objective-C examples when Swift is dominant makes it less useful for current development."

"The course provides a decent overview, but some areas... feel a bit surface level. The code examples are helpful but tied to an older version of iOS which caused some integration headaches."

"I wish the push notification section was updated for the latest iOS permissions changes, that part was a bit tricky to get working without external help."

"Needed to do a lot of extra research to adapt the examples [because the] material feels a couple of years behind the latest iOS practices."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Networking and Security in iOS Applications with these activities:

Review Objective-C Basics

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Strengthen your foundation by revisiting Objective-C concepts to ensure a solid understanding before diving into the course material.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Review the basic syntax and structure of Objective-C.
Go through examples of classes, objects, and methods.

Review Core Data Basics

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Refresh your knowledge of Core Data's key concepts and functionalities to enhance your understanding of data management in iOS apps.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Review the fundamentals of Core Data, including its data model and object management.
Refresh your understanding of Core Data's persistence mechanisms.

Compile iOS App Development Resources

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Help yourself and others by gathering and organizing valuable iOS app development resources, tools, and tutorials.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Search for online resources, articles, and tutorials related to iOS app development.
Organize and categorize the resources based on their topics.
Create a document, website, or online forum to share the compilation with others.

Five other activities

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Practice OAuth 2.0 Authorization

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Strengthen your grasp of OAuth 2.0 by completing practice drills and exercises.

Browse courses on OAuth 2.0

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Review the OAuth 2.0 concepts covered in the course.
Find practice questions or exercises online.
Go through the drills and practice implementing OAuth 2.0 authorization flows.

Follow iOS App Tutorials

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Enhance your understanding of iOS app development by following tutorials and building sample apps.

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Identify a topic you want to learn more about in the course.
Search for tutorials on that topic.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Build the sample app and experiment with the code.

Review Each Other's Social Media Login Feature

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Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers and providing feedback on implemented social media login features.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Pair up with a classmate.
Share your social media login feature implementation with your partner.
Review and provide constructive feedback on the code and design.

Build a Social Media Login Feature

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Demonstrate your understanding by building a functional social media login feature for an iOS app.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Design the user interface for the login feature.
Implement the OAuth 2.0 authentication flow using the relevant APIs.
Handle user data and permissions.
Test the login feature thoroughly.

Create a Secure Data Storage App

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Apply your knowledge by developing a comprehensive iOS app that securely stores user data using Core Data.

Browse courses on iOS App Development

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Plan the data model for the app.
Implement Core Data to store and manage user data.
Design and implement security measures to protect the stored data.
Test the app thoroughly to ensure data integrity and security.

Career center

Learners who complete Networking and Security in iOS Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Security Architect

A Network Security Architect designs, develops, and manages security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may be useful for Network Security Architects because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for designing and implementing secure network systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Architect

Web Developer

A Web Developer designs, develops, and maintains websites and web applications. This course may be useful for Web Developers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for developing secure web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Mobile Developer

A Mobile Developer designs, develops, and maintains mobile applications. This course may be useful for Mobile Developers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for developing secure mobile applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Developer

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst plans, implements, and manages security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may be useful for Security Analysts because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for understanding and defending against security threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Information Security Manager

An Information Security Manager plans, implements, and manages security measures to protect an organization's information assets. This course may be useful for Information Security Managers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for understanding and managing information security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Manager

Security Engineer

A Security Engineer designs, develops, and manages security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may be useful for Security Engineers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for designing and implementing secure systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor reviews and assesses an organization's information systems and security controls to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. This course may be useful for IT Auditors because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for understanding and auditing information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Cybersecurity Consultant

A Cybersecurity Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their computer networks and systems from security threats. This course may be useful for Cybersecurity Consultants because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for understanding and mitigating security risks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Consultant

IT Manager

An IT Manager plans, implements, and manages an organization's information technology systems and services. This course may be useful for IT Managers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for managing and securing information technology systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for developing secure software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, deploys, and maintains computer networks. This course may be useful for Network Engineers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for designing and managing secure networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist analyzes data to extract insights and make predictions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for understanding and securing data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems to identify opportunities for improvement. This course may be useful for Business Analysts because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for understanding and improving business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects to achieve specific goals. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for managing and securing projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs computer systems. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts because it provides a foundation in networking and security concepts. The course also covers topics such as secure web APIs, OAuth 2.0, JSON, and push notifications, which are all important for designing and implementing secure systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst