For the Signature Assignment, each student will prepare a research paper, exploring the case study or topic that was submitted in Week One.

Given the importance of information security, students will conduct research and write a consolidated, thematic essay on the selected case study or topic:

· Describing the historical approaches and techniques hackers use to gain access, privileges, and control of information systems.

· Analyzing and identifying potential vulnerabilities, and specific counter measures.

· Synthesizing and recognizing security concerns that have potential to turn into catastrophes.

· Evaluating the proactive measures as well as the legal, technological, and policy aspects of information security.

You must base and support your report using external research, the course textbook, and supplemental course materials. Your external research must be reliable and authoritative, preferably from peer-reviewed (refereed) publications. You must include a minimum of five (5) course-external references.

The final report must provide complete and equitable treatment of all issues. Address all of the issues in a consolidated way, making linkages between the issues where appropriate and logical.

Your external research should be integrated to provide logical support for your consolidated examination of the fundamental ideas being expressed. All submissions must include the following technical components:

· A cover or title page with your name on it.

· Labeled topical headings (e.g., Introduction, Discussion, Conclusion, Recommendations, etc.).

· Length: The report must contain a body of text of at least 4 pages double-spaced.

· A reference page containing a minimum of five (5) course-external resources used and cited in the report.

· References cited at the end of the report must be cited in text to illustrate how they were used.

· Written in APA Style.

Please review the Grading Rubric (linked below) to understand how your assignment will be assessed and ask questions if you do not understand any of it.

Students are expected to prepare new, original work for all written assignments. Do not use or reuse previously submitted work.

Using previously submitted assignments without substantial additions or enhancements to the original work may be considered plagiarism and result in reduced or failing grades.

Questions about assignments may be referred to the instructor.