Assignment

Topic: Improving diffusion of information and communications technology in communities in a developing world context

Overview:

Diffusion of information and communications technology in communities in a developing world context has proven to be challenging and mostly attributed to the digital divide that exist in most countries. Digital divide in this context is the disparity between those equipped with ready access to the tools of information and communication technologies, and the knowledge and benefits that they provide access to, and those without such access or skills. Some of the factors that cause digital divide may be geographical, socio-economical, educational, attitudinal, generation or physical disabilities in nature. This paper examines a number of these issues as it relates to developing countries, gathers facts and indications of the "digital divide", evaluate causes that contribute to it, strategies that can help reduce the divide, and ultimately, improve the diffusion of information and communication technologies in a developing world context.

Use the sample research problem below as a guide.

Topic

Combating insider threats to Enterprise Information Systems (EIS)

Research Problem

Controlling the leakage of critical information within an organization's EIS (industrial espionage).

Purpose Statement

To study how an organization can control the leakage of critical information in their EIS.

Research Questions

1 - How does the organization secure their critical information?

• Potential Answer: Employee background checks, awareness trainings, compartmentalizing, audit logs, security breach alerts, etc.

2 - What are the gaps in the organization's data security measures?

• Potential Answer: Incomplete employee background checks, use higher security clearances, awareness trainings are optional, lack of monitoring audit logs, etc.

3 - What patterns, if any, are there to previous data leaks?

• Potential Answer: Level of employee (junior, senior, manager, executive), employee tenure, etc.

Preliminary Thesis

Organizations cantake proper measures to mitigate the risk of critical information being leaked.

Research Area Boundaries

Based on Table 3.1 on page 54 of the textbook, my research area boundaries include Technology, Government, and Law. This paper will include information specific to EIS and insider threats and site any previous cases against insider threats posed by [former] employees of the government or commercial companies and the laws within the respective organization.

Research Sub-Topics Outline

What is EIS?

• Provide background information on EIS.
• Provide examples of EIS.

What is an insider threat?

• Define and explain insider threats.

What are some examples of data leakage in EIS?

• Site examples
• Provide brief impact analysis.

How do organizations secure their critical information?

• Research and elaborate on the different methods and tools used to secure data from insider threats.

What are the gaps in the organization's data security measures?

• Based on sited examples, list gaps.

What patterns, if any, are there to previous data leaks?

• Research potential patterns based on the sited examples.