Assignment - Research Essay
Assignment requires to complete a research essay about information security. The research gives you with the opportunity to complete research and demonstrate knowledge of information security from a theoretical perspective. You will be required to complete and submit an essay on one of the topics listed below:
Topic: Security of information in government organisations.
The length of the essay should be 2,500 words
The research essay must be following:
Table of contents that covers all aspects of the assignment topics (see below).
Definitions and descriptions of the terms, ‘integrity’, ‘availability’ ‘confidentiality’, ‘authenticity’ and ‘non-repudiation’ in relation to the security protection of information assets in the chosen topic environment, i.e. what is it about these assets that must be protected?
Definitions of human (people), technical (for ex intangible magnetic data held on a computer) and physical (tangible objects such as the computer hardware and a printed document) information assets at potential risk in the chosen topic environment.
Threats inherent in the chosen topic area: for ex, malware and Trojan horses, hackers, insider risks (social engineering) and threats, physical weaknesses – refer to the weekly lecture topic notes and recommended readings).
Implications of the threats that put organisations at risk.
Suggested counter-measures (including technical, physical AND personnel counter- measures).
References that are cited thoroughly in the essay – use EndNote, if you wish. This is available from the Library, free of charge. APA 5th should be used.
Include the marking sheet at the beginning of your essay along with the coversheet. This speeds up the marking process and ensures you get your paper graded promptly.
You will also be assessed on the presentation of your essay, as well as the contents. All assertions by other authors must be correctly referenced. Please restrict your own comments to observations about the work of authors you are quoting. Your own world view and statements of unsubstantiated facts (that are not referenced) do not earn marks.
For Assignment , the Research Essay must be fully referenced where the assertions of other authors are being used and must first be submitted to Turnitin before it is submitted to LMS as a completed assignment. The Turnitin account that will have been prepared for you by the Unit Coordinator and available through the Unit LMS site.
Academic Integrity
10. Academic integrity involves behaving ethically and honestly in scholarship and relies on respect for others' ideas through proper acknowledgement and referencing of publications.
11. Lack of academic integrity, including the exs listed below, may lead to serious penalties.
HINTS AND TIPS
Some additional hints to help you prepare your essay and enhance your grades.
FORMAT:
Essay style may be in report form or an essay – that is your choice.
Use of heading and a table of contents makes it easier for you to structure the essay in a logical and cohesive form. It also makes it easier for the reader to navigate your essay and helps prepare the reader for each new major concept that you are introducing.
Include a descriptive title – many students do not do this – it’s like a sweet wrapper – is it a Fantale or a boring old Minty? It prepares the reader for the delights you have in store for them!
Structure – should include:
Introduction – an overview of the key issues, concepts, etc., that you want to share with your reader – some of you may wish to include an abstract.
Body of the essay – more details of what you have stated in your introduction – use sub headings – logical flow of information and key and sub-topics – dot points ok, but don’t over use them – quotes should be kept to a minimum and are not included in the word count – extra points awarded for you paraphrasing the work of the authors you quote. Again, read the problem. What do you think it means? If you are unclear, email the Teaching Assistant and seek advice, but do some research first!
Use linking paragraphs to introduce the next topic -Some room for argument in your essay, but restrict this to your opinion of the work of credible authors you include in your essay.
Conclusion – no new information included here – reiterate the key points of the information you have provided in the body of your essay, and your conclusions about what you think are significant, trends, etc.
Referencing – as above – ensure it meets the academic standards of the university. Suspected plagiarism will be reported to the Dean – so take care to avoid it. Use APA 5th referencing please and use the right format.