1.1 In the report, for the information of management, identify the main subsystems of a computer and explain how they are organised and connected.

Assessment Brief

COM4010 Introduction to Computer Systems and Security

Useful terms:

Task summary:

As part of the formal assessment for the programme you are required to submit an Introduction to Computer Systems and Security Time Constrained Assessment (TCA). Please refer to your Student Handbook for full details of the programme assessment scheme and general information on preparing and submitting assignments.

Assignment instructions:

This assessment should take you no longer than 3-4 hours and can be completed at any point during the 24-hour window. Please ensure you give yourself adequate time to upload your completed paper to Turnitin. This TCA consists of 3 parts, 1st and 2nd worth 50% marks and 3rd worth 50%, for a total of 100 marks available across the whole assessment paper. You should attempt ALL parts. The marks in brackets indicate the weight assigned to each part of the question. You must appropriately reference any material that you use to support your answers. Please choose as appropriate and delete as needed

ArdCom Solutions

ArdCom Solutions Kevin Large established a small networking company near Tower Hill in 2010. His company started providing small network solutions and currently is one of the most important networking companies in the London area. In the last 10 years, they increased the revenue, the number of employees, and clients, and now they have several client networks around the country. Managing the hardware/software installed on computers and other devices is a nightmare for the IT department of the company and their manager, Joe Blogs. Currently, there is minimal or no security in ArdCom. Because of this Kevin has asked Joe to come with a secure and scalable network solution for ArdCom and their clients. Joe Blogs has approached you as a Network Solutions provider in the local area specialised in network security solutions.

You have decided to provide a feasibility study for ArdCom. You have decided to prepare a report for the Company Director (Kevin) in which you set out and illustrate the solutions for setting up a secure network and hardware solution. Prepare a detailed report for the Managing Director that analyses the current security situation of their network and assets. You have decided to provide a solution under different parts.

You are required to answer the questions in the below parts (1 to 3) in the context of the above scenario.

Part 1 – Computer Architecture, Network models and infrastructure (25 marks):

1.1. In the report, for the information of management, identify the main subsystems of a computer and explain how they are organised and connected. [5 marks]

1.2. You are advising ArdCom on various operating systems and application software. Compare and contrast operating system and application software systems with examples so ArdCom can make informed choice with regards its procurement. [5 marks]

1.3. Before installing a new network, you need to provide a brief overview of common physical and logical networking topologies, compare them and explain the differences and purposes of each, so the Company Director informed [5 marks]

1.4. Evaluate the OSI and TCP/IP models concerning hierarchy, layers, and services, including information on the associated protocols and hardware. [10 marks]

Provide a short summary/outline of the assignment task to provide context for the more detailed instructions below. This should be written in plain, accessible English.

Part 2 – Information, data and Network security (25 marks):

2.1. Discuss types of security risks to ArdCom. [5 marks]

2.2. Explain data protection processes and regulations as applicable to ArdCom. [10 marks]

2.3. Recommend suitable security policies for ArdCom, including the main components of an organisational disaster recovery plan. [10 marks]

[LO2, LO4 (25 Marks)

Part 3 – Security treats protecting Networks and Security compliance (50 marks):

3.1. In your report evaluate current and common threats ArdCom is exposed to and the impact of these threats on their business. [10 marks]

3.2. List the importance of network security to ArdCom. [5 marks]

3.3. Recommend how security can be aligned with an organisational policy. [10 marks]

3.4. How does ArdCom ensure the concept of information assurance can mitigate threats and vulnerabilities, provide clear examples. [10 marks]

3.5. Examine the key principles of an information security management systems (ISMS) and its relevance to the successful operation of ArdCom. [10 marks]

3.6. Highlight the purpose of the key International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and international ISMS standards in terms of ISO 27000 standards. [5 marks]

Essential Assignment Resources

For further guidance on the TCA assessment please click on this link: https://vimeo.com/398870288/2283356462

Learning outcomes (LO)

By completing this assessment, you will have shown and be assessed on all four of the learning outcomes:

LO 1: Describe the typical functions of computer hardware, software, and modern operating systems.

LO 2: Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of computer networking standards and protocols.

LO 3: Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of common security risks and threats to computer hardware, software, and networks and individual and organisational responsibility for mitigating these risks.

LO 4: Discipline Expertise: Knowledge and understanding of the chosen field. Possess a range of skills to operate within this sector, have a keen awareness of current developments in working practice being well-positioned to respond to change.

You will be graded based on how well you meet these learning outcomes. Your marker will use a rubric to grade your work, and you can find this on the “My Assessment” tab on the module iLearn page.

You will be graded based on how well you meet these learning outcomes. Your marker will use a rubric to grade your work, and you can click here to access the marking rubric for this assignment.

Submission Guidance

Your assignment should include: a title page containing your student number, the module name, the submission deadline and the exact word count of your submitted document; the appendices if relevant; and a reference list. You should address all the elements of the assignment task listed. You must not include your name in your submission because Arden University operates anonymous marking, which means that markers should not be aware of the identity of the student. However, please do not forget to include your STU number. You must ensure that the submitted assignment is all your own work and that all sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic unfair practice. (See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key information on iLearn.)

Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0% fail.

Your assessment can be submitted as a single Word (MS Word) or PDF file, or, as multiple files. If you chose to submit multiple files, you must name each document as the question/part you are answering along with your student number i.e. Q1 Section A STUXXXX. If you wish to overwrite your submission or one of your submissions, you must ensure that your new submission is named exactly the same as the previous in order for the system to overwrite it.

Please note the following:

Students are required to indicate the exact word count on the title page of the assessment.

Guidelines and policies

You can find links to more useful information about the assignment and university policies below.